There are different ways of teaching public speaking, from setting up specialist schools and colleges to writing books about the topic.
This means that there are different processes involved, depending on the type of training proposed.
Public speaking in schools and colleges Many schools and colleges have public speaking as a subject to help train students from an early age.
The approach varies and may include recitation of poems and performance of plays, or possibly even debating societies.
Students who are taught public speaking, amateur dramatics and debating at a regular school, often do not have a choice because it is a compulsory subject.
And because they have no real interest in the subject, they are more difficult to teach.
This in itself is a challenge for teachers.
The important factor for teachers of younger people is to make it fun and to encourage them to participate.
Children get bored quickly and many would rather memorize something by heart than to have to think when faced by fellow students.
That is also why many prefer plays to debates or talks.
But as they get older and realize that the process in general has helped them to gain confidence and often popularity as well, teaching becomes easier.
Specialist schools and colleges The difference between learning public speaking in a regular school and one that specializes in the subject is basically twofold:

1. Courses are set up specifically for public speaking training.
   
2. The people who attend these schools and colleges do so because they have a commitment to learning how to talk in public.
   

Another thing is that teachers and lecturers normally have experience in the field, which teachers at regular schools do not always have.
Also, because courses are specialized, they combine all aspects of public speaking from choosing topics and structuring talks to learning about proper pronunciation and how to resonate and modulate during speech.
Some will present a certificate to students on successful completion of the course.
Groups and clubs The learning -- and therefore also the teaching -- process at groups and clubs is quite different to the process followed at most schools and colleges.
Generally the method used by clubs (Toastmasters being the most famous) relies on practice and constructive criticism by others.
Some have manuals that you can work through, using what you learn to prepare and deliver effective speeches.
The practical effort of presenting to others, helps to overcome stage fright and become much more at ease before an audience.
Books There are numerous articles and books about public speaking, and you can learn a tremendous amount from these.
The author becomes, in effect the teacher, often sharing invaluable personal experience and methods with his or her readers.
Whatever combination of learning resources the student uses, he or she must be prepared to put it into practice.
If you are not enrolled in a formal group for training, you can set up your own informal club with a bunch of friends, or get someone to video you making a series of speeches.
This is an invaluable aid because you can criticize yourself and learn from your mistakes.