Seize Every Opportunity to Speak: The Art of Saying "Yes" to Growth

In the journey to becoming a better entrepreneur, employee, parent, partner, friend—essentially, a better version of yourself—the most crucial step you can take is simple: improve your communication skills. Your ability to communicate effectively will open doors, enrich your relationships, and amplify the impact you can make in the world.

So, how do you get better at communicating? You seize every opportunity to speak. This principle is central to building confidence, gaining experience, and refining your craft. The more you say "yes" to speaking opportunities, the faster you’ll develop the skills and poise needed to engage any audience. While not every experience will be a resounding success, each one will offer valuable lessons that push you forward.

But how exactly do you find and capitalize on these opportunities?

Let's explore.

The Power of Stepping Up

Leadership and public speaking often go hand in hand. When you find yourself in groups—whether at work, in community organizations, or even at your child’s school—there’s often a need for someone to present information or lead discussions. Volunteering for these roles not only provides valuable speaking practice but also positions you as a leader. These smaller, more intimate settings are ideal for honing your skills before moving on to larger audiences.

For instance, I volunteer on the board of directors for my sailboat cruising yacht club. In this role, I’ve had numerous opportunities to speak, whether it's during our weekly board meetings or when addressing all the members at larger gatherings. These experiences have been instrumental in building my confidence as a speaker. Just like setting sail on a calm sea, these smaller, controlled environments allowed me to gradually build my speaking skills and prepare for bigger challenges.

Stepping up to speak in these contexts is manageable, and as you navigate these smaller waves, you steadily build the confidence needed to handle larger, more daunting audiences.

The Value of Sharing Your Opinion

Public speaking isn’t limited to formal speeches; it includes every instance where you express your thoughts to others. During meetings or group discussions, make a point to contribute your opinions. The act of articulating your ideas helps you learn how to be clear, persuasive, and analytical.

Over time, these small acts of public speaking build your ability to think on your feet, an essential skill when addressing larger audiences.

Asking Questions as a Speaking Strategy

Asking questions is an underrated way to practice public speaking. Whether in meetings, during presentations, or at conferences, questions are a form of public interaction that allows you to engage without the pressure of delivering a speech. Take note of the questions that arise as you listen to others, and don’t hesitate to ask them.

This practice is like navigating through fog—each question helps you gain clarity, and in doing so, you also reveal your curiosity and engagement to others. This can lead to further speaking opportunities, as people recognize your interest and knowledge in the subject matter.

The Toastmasters Advantage

Toastmasters is a well-known organization dedicated to helping people improve their public speaking skills in a supportive environment. I've been a proud Toastmaster for years.

Attending Toastmasters meetings can accelerate your growth as a speaker by providing regular opportunities to practice and receive constructive feedback. The structured format of Toastmasters is designed to develop your skills incrementally, much like learning to chart your course with increasing precision.

Joining a Toastmasters club can be one of the most effective ways to refine your speaking abilities in a systematic and supportive setting.

Presenting to Local Groups

Local groups, community organizations, and MeetUps are often on the lookout for engaging speakers. To seize these opportunities, start by identifying relevant groups that align with your interests or expertise. Attend their meetings to get a feel for the audience and the type of content they value. Particularly, seek out groups that regularly feature guest speakers.

Once you've familiarized yourself with the group, introduce yourself to the organizers and express your interest in speaking at an upcoming event. Offering to present on topics you're passionate about not only gives you a chance to practice your speaking skills in front of a live audience but also allows you to build connections within the community.

Much like setting out on a new voyage, presenting to local groups gives you the opportunity to explore fresh topics, engage with diverse audiences, and gain valuable experience that will enhance your abilities for larger speaking engagements down the line.

The Art of Restating Information

After consuming new content—whether it’s a book, podcast, Netflix special, or movie—take the opportunity to share the most interesting facts or stories with friends or colleagues. This isn’t about giving spoilers; it’s about using the material as a springboard to practice your storytelling skills. If something captivated you, share that excitement and use it to refine how you articulate and engage others.

This is like navigating familiar waters; you’re already familiar with the content, so you can focus on enhancing your delivery. Over time, this habit will not only solidify your understanding but also improve your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and confidently.

Always Have a Pocket Speech Ready

Being prepared for impromptu speaking opportunities is a powerful tool in your arsenal. Having a few “pocket speeches” ready ensures you’re never caught off guard if someone asks you to speak at the last minute. These could be stories with a lesson, insights from your experiences, or any topic you’re passionate about. They can range from a brief two-minute anecdote to a more substantial 15-minute talk.

It’s not about the length of time—it’s about being prepared to share something valuable at a moment’s notice. Think of these pocket speeches as your lifeboat, always ready to deploy when the situation calls for it. With these prepared talks, you can navigate unexpected moments confidently, ensuring you leave a strong impression no matter the circumstances.

Using Humor Effectively

Humor can be a valuable tool in public speaking, but it should be used thoughtfully. A well-placed joke or a bit of self-deprecating humor can break the ice and make you more relatable to your audience. Keep a few lines or anecdotes in mind for those moments when you need to lighten the mood or handle an awkward situation.

Personally, I'm obsessed with bad pirate jokes. lol.

Humor—when used correctly, it propels you forward and makes the journey more enjoyable for everyone involved. My dad always told me, "Ryan, if you can get them to laugh, you can get them to learn."

The Power of Storytelling

Storytelling is one of the most effective ways to connect with your audience. When you’re in a conversation and someone shares a story, take the opportunity to share a related story of your own. This not only keeps the conversation engaging but also gives you a chance to practice crafting and delivering narratives.

In my book Ditch the Act , I emphasize that stories are what truly help people get to know us. Interestingly, it’s not our stories of success that people resonate with most—it’s the relatable, everyday moments. Stories of things going wrong, like spilling coffee on your shirt or sharing the excitement of a weekend adventure, are what really connect us. When we learn to "ditch the act" and share these authentic moments, you’d be surprised at how much people enjoy hearing them. Often, they’ll respond with a story of their own about when "that" happened to them.

However, it’s important to share these stories in a way that doesn’t come across as trying to "one-up" the other person. The goal is to contribute a similar, relatable experience, not to outdo their story. By focusing on these genuine, everyday stories, you practice your storytelling skills and build stronger connections with others.

Conclusion: Setting Sail on Your Speaking Journey

The key to becoming a skilled communicator lies in practice and perseverance. By seizing every opportunity to speak—whether in small groups, formal settings, or casual conversations—you’re continuously honing your craft. Each experience is a chance to learn, grow, and refine your abilities.

As you continue to develop your skills, you might find that you outgrow some of the smaller settings where you began. That’s okay—it’s a sign of progress. As you gain confidence, you’ll be ready to take on larger audiences and more challenging speaking opportunities.

Public speaking, much like sailing , is about adjusting your course as you go. Not every voyage will be smooth, but each one teaches you something valuable.

So embrace the opportunities that come your way, set your sails, and chart a course toward becoming the entrepreneur, employee, parent, partner, friend—essentially, a better version of yourself—you aspire to be.

If you need a media coach to help with getting started, or if you need someone to take your communication skills to a new level, I know a Ginger who can help .