Small Business Toolbox: Don’t Be Afraid to Get Out There: Public Speaking Tips for Small Business Owners

May is Small Business Month, and with it comes a calendar full of local fairs, pop-ups, pitch events, and networking opportunities. If you’re a small business owner, chances are you’ve been invited to attend—or even speak—at one of these events. For many, that invitation comes with a mix of excitement and dread.

You're not alone. Public speaking is one of the most common fears. But for small business owners, stepping up and sharing your story can be one of the most powerful ways to connect with new customers, partners, and even future collaborators.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to be a polished TED Talk speaker to make an impact. You just have to be real. When you speak about your business—whether it’s in front of a crowd of 50 or five—you do something that ads and social media posts can’t: you humanize your work. You let people see the person behind the product or service, and that builds trust.

If you’ve been invited to speak, attend, or just introduce yourself at a community event this month—say yes. You don’t need to be perfect. You just need to show up.

Quick Tips for Talking About Your Business

These tips can be useful if you are meeting someone for the first time or presenting on a stage. Remember, your story matters. And there’s someone out there who needs to hear it. We have included some tips below to help you navigate some of the challenges ahead.

Here's a quick outline that's short and easy to remember:

1. What do you do?

2. Why did you start?

3. What are you most proud of?

4. What’s next?

Don't forget you are telling a story. People don’t just buy what you sell—they buy why you do it. Here are some ways to make this sound real.

1. Start with your “why.” People are more likely to remember a story than a sales pitch. Share why you started your business, what problem you're solving, or what gets you out of bed each day.

2. Keep it simple. Avoid jargon or technical terms. Talk to your audience like you're speaking to a friend (or your elderly aunt) who has no idea what you do.

3. Practice—but not too much. Go over your main points so you feel grounded, but don’t memorize a script. You’ll sound more natural and engaging when you speak from a place of familiarity, not recitation.

4. Don’t worry about being perfect. Mistakes make you relatable. Pause, smile, and keep going. People are rooting for you more than you think.

5. End with one clear takeaway. Whether it’s an invitation to visit your shop, follow you online, or learn more, give your audience one simple thing to do next.

   
   

Learn more

You can watch this TED Talk "How to Speak So That People Want to Listen" by Julian Treasure

Find the 11 minute video here. It's a a great intro to making your voice more powerful, engaging, and authentic.

Or follow some Podcasts. Here are two that may work for you:

• "The Public Speaker’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Improving Your Communication Skills"

• "Good Life Project" – interviews with entrepreneurs who speak from the heart.

There are lots of resources out there to help you but there's nothing like just getting out there and getting your feet wet. Good luck!