Are you eager to elevate your skills to new heights? Masterclass is a great platform for this. Having so many courses, there’s an open question “What are the best Masterclass courses?”
Some of the most popular classes on MasterClass are:
But here, I’ll share the best of Masterclass–courses related to effective communication, business, and writing that will help you develop the necessary skills for any career path.
Effective communication and leadership courses
This course is first on my list of the best Masterclass courses. It taught by former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss delves into the art and science of negotiation, using techniques he honed while negotiating with terrorists and kidnappers. Voss’s methods, rooted in behavioral science and psychology, are designed to empower students with the skills to navigate complex interactions, whether in personal, professional, or everyday scenarios.
In over 18 video lessons (for 3 hours and 4 minutes), he breaks down strategies that foster better communication, sharpen understanding of human behavior, and ultimately help students gain more control over outcomes — whether it’s negotiating a salary, enhancing team collaboration, or strengthening personal relationships.
You will learn about:
- Tactical Empathy
- Mirroring
- Labeling
- Mastering Delivery
- Body Language & Speech Patterns
- Bending Reality
- Bargaining
You will also do exercises and mock negotiations on various topics, such as your salary discussion, a conversation with a teenager or a competitor, etc.
This video course largely repeats the content of Chris Voss’s book “Never Split the Difference”. But it gives you the opportunity to see and hear how the author applies his techniques and also offers additional annotations and role-playing games that are not in the book. There are important non-verbal aspects of communication (tone of voice and body language) that cannot be conveyed through paper, and listening to Voss’s techniques helps to understand them better.
The book certainly allows you to dive into the details, control the pace of learning and focus on the key points. However, I recommend that you first take the MasterClass course and then read the book, as both approaches complement each other, contributing to effective repetition and consolidation of knowledge.
What I love about this course is its transformative approach to negotiation. Voss’s insights aren’t just theoretical; they’re proven strategies that anyone can apply to build rapport, read subtle cues, and speak with confidence and persuasion. His methods go beyond traditional negotiation, offering practical ways to connect with others and meet our goals. I find it incredibly valuable not just for negotiation, but for refining communication skills overall.
2. Neil deGrasse Tyson: Scientific Thinking and Communication
In this Masterclass course, renowned astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson shares his approach to critical thinking, scientific literacy, and public engagement. With a career spanning bestselling books and a popular talk show, Tyson is known for making science accessible and exciting. Across 13 video lessons (for 2 hours 14 minutes), he teaches students how to think like skeptics, assess information objectively, and communicate ideas that captivate audiences. From navigating media bias to understanding complex data, Tyson’s lessons offer a powerful toolkit for anyone looking to explore science and share knowledge effectively.
In this course you will learn these topics:
- It’s important how you think
- How to be a skeptic and ask questions
- Cognitive bias
- Cultural bias
- Belief systems
- Communication tactics
The ideas of Neil deGrasse Tyson are extremely relevant to modern times. The phrase “Just because you think something doesn’t make it true” follows with an approach that invigorates critical thinking, which is pivotal to be fostered in a world where the truth is often distorted or misrepresented. The course will thus provide this new opening to many students, allowing them to broaden their horizons, and distinguish between “subjective”, “political” and “objective” truth.
Tyson’s emphasis on both analytical and communication skills makes this course especially compelling. He uses his insights into scientific thinking and skepticism to nurture open-mindedness and quality of thought, while emphasizing public speaking to develop the skills to motivate and inspire others. Beyond teaching science, Tyson equips his learners with skills to pursue any subject with curiosity, clarity, and confidence.
3. George Stephanopoulos: Purposeful Communication
In this masterclass, acclaimed interviewer and broadcaster George Stephanopoulos imparts skills of communication that he has perfected during three decades, ranging from White House communications director to Good Morning America co-anchor. Through 14 video lessons (which last about 2 hours 10 minutes), Stephanopoulos instructs the audience on: projecting confidence under pressure, having meaningful conversations, and uplifting both professional and personal interactions.
