Public Speaking vs Presentation Skills: What's the Difference?
June 30, 2025, 1:24 p.m.
Understand the key difference between speaking and presenting
Many people think public speaking and presentation skills mean the same thing. But they are not! Understanding the difference helps students choose the right learning path for better communication.
In this blog, we explain the difference between public speaking and presentation skills in an easy and clear way.
What’s Public Speaking?
Public speaking means speaking clearly and confidently in front of an audience to share your ideas, story, or message. It can be planned or impromptu and is often done without the help of slides or visual tools.
Examples:
Giving a speech in the school assembly
Speaking in a debate competition
Sharing thoughts in a group discussion
Skills involved:
Clear communication
Body language
Voice control
Eye contact
Emotional connection with audience
Storytelling techniques
What Are Presentation Skills?
Presentation skills are about delivering information to an audience with the help of tools like slides, charts, or images. It is more structured and often used in classrooms or offices.
Examples:
Showing a PowerPoint presentation on a school project
Explaining a topic in front of classmates
Business or work presentations
Skills involved:
Using slides or visuals
Organizing content clearly
Time management
Audience engagement
Handling questions effectively
Visual design and layout awareness
Key Differences Between Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
Here’s an easy table to understand the main differences:
Feature
Public Speaking
Presentation Skills
Tools used
Mostly voice and gestures
Visual aids like slides, charts, etc.
Style
Often informal or motivational
More formal and structured
Purpose
To inspire, inform, or influence
To explain or present information
Common places used
Stage, assembly, speech contests
Classrooms, meetings, online sessions
Preparation
Can be impromptu or prepared
Usually well-prepared and practiced
Focus
Connection with audience
Clarity and delivery of data
Visual dependency
Low
High
Similarities Between Public Speaking and Presentation Skills
Though different, they also share some common features:
Both need good communication skills
Confidence is important in both
Audience understanding is key
Practice improves both
Clear structure and flow is essential
Feedback helps improve performance
Why It Matters for Students and Parents
Understanding the difference between speech and presentation helps students:
Choose the right training courses
Improve class participation
Build confidence in school and beyond
Prepare for competitions, interviews, and college applications
For parents, it helps to:
Support their child’s learning better
Choose the right learning program (like Interval’s courses)
Encourage screen-free learning and expressive thinking
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Understanding these differences also helps avoid common mistakes:
Using too many slides during a speech
Reading directly from the screen
Speaking too fast without audience connection
Overloading visual presentations with text
Forgetting the key message or purpose
Want your child to develop confidence in public speaking? Explore Interval’s non-academic online courses today!
Public speaking and presentation skills are different but equally important. One focuses on speaking powerfully, and the other on explaining clearly with support tools. Together, they make your communication stronger.
At Interval Learning, our online Public Speaking course is designed to help children build confidence, communication, and clarity. While the focus is on public speaking, students naturally improve their presentation skills too, because speaking clearly, organizing thoughts, and connecting with an audience are key to both.
Whether your child is preparing for a school speech or presenting a project with visuals, this course lays the foundation for strong communication in any setting.
It means talking in front of people to share your thoughts or message clearly and confidently.
No. Public speaking is more about delivering a speech, while presentation uses visuals like slides.
Both skills help in school, interviews, and future careers. They build confidence and clear thinking.
It’s a specially designed online course that teaches kids the basics of public speaking, and its focus is on improving communication, confidence, and helping children speak effectively in everyday situations.
Interval’s course helps children speak clearly, build confidence, and overcome stage fear.
Yes! While the course focuses on public speaking, it also builds skills like organizing thoughts, using voice and body language, and engaging an audience all of which are key to strong presentation skills.
Not at all! The course is beginner-friendly and perfect for shy or first-time speakers. All they need is a willingness to learn and participate.
INTERVAL LEARNING
Interval Learning is an online platform that offers one-on-one tutoring in both academic and non-academic subjects. We match students with skilled tutors to create a personalized learning experience across a range of topics. Our resources cover study tips, education trends, and personal development advice to help students, parents, and educators reach their goals. At Interval Learning, we focus on making education accessible, engaging, and suited to each learner’s needs.
The Best Online Tutoring Platform That Meets All Your Child’s Needs
Interval is your child’s dedicated academic partner, offering personalized learning experiences
crafted just for them. With passionate tutors and a nurturing environment, we ensure that every
lesson aligns with your child’s unique needs, empowering them to thrive and excel in their studies
while building confidence.
