21 May 2025 – The following is a guest post by Julia Mitchell, lifestyle consultant with Outspiration Network.

Every small business owner knows how to hustle: You’re answering emails before the sun’s up, handling payroll during lunch, and burning through strategy calls after dinner. But, while you’re buried in the day-to-day, there’s a power tool hiding in plain sight. It’s one that doesn’t cost a dime and scales with practice. It’s your voice. And, if you can master public speaking—not in the slick TED Talk kind of way, but in a real, connected, human way—you can change your business’ trajectory.

For small business owners, visibility is currency. Speaking at community events, local meetups, webinars, or even industry panels doesn’t just establish credibility—it creates trust. When people see you in person, hear your story, and watch how you handle questions, they’re buying more than a product or service. They’re buying into you. And the truth is, most competitors won’t even try to show up this way. That makes your willingness to step onto a stage (real or virtual) a powerful differentiator.

You don’t have to kick things off with a keynote at a chamber of commerce luncheon. Try five minutes at your local co-working space. Or share a quick insight during a peer mastermind. These small reps build confidence and rhythm. More importantly, they sharpen your messaging in real time. You learn which stories stick, which analogies land, and what kind of energy gets your audience to lean in. The more often you speak, the more you’ll find your groove—and the easier it becomes to scale up to bigger opportunities.

Here’s the thing: you’re never going to feel 100% ready. If you wait until your pitch is flawless, your slides are gorgeous, or your nerves are gone, you’ll be waiting forever. Say yes to the opportunities that scare you a little. They stretch you. They force you to prepare. And most of all, they create momentum. The best talks aren’t perfect—they’re present. People will remember your heart way more than your polish.

Find Your Story, Then Own It

Most people assume public speaking means putting out facts, figures, and frameworks. But facts fade, while stories stick. Your customers and partners want to hear how you got started, what challenges you overcame, and why your business matters to you and to them. It’s not about perfection, it’s about authenticity. Maybe your business was born out of necessity. Maybe it started as a side hustle. Maybe it failed the first time. Good. That’s your story. It’s messy, it’s real, and it makes people want to root for you. Own it!

You don’t need to be a “natural speaker” to harness the power of your voice. You just need to start, stay consistent, and show up with something real to say. In a world drowning in digital noise, the small business owner who can speak clearly, tell a good story, and connect with real humans in real time holds an edge that no algorithm can match. So whether you’re behind a mic, on a Zoom, or standing in front of five people at a coffee shop, remember: your voice isn’t just a tool. It’s a growth strategy. And it’s time to use it.

Good speaking isn’t about talking—it’s about connecting. You’re not a podcast playing in the background. You’re a presence. That means paying attention to your audience, even if you’re on a screen full of black boxes. Are they nodding? Taking notes? Glazed over? Adjust accordingly. Maybe you need to drop the jargon. Maybe your pacing is off. Maybe a joke will bring things back to life. When you learn to read the room, you become a communicator—not just a speaker. That shift is where the magic happens.

A lot of folks dread the question-and-answer (Q&A) period as if it were some intellectual firing squad. But, if you flip your mindset it becomes your greatest ally. Why? Because it’s a window into what your audience actually cares about. When someone asks a question, they’re handing you a flashlight: “This part was confusing.” “I’m interested in that.” “Tell me more here.” Instead of fearing those moments, lean into them. Clarify, expand, and even admit when you don’t know. That kind of transparency builds way more credibility than scripted soundbites ever could.

Repurpose the Moment for Long-Term Impact

You didn’t just give a talk—you created content. Record that presentation. Slice it into blog posts, short videos, or email tips. That one 20-minute speech can fuel your marketing machine for weeks. Post it on LinkedIn. Share snippets in your newsletter. Embed it on your site. Public speaking shouldn’t live in a vacuum—it should echo across your platforms. That’s how you turn a single moment into sustained visibility.

Finally, earning a business degree can be a game-changer for small business owners looking to level up their leadership and communication skills. Beyond finance and operations, many programs include coursework that enhances public speaking skills by providing training on how to effectively communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences. Online programs make it easier than ever to pursue this path, offering the flexibility to balance work and learning without putting your business on pause. If you’re curious about where the field is headed, keeping up with
trends in business-degrees education can help you choose the right fit for your goals.

About the Author

Julia Mitchell is driven by a deep love for the vibrant tapestry of life and seeks to share her enthusiasm for her favorite lifestyle topics with the world. From the art of mindful living to the thrill of culinary adventures, travel, and personal growth, Julia believes in the transformative potential of a well-lived life. She recognizes that powerful inspiration should be translated into action to flourish truly. This is where the concept of “OUTspiration” comes into play.