Why You Should Be Speaking in Public (by someone who did it and didn’t die)

The idea of public speaking sends most small business owners into a cold sweat.

You’d rather scrub the office toilet with a toothbrush than stand in front of a room full of people, mic in hand, trying not to look like a malfunctioning wax figure.

But here’s the truth: if you want to grow your business — really grow it — you need to get comfortable with a bit of spotlight. Not the Hollywood kind, but the sort that puts you in front of the very people who could become your next loyal customers.

Who Should You Be Talking To?

Don’t bother with crowds that couldn’t care less about what you do. You want local business owners, community groups, industry meetups, networking breakfasts — anywhere people are trying to solve problems, learn things, or just escape their inbox for an hour with a muffin and a coffee.

Think of it this way: every person sitting in that room could be a customer, a referral, or someone who can open a door. And unlike an ad in the local paper or another shout into the social media void, public speaking gives you instant credibility. People trust the person with the microphone.

How Do You Get a Speaking Gig?

Simple: ask. No, really. Reach out to the organisers of business events, clubs, and groups. Offer to do a short, helpful talk that actually gives value — something like “5 Mistakes Small Businesses Make with Their Branding,” “How to Make Social Media Suck Less,” or even “What I’ve Learned Running a Business That You Shouldn’t Have to.”

Keep it real. Keep it relevant. And most importantly, don’t try to sell. If you sound like a walking ad, people will tune out faster than you can say “limited time offer.” But if you share real advice, stories, and the occasional laugh, they’ll remember you — and call you when they need help.

How Do You Speak Without Stuffing It Up?

Here’s the trick: don’t try to be a “motivational speaker.” No one wants that. Just be you, but louder. Tell stories. Make them laugh. Be honest about the mistakes you’ve made and what you’ve learned. Use plain language, not jargon. And for heaven’s sake, keep the PowerPoint simple. No charts. No walls of text. No 2005 clip art.

The goal isn’t to impress — it’s to connect. Let them see the human behind the business. The one who gets it. The one they’d trust to do the job or solve the problem.

The Bottom Line?

Public speaking is free marketing that works. One presentation can land you more business than a month of boosted Facebook posts and fridge magnets combined.

So next time you’re invited to speak, say yes. Even if your knees are knocking and your voice shakes a bit — say yes. Because when people know who you are, what you do, and that you’re not a robot, they’re far more likely to buy from you.

And who knows? You might even enjoy it. (Okay, maybe not. But it will work.)