Main themes covered in this Masterclass course:
- How to deal with your nerves
- Preparation
- How to be in the moment
- How to ask the right questions
- How to challenge and confront
- Time management during the interview
- How to connect through empathy
- The 4 Cs of communication
The course mainly focuses on the author’s journalistic background and interviewing techniques, which may be of interest to young journalists. If you are looking for more diverse communication tips set in different contexts (e.g., meetings, presentations, personal communication, etc.), then this course will not meet your expectations.
What I find most valuable about this course is Stephanopoulos’s practical approach to intentional communication. His strategies present a pathway to conducting high-stakes conversations with poise and purpose in the workplace and personal life. With insights into journalism, negotiations, and leadership, this course is suited for anyone interested in becoming a better communicator and a more effective leader.
Below is a brief comparative table of the 3 courses on effective communication and leadership.
| Aspect | Chris Voss: The Art of Negotiation | Neil deGrasse Tyson: Scientific Thinking and Communication | George Stephanopoulos: Purposeful Communication |
| Instructor | Chris Voss (former FBI negotiator) | Neil deGrasse Tyson (astrophysicist & author) | George Stephanopoulos (journalist & broadcaster) |
| Main Focus | Negotiation and communication tactics | Scientific thinking and effective communication | Purposeful and persuasive communication |
| Number of Lessons | 18 | 13 | 14 |
| Course Duration | 3 hours 4 minutes | 2 hours 14 minutes | 2 hours 10 minutes |
| Practical Exercises Included | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Business-related classes
4. Mellody Hobson: Strategic Decision-Making
In this course, esteemed business leader Mellody Hobson shares the strategies and decision-making insights she’s developed while guiding major companies through challenges like financial crises, acquisitions, and restructuring. Across 10 video lessons (for 1 hour and 38 minutes), Hobson brings students into real-life case studies from her career, revealing how she navigated pivotal moments and made tough calls. By examining her approach, students gain tools to become more dynamic, confident leaders with a clear framework for strategic decision-making. They will learn how to use Mellody’s strategy & problem-solving toolkit on the examples of Ariel Investments and DreamWorks Animation cases.
Some strengths of Mallory Hobson’s course include the next points:
- Personal experience. Mallody’s personal stories add clarity and inspiration to the material.
- Extensive case studies with real-life examples. The course contains in-depth analysis of real-life situations and decisions that the author has faced, giving students a concrete idea of how the strategic decision-making process works.
- Material that suitable for many interests and backgrounds. The course is aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs and managers, as well as those seeking to gain better decision-making skills.
- High quality of teaching. The course holds credibility due to the cinematic quality of the video, which enhances the learning process by engaging the audience.
However, students frequently mention some drawbacks, namely:
- Lack of assignments and assessments. The course contains a lot of theoretical knowledge and practical advice, but no assignments or tests that would enhance the learning process through interactivity.
- The duration of the course. Considering the complexity of the PDM topic, this short course format (only a few hours) may seem insufficient for a true immersion in the topic.
What stands out about this course is Hobson’s focus on practical, experience-driven insights. Her lessons go beyond theory, offering firsthand knowledge on finance, negotiation, team communication, and creative problem-solving. It’s an invaluable guide for anyone aspiring to lead with clarity and resilience in high-stakes business environments.
5. Sara Blakely: Self-Made Entrepreneurship
This Masterclass course features Sara Blakely, a self-made female billionaire — offers a rare, hands-on guide to building a business from the ground up. Blakely shares her journey from door-to-door fax machine sales to leading a billion-dollar brand, revealing her personal strategies for creating a customer-first brand, prototyping products and driving awareness.
Across 14 video lessons (for 3 hours and 30 minutes), she provides actionable insights on branding, marketing, and fostering creativity, equipping aspiring entrepreneurs with the tools to bootstrap their own success.
