Public speaking is an important skill for a small business owner as it helps in improving visibility and allows them to position themselves as an expert.
This indirectly helps in promoting the business.
Although many small business owners accept this fact they do not try to develop this skill as they have an innate fear of speaking in front of a large audience.
However, it is a cardinal mistake to avoid public speaking engagements as it is a great way of business development.
As a small business owner, you gain visibility through public speaking.
This skill also allows you to project yourself as an expert.
As an owner you need to make your face known in industry circles.
At any trade event, you can use it to your advantage if people know you.
It helps to differentiate yourself from the competition.
For instance if you are speaking at a trade event and your name figures prominently at the conference center your stand is more likely to attract delegates rather than if your name is not known.
As a speaker you will also come across as an expert in your field.
The very fact that you are speaking at an event will convince people that you must be good at your job.
This fact is true for all business regardless of which industry you are in.
For instance, if you own a crafts business and people know that you are holding a lecture and demonstration at the local arts fair they will consider you an expert.
They will be more willing to visit your stand and buy your products simple because they can recall your face and name.
As a public speaker however you should take care to ensure that you write your speech in advance and deliver it well.
This does not mean that you need to be word perfect.
Audiences are far more forgiving than you would expect them to be.
As long as your speech is strong on content and professional your audience will be impressed.
There is however nothing worse than a public speaker who is ill prepared.
Avoid fumbling for words or over your presentation aids.
Make sure any data or information that you use is accurate.
Do not make your speech too long.
Select three or four main topics around which to write your speech.
Practice your speech aloud before hand so that you are able to deliver your speech in a professional manner.