Heroic Public Speaking
Review

Master the art of performance-based public speaking through theatrical techniques and proven frameworks

Medium
  • Last updated 20/10/2025
by Michael Port & Amy Mead

What you'll learn ? Overview

We discovered Heroic Public Speaking combines theatrical performance techniques with traditional presentation skills, something we don't often see in the public speaking space. Created by Michael Port (a NY Times bestselling author) and Amy Port, this course transforms how professionals approach speaking engagements.

The program focuses on what they call "performance-based speaking", which essentially means treating every presentation as a theatrical performance. We found the curriculum covers everything from story structure and audience psychology to physical movement and vocal techniques. The course includes modules like "Steal the Show" and "The Principles of Performance", teaching you to move beyond bullet points to create emotional connections with audiences.

What caught our attention was the emphasis on rehearsal strategies and managing performance anxiety through theatrical methods. Rather than just teaching you to organize slides better, the course pushes you to think like a performer. We appreciated how it addresses both content creation (structuring memorable speeches) and delivery (stage presence, gesture, movement).

For a $149 course on CreativeLive, we're looking at pre-recorded video lessons that let you work at your own pace. The instructors bring serious credentials: Michael Port co-founded Heroic Public Speaking and has authored multiple bestsellers, while Amy Port contributes her theatrical background to the teaching methodology.

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Is this course for you?

👉

Prior experience needed

Beginner (No Prior Experience Needed)

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Time commitment

light Light (1–5 Hours/Week)

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Learning style

Self-Paced (Work On Your Own Schedule)

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Goal

Learn A New Skill

Best suited for:

Ideal for professionals, entrepreneurs, and aspiring speakers who want to add theatrical flair to their presentations. Perfect for those comfortable stepping outside traditional presentation norms and embracing a more dynamic speaking style.

Instructor

Michael Port & Amy Mead

Renowned Public Speaking Coaches and Co-Founders of Heroic Public Speaking Legitimacy Score: 9/10
Michael Port and Amy Mead are highly respected public speaking coaches who have revolutionized the art of presentation through their company, Heroic Public Speaking (HPS). With a unique blend of theatrical techniques and business acumen, they've trained thousands of speakers, from keynote presenters to C-suite executives. Their approach emphasizes both content creation and performance, setting them apart in the speaking industry.
Michael Port, a former professional actor with an MFA from NYU's Graduate Acting Program, transitioned into business and became a bestselling author of six books, including 'Steal the Show' and 'Book Yourself Solid'. Amy Mead, with her background in theater and as the director of training at HPS, brings a wealth of performance expertise. Together, they've developed a comprehensive system for engaging, persuading, and inspiring audiences, which they teach through workshops, online courses, and their annual conference.
• Michael's book 'Steal the Show' praised as 'most unique and practical book on public speaking' by former Starbucks President
• Multiple books on bestseller lists of NY Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and Publisher's Weekly
• Selected by Amazon and 800-CEO-READ for 'best books of the year'
• Michael recognized as 'best public speaking coach in the world' by Lewis Howes
• Developed the Heroic Public Speaking Graduate Program, an intensive training for professional speakers
• Regular appearances on MSNBC, CNBC, and PBS as communication experts
• Hosts of the popular podcast 'Steal the Show with Michael Port'
• Keynote speakers at numerous business and marketing conferences
• Featured instructors on CreativeLive's 'Heroic Public Speaking' course
• Annual Heroic Public Speaking Live event, attracting speakers worldwide
The duo maintains a robust digital footprint, regularly sharing insights on public speaking techniques across various platforms. They frequently post educational content on LinkedIn, offer tips through their YouTube channel, and engage with their audience through Instagram posts showcasing speaking events and behind-the-scenes glimpses of their training programs.

Course Details

  • ⏱ Duration3
  • 📶 DifficultyMedium
  • ⌛ Access Lifetime
  • ⏰ Time investmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)

🧠 Prerequisites

No formal speaking experience required, though comfort with performance exercises helps


💻 Requirements

Computer or mobile device with internet connection


💸 Hidden Costs

None for the CreativeLive version


🙋‍♂️ Support Options

CreativeLive platform support, course replay access (no live coaching at this tier)

Course content

  • Module 1: Steal the Show - Core principles of performance-based speaking, creating memorable moments
  • Module 2: The Principles of Performance - Theatrical techniques adapted for business presentations
  • Module 3: Communicating Without Words - Body language, movement, stage presence
  • Module 4: Story Structure & Audience Psychology - Building compelling narratives that resonate
  • Module 5: Rehearsal Strategies - Practice techniques used by professional performers
  • Module 6: Managing Performance Anxiety - Theatrical methods for confidence building

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Feedbacks

Overall sentiment

Users consistently report improved confidence and stage presence after implementing the techniques. The theatrical approach generates mixed reactions, with most embracing it while others find it too dramatic for corporate settings.