You will find theoretical lessons and practical examples covering these topics:
- Finding your purpose
- Developing your big idea
- Entrepreneurial mindset
- Prototyping
- Building awareness
- Pricing & positioning
What I appreciate most about this course is Blakely’s relatable, real-world approach. Her advice goes beyond traditional business theories, focusing instead on innovative, resourceful strategies that work even when resources are limited. Her emphasis on creative thinking, customer focus, and relentless determination is both inspiring and practical, making the course ideal for anyone looking to launch a startup, lead a team, or simply bring a fresh perspective to their current career. The course is extremely inspiring and full of personal stories from the author. However, if you’re looking for short, practical instructions on entrepreneurship, there are plenty of shorter, more informative videos on YouTube.
6. Howard Schultz: Business Leadership
In this course, former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz shares the powerful leadership lessons he’s gained from building Starbucks from a modest 13-store coffee chain into a global powerhouse. Coming from a humble background and without a formal business education, Schultz relied on his values and a people-first approach to lead Starbucks’ growth.
Through 13 video lessons totaling 103 minutes, he reveals insights on branding, team collaboration, innovation, and essential business strategies, offering a personal roadmap for aspiring leaders and entrepreneurs.
This course lessons cover the following points:
- Values and profits are not enemies
- How to be curious
- How to set your priorities
- Find the right Investors
- Invest in Culture
- Hire a values-based team
- How to be a leader
Schultz’s emphasis on leadership cultivates values and his realistic approach almost seem natural in business. His insistence on teamwork, customer experience, and brand authenticity is both evocative and practical. The Schultz narrative teaches that successful branding is about not just profit, but also about being true to one’s values and forging meaningful connections with people. These lessons are profoundly held by companies yearning to make a dent in business.
7. Rosalind Brewer: Business Innovation
In this course, Rosalind Brewer — trailblazing CEO with leadership experience at Walmart, Starbucks, and Walgreens — shares high-level strategies for leading teams with purpose and innovation. Through 13 video lessons (2 hours and 38 minutes in total), Brewer guides students on promoting creativity, gaining support for impactful projects, and standing out as a leader with integrity. Her teachings cover essential topics like effective communication, leading diverse teams, and advancing racial and gender equality in the workplace, providing a comprehensive toolkit for anyone aiming to drive meaningful change.
The following topics are covered during short 10-18 minute videos:
- Building an innovation strategy
- Sparking innovation by listening
- Embracing critical thinking
- Digital transformation
- Driving change with agile teams
- Improving diversity, equity & inclusion (DEI)
- Crisis management
- Creating a career road map
What I admire about this course is Brewer’s focus on leadership grounded in values and inclusivity. Her approach to innovation isn’t just about growth; it’s about empowering teams and promoting justice within organizations. Brewer’s insights make this course an inspiring roadmap for leaders at any level who aspire to create inclusive, forward-thinking environments while staying true to their principles.
Below is a comparative table of business courses to help you choose the most suitable one.
| Aspect | Mellody Hobson: Strategic Decision-Making | Sara Blakely: Self-Made Entrepreneurship | Howard Schultz: Business Leadership | Rosalind Brewer: Business Innovation |
| Instructor | Mellody Hobson (esteemed business leader) | Sara Blakely (self-made female billionaire) | Howard Schultz (former Starbucks CEO) | Rosalind Brewer (trailblazing CEO with leadership experience at Walmart, Starbucks, and Walgreens) |
| Main Focus | Strategic decision-making, leadership, and problem-solving in business | Building a business from the ground up, branding, and fostering an entrepreneurial mindset | Values-driven leadership, team collaboration, and essential business strategies | Leading teams with purpose and innovation, promoting creativity, and advancing diversity, equity & inclusion |
| Number of Lessons | 10 | 14 | 13 | 13 |
| Course Duration | 1 hour 38 minutes | 3 hours 30 minutes | 1 hour 43 minutes | 2 hours 38 minutes |
Writing classes
8. Margaret Atwood: Creative Writing
In this course, Margaret Atwood — renowned author and “Prophet of Dystopia” — invites students into her creative world to learn the art of storytelling. Known for works like The Handmaid’s Tale, Atwood teaches how to shape ideas into novels that resonate with readers and stand the test of time.
