Austin / Uplevel Nights
A public speaking night in Austin, with a coach in the room.
Uplevel Nights are one-hour public speaking workshops at the Uplevel Training Center. Each Tuesday you learn one practical skill, practice it with a partner, and get feedback before you leave. There's no membership, and beginners are welcome.
One skill, practiced until it sticks
Learn it
An Uplevel coach teaches one simple framework you can use right away.
Practice it
You try it with a partner in a low-pressure setting.
Try it up front
Volunteers get live coaching, and everyone learns from watching.
Take it with you
You leave with one thing to use in your next meeting or conversation.
A new skill every Tuesday
Speak on the Spot
What to do when you're called on without time to prepare.
Social Speaking
Start better conversations and make introductions memorable.
A Toast to Words
Give a toast that is sincere, specific, and brief.
Persuade Without Being Pushy
Make your case in a way people want to hear.
Say the Hard Thing
Handle difficult conversations with clarity and care.
Better Stories
Tell stories that make your point stick.
Built for people who want real practice
Professionals who want to speak up more in meetings come to Uplevel Nights. So do people who feel nervous and want a safe place to practice, people new to Austin who want to meet others while building a useful skill, and leaders who want a quick tune-up before a big moment.
Looking for Toastmasters in Austin?
Toastmasters is a long-running network of member-led clubs. Members meet regularly, take on meeting roles, and work through a speech program over time. It's a great fit if you want a long-term club. Uplevel Nights works differently. Each night is a single workshop led by a professional coach, so you drop in when it fits your schedule and practice one skill with feedback in the room.
| Toastmasters | Uplevel Nights | |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Club meetings with roles and prepared speeches | A one-hour coached workshop |
| Led by | Club members | Mike Acker and Uplevel coaches |
| Commitment | Membership | Drop in for $29, or join a four-night series |
| Focus | Building speaking experience over time | One practical skill each night, with direct feedback |
Uplevel Nights is not affiliated with Toastmasters International.
Keep the momentum going
Speaking Catalyst gives you a personal coach twice a month and live group practice every week. If you have a big moment coming up, private coaching through the Speaking Academy is the fastest path.
Common questions
Do I need experience?
No. Most people come because they want practice in a supportive room.
Do I have to speak in front of everyone?
No. You'll practice with a partner, and going up front is your choice.
Is there a membership?
No. Pay for one night or a four-night series.
Is Uplevel Nights the same as Toastmasters?
No. Toastmasters is a member-led club. Uplevel Nights is a coached workshop you can drop into, and it isn't affiliated with Toastmasters International.
Where is it?
The Uplevel Training Center, 1101 S Capital of Texas Hwy, Building F, Suite 250, Austin, TX 78746.
Can my company bring a group?
Yes. For a private session, see Workshops for Austin Teams.
Come try one Tuesday.
One hour, one skill, and a room full of people working on the same thing you are.
See Upcoming Nights