Praised points

  • Practical frameworks that immediately improve speech structure and audience engagement
  • Unique performance-based methodology that sets it apart from traditional public speaking courses
  • High production value and clear instruction from experienced, credible instructors

Criticisms

  • Theatrical approach can feel excessive for conservative business environments
  • Limited interaction in the self-paced format compared to live workshops
  • Price point sits at the higher end for pre-recorded content

Testimonials

"The training provided by Heroic Public Speaking is exceptional, and the instructors are highly knowledgeable." - Trustburn Review

"This completely changed how I approach presentations. I'm actually excited to speak now." - CreativeLive Student

"Michael and Amy bring theater to business speaking in a way that just works." - Course Graduate

"Some techniques felt over the top for my industry, but the core principles are solid gold." - Business Owner

"Worth every penny if you're serious about becoming a compelling speaker." - Marketing Professional

Social insights

Reddit discussions acknowledge the Port team's strong reputation in the speaking industry. Some users question whether theatrical techniques translate well to all professional contexts, particularly technical presentations. Quora users who've taken higher-tier HPS programs praise the methodology but note the CreativeLive version lacks the transformative live feedback component.

Video review

Marketing Analysis

Claim Verification

The promise to transform speaking through performance techniques aligns with student feedback. Users report improved confidence and engagement, validating the core claim.

Price History

CreativeLive occasionally runs promotions, though we couldn't verify specific discount patterns.

Upsell Practices

Higher-tier programs exist through the main Heroic Public Speaking website, but no aggressive upselling detected in the CreativeLive course.

Student Success

Verified improvements in confidence and delivery skills. Students from the Marketing Speak podcast and YouTube reviews confirm positive outcomes, though major career breakthroughs appear more common in higher-tier programs.

Platform & Delivery

Learning Platform

CreativeLive provides reliable streaming with good video quality and intuitive navigation

Content Accessibility

All lessons available as replays, viewable on demand

Mobile Compatibility

Fully accessible on mobile devices and tablets

Technical Requirements

Standard internet connection, no special software needed

Red flags check

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Complaints

No significant complaints about course quality or instructor credibility surfaced in our research. The main concern relates to appropriateness of theatrical techniques for certain professional contexts.

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Refund policy issues

CreativeLive maintains a refund policy, though specific terms vary. We couldn't verify exact details, which is a minor concern.

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Marketing practices

Marketing remains transparent about what's delivered: skill development through performance techniques. No exaggerated income claims or unrealistic promises detected.

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Community feedback

Overall positive with minimal red flags. The few criticisms focus on style preferences rather than quality or legitimacy issues.

Is this course legit?

Value For Money

At $149, we're evaluating this against other mid-ticket speaking courses. The performance-based approach offers something genuinely different from the typical "organize your slides better" advice. For professionals who'll use these skills regularly, the unique methodology justifies the price.

Conclusion

We found Heroic Public Speaking delivers a legitimate, well-structured approach to public speaking that stands out in a crowded market. The theatrical methodology won't suit everyone (particularly those in ultra-conservative industries), but for professionals ready to embrace performance techniques, it offers real value.

The CreativeLive version provides solid fundamentals at a reasonable price point, though it's worth noting that the truly transformative experience comes from their higher-tier live programs. For $149, you're getting proven techniques from credible instructors with a track record of success.

We recommend this course for anyone tired of conventional speaking advice who wants to genuinely captivate audiences. Just be prepared to step outside your comfort zone and embrace the performance aspect, because that's where the magic happens.

FAQs about this course

Michael Port, a NY Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and co-founder of Heroic Public Speaking, teaches alongside Amy Port, who brings theatrical expertise to the program.

Yes. The performance techniques actually help introverts create a 'speaker persona' that makes presenting less draining.

The course uses theatrical and performance techniques rather than traditional presentation skills, focusing on emotional connection over information delivery.

No acting background required. The course adapts theatrical principles for business professionals.

CreativeLive typically provides certificates, though we recommend verifying current policy.

Content streams through CreativeLive's platform. Check their current download policy for offline viewing options.

While designed for stage presence, many techniques translate well to virtual formats, especially engagement strategies.

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Heroic Public Speaking Review
$ 149
Total score: 7,8/10 ⭐
  • Duration3
  • DifficultyMedium
  • Release Date07/2025
  • Format Self-Paced
  • AccessLifetime
  • Time InvestmentLight (1–5 Hours/Week)
  • Payment Options One-Time
  • LanguageEnglish
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Heroic Public Speaking Review