Shirk

1. It's fun (in that scary "Oh my gosh, what am I doing?" amusement-park-anticipation sort of way).

Just like modern day roller-coasters can cause your heart to skip a beat when you think about getting on them, public speaking can appear scary. The reality though, is that its fun and exciting. It gives you an adrenaline rush that leaves you feeling on top of the world.

2. Its easy to get started.

Pick a date. Pick a topic. Outline your ideas to include facts, figures, and examples. Contact your local adult education office, service organization (Rotary, Kiwanis, etc.), or Chamber of Commerce to see if you can give your presentation. Show up and talk. It really is simple to get started.

3. It's a way to build stronger relationships with customers and potential customers.

When you present an informational seminar or instructional workshop to customers and potential customers theyll see you as the expert. Theyll laugh when you tell them about the mistakes youve made and nod their heads in approval when you share your success stories. Theyll see you as approachable when you talk with them one-on-one during a break or after the presentation. Theyll share their ideas, concerns and questions (which youll use to improve your services and/or product selections).

4. It will set you apart from your competition.

Public speaking is overwhelming and intimidating (okay, its terrifying) to many people. But it also makes you visible. It allows you to offer information and assistance in a way that many of your competitors dont. At a workshop or seminar your customers know you are there to share information with them and answer their questions.

5. Its a change of pace from your everyday activities.

If youre like many small business owners or independent professionals you can easily get caught up in working in your business rather than on it. Developing and presenting workshops and seminars provides a change of pace. It allows you to focus your time and energy on meeting your customers current and future needs while also building name recognition, expert status, and additional income streams.

6. It can provide additional income.

When you offer classes through your local adult education center you may get paid a small amount for each class. When you present your seminar at an association meeting you may earn a speakers fee. When your workshop attendees need supplies, they can purchase them from you. When you have developed your speaking skills and your content is solid, you may even charge people to attend your seminars.

7. It can be the basis for creating information products (books, booklets, CDs, etc.).

As you prepare for your seminars and workshops youll probably create handouts, worksheets, and resource lists that will help participants during the course. These items can be combined and retooled into booklets, books, and workbooks. You can record your presentation into audio or video format. These items will all help promote your business and produce additional income.

8. It will keep your knowledge current and your enthusiasm high.

When you offer informational seminars or instructional workshops you'll always be on the lookout for the latest improvements or advances in your field. Youll be aware of how current events impact your industry. Youll be on the cutting edge; but youll also know when and why the old ways are the best ways.

9. It's a quick and easy way to create word-of-mouth buzz about your product or services.

People who attend your information packed seminars and workshops will talk about their experience before and after the event. They may invite friends with an interest in the subject matter to join them. When the topic arises in future conversations theyll talk about you and your workshop.

10. Its an important skill to develop for your personal and business growth.

Public speaking is a skill that many people fail to develop just because it can be scary. But when you develop this skill your newfound confidence will spill over into other areas of your life. Youll discover that you want to take risks that you might not have dared try in the past. Youll become the leader you always wanted to be.

Donna Doyon helps independent professionals and small business owners develop informational seminars and instructional workshops to promote their businesses. Visit http://www.the-public-speaking-advantage.com to learn how you can turn your expertise into a valuable marketing tool and income source.