Public speaking means an entrepreneur can speak to more than one person at a time and get their message across in a timely manner.

How You Can Become a Public Speaker:

Give a short talk to social clubs, business organizations and fraternal groups who may be interested in your topic Volunteer to give an after dinner speech at the monthly meeting of a professional organization Take part in a panel discussion that is organized to present information to a particular group Teach a workshop Participate in a school's career day Teach a seminar at a convention or trade show Teach a class Deliver a formal speech in a large auditorium

You can make this work for you! A few years ago I attended a professional meeting and the after-dinner speaker was a lawyer who gave a talk on the importance of having a will. Not only was his talk informative but he also acquired some new clients!

It's advisable to start small and dream big. Are you a member of a professional organization? Have you considered teaching a seminar at your community centre? You may even try having an information night at your office or store where you can give a talk about the products and services your company provides.

The Presentation:
You'll want to give a well-developed presentation that will keep your audience interested in your topic. These presentation tips may help you as you plan your talk:

1. Consider the consumer. Would you rather hear a talk that focuses only on the services and products a company provides, or would you prefer to learn a new skill or interesting piece of information that may make your life easier? For example, if a florist speaks at a professional meeting and talks only of the services and products they provide, do you think they will have an attentive and appreciative audience? What do you think the response would be if the florist talks not only about the services and products they provide, but demonstrates how to properly arrange flowers or create a floral centerpiece? When you write your speech, consider the types of questions your consumers may ask, as well as what they can learn from you and take home with them.
2. Emphasize five or ten things that you would like to tell your customers. For example, a jeweler may want to emphasize how the audience can properly care for their favourite pieces.
3. Use visual aids such as posters, photographs, or charts.

What You Say:

Let your natural enthusiasm shine through and think of your talk as a one-on-one conversation. Practice your presentation before you give it. Remember to budget your time for your audience to ask questions. Remember to hand-out your brochures and business cards, or samples of your products to the audience once you have given your talk. You may also consider handing out an evaluation form, and ask those who fill it out if they would like you to contact them at a future date. You can publicize your seminar by sending out Media Releases before and after the event, and list your seminars on your web site. Be sure to file your speeches into a folder titled "Public Speaking" in your media kit so that you can use them again in the future.

If you are nervous about standing up and giving a speech there are several organizations that can help you overcome stage fright. One of these is the Toastmasters club which is found in many cities across North America.