Why You Should Volunteer for That 10-Minute Speaker Slot

They say talk is cheap, but the chance to share your passion and expertise with a supportive audience is priceless. When you’re building a , getting in front of your networking group for a ten-minute presentation is one of the biggest opportunities you’ll get—mostly because so many people are afraid to do it.

Let's walk through how to turn that speaker slot into a powerful tool for growth, crafting a talk that’s engaging, enjoyable, and educational.

Seeing the Opportunity Everyone Else Misses

When I first started networking, I noticed that every meeting had a guest speaker. And at the end of every meeting, there was a familiar song and dance of begging and persuading someone to fill the next week’s slot. Nobody ever seemed to want it. My immediate reaction was that this was something to be avoided at all costs. I figured cultivating a reputation for being shy was the best way to dodge the weekly request.

At the same time, I was in awe of the people who did step up. They seemed like business heavyweights, individuals with enough experience to stand up and educate the rest of us. It took me way too long to realize that the simplest way to emulate these successful entrepreneurs was to do exactly what they were doing: be the speaker.

I realized I didn’t have to be perfect. Those seemingly effortless performances were the result of practice. I also noticed that while I could never remember every 40-second introduction, I remembered the speaker. They left an impression. Once I saw the ten-minute talk for what it was—a chance to accelerate my business profile with almost no investment—I jumped on it. It’s too big of an opportunity to pass up, especially when you’re trying to turn a .

The Real-World Benefits of Speaking Up

Modern business networking offers an incredible platform. Twenty years ago, if you wanted to speak to a room full of potential clients, you’d have to rent a venue, advertise the event, and pay for refreshments. Today, you just have to volunteer. This is a game-changer for any or entrepreneur.

Being the speaker allows you to:

in a supportive environment.
and passion.
to fellow networkers.
in your field.
within the group.

Think of your "stock value" as a mix of your profile, reputation, and the number of people willing to recommend you. When you , your stock value is low because nobody knows you yet. Every positive interaction, especially a well-delivered presentation, makes that value climb. It’s a direct way to build trust and visibility for your business.

Planning Your Ten-Minute Talk

If you’ve volunteered to present for the first time, start planning at least ten days out. Scrambling to throw something together the night before is a recipe for stress and a flimsy presentation. Give yourself time to plan, rehearse, and get comfortable with your material. This is particularly important when you’re already and can't afford last-minute panic.

Two Paths You Can Take

Networking groups generally offer two types of speaking opportunities. Neither is right or wrong, but they require different approaches.

Some groups let you present directly on your business. Think of it as a ten-minute sales pitch designed to educate members on what you do and the referrals you’re looking for.
Other groups prefer presentations that aren’t a direct sales pitch. The goal here is to build relationships by sharing your passion or expertise on a subject, proving that "people buy people."

Personally, I find the second approach far more compelling to listen to.

How to Talk About Your Business (Without Being Boring)

If you’re passionate about what you do, talking about it for ten minutes should be easy. But you have to avoid being —the one whose monologue about their business feels like you’re being forced to look at their vacation photos.

To keep people engaged, start with two simple words:

Write down a statement about what your business does. For example: "I create brand identities for small businesses."

Now, ask, "So what?" and answer it. Then ask it again.

I create brand identities for small businesses.
So they have a professional look.
So they can build trust with their customers.
So those customers feel more confident buying from them, which leads to more sales.

You’ve just uncovered the real benefit. People don’t buy what you do; they buy the result. Focus your talk on how you make your clients more money, save them time, or remove a major worry from their lives.

How to Give a Great Talk Without Selling

Not talking about your business can feel counter-intuitive, but it's often more powerful. It’s a chance to build deep connections by showcasing your expertise or simply a more human side of yourself.

Here are a few ideas for and service-based businesses:

Teach your audience something valuable they can use immediately. An SEO specialist could share three free ways to improve Google visibility. A copywriter could offer tips for writing more compelling web pages. You’re not losing business; you’re establishing yourself as a generous expert. When someone needs help, you’ll be the first person they think of.
What’s the story behind your passion? One of the best talks I ever saw was from a bookkeeper. She explained her lifelong love of travel and how she sees a company's financials as the story of its journey—the detours, the traffic jams, and the open roads. She made a "dry" subject completely fascinating.
What skills from a past career do you use today? An ex-dancer in my network now builds corporate teams, using her experience with practice and rehearsal. An ex-military officer coaches management teams on delegation. These stories are memorable and build credibility.
Talking about your hobbies makes you relatable. The accountant who sings in a punk band is more memorable than just "the accountant." It gives people more ways to connect with you and remember you when a referral opportunity comes up.

Nailing the Delivery on Game Day

When the day arrives, a little preparation goes a long way.

Follow this simple format:
Rehearse with a clock. There’s nothing worse than getting the "wrap it up" signal when you’re only halfway through.
Have your notes printed out—a version with just headlines and a full version, just in case. Place a glass of water and a watch or your phone (on airplane mode!) where you can see them.
If your mind goes blank, just stop. Take a slow sip of water. Breathe. Look at your notes and start reading from where you left off. You’ll be back on track in seconds, and no one will even notice.

And finally, my strongest piece of advice: For a ten-minute talk, slides are an unnecessary risk. Technology loves to fail at the worst possible moment, and it often distracts the audience from your most important asset: you.

Taking the stage is a key step in for success. Stand up, take a deep breath, and show them what you’ve got.