Across 23 video lessons, for 3 hours 43 minutes, she describes essential writing techniques: from crafting vivid characters and immersive worlds to overcoming writer’s block and refining one’s unique voice. During the course, you will learn the answers to these and other questions: How to get started as a writer? How to make a strong plot? How to structure your novel? How to craft a dialog?
Students who have completed the course say that it is superior to other creative writing courses, particularly in contrast to David Mamet‘s overly elementary course. In Atwood’s course, instead of handing every rule of writing “on a silver platter”, she demonstrates how exceptionally talented writers rely on intuition, knowledge, and personality.
Despite the high price, this course is a well-packaged way to learn for those who have not had formal training in writing or screenwriting. It may serve as an eye-opener in working on your first novel, revealing not only technical aspects but also discipline, marketing, pitching, and other important nuances of the industry.
What I love about this course is the depth and breadth of Atwood’s insights. Her guidance feels both timeless and personal, offering practical advice on every stage of writing. Her approach to worldbuilding, nuanced characters, and the editing process makes this a rare learning experience for writers of all genres. With Atwood’s guidance, the course not only demystifies the writing process but also inspires confidence to explore, create, and share powerful stories.
9. Neil Gaiman: the Art of Storytelling
In the course, the world-famous author of Stardust, Coraline, and The Sandman will urge students to follow his own creative processes when approaching the art of storytelling. With more than 25 years of experience writing engaging and daring fiction, Neil Gaiman teaches the art of finding one’s voice, coming up with original ideas, and creating unforgettable characters.
Across 19 video lessons that last almost 5 hours in total (with lessons ranging from 8 to 27 minutes), he shares his philosophy on what drives a story, offering guidance that helps students unlock the narratives within themselves.
This course’s lesson plan includes 3 case studies, as well as these and other topics:
- Inspiration sources
- Finding your voice
- Developing the story
- Dialogue and character
- World building
- Humor
- Dealing with writer’s block
- Editing
Often, students find the course to be mostly puzzling, artistic, and conceptual, and recommend checking out RL Stine’s course or Brandon Sanderson’s free lectures on YouTube as more practical options. However, it’s important to choose the type of learning that suits you best, as this course is very inspiring for amateur writers. Each lesson from Neil Gaiman encourages writing new pages of your story, creates a sense of community, and is very helpful in moments of self-doubt and frustration.
The emphasis by Gaiman on being an individual and imagining is, to me, what is the most inspiring aspect about the course. His keen insight made accessible to any writer’s level gives them the green light to trust their own voice and see writing as a personal and expressive journey. Gaiman’s teachings on world-building, poetry, and fighting the blocks in creativity render this class an arsenal for the aspiring writer and a source of very much-needed inspiration for anyone willing to give life to their stories.
Below is the 2 courses comparison table, which helps to quickly assess the key features of creative writing.
| Aspect | Margaret Atwood: Creative Writing | Neil Gaiman: the Art of Storytelling |
| Instructor | Margaret Atwood (author of The Handmaid’s Tale, Oryx and Crake, The Penelopiad and Cat’s Eye) | Neil Gaiman (author known for Stardust, Coraline, and The Sandman) |
| Main Focus | The art of storytelling and creative writing, including worldbuilding, character development, and overcoming writer’s block. | Exploring creative approaches to storytelling, finding one’s unique voice, and developing engaging narratives. |
| Number of Lessons | 23 | 19 |
| Course Duration | 3 hours 43 minutes | 4 hours 49 minutes |
Final words
Masterclass has opened a whole new avenue to pursue knowledge, with courses that inspire, teach, and transform. Whether you’re working on your cooking, training for a new instrument, or starting a business, learning from the best in the industry will open up your potential. So, what’s keeping you from jumping into these amazing courses and unleashing your real talents?
