Fantastic post Rachel, I would echo a lot of what Rick has said.

While I would in no way consider myself a speaker I have given guest lecturers at my University and the occasion workshop. I’ve never spoken about “the web” as such but have dabbled in subjects relating to technology’s application in the business of film distribution.

I’ve found that speaking has been enormously helpful in engaging with other people interested in such a niche topic and starting conversations that I previously would never have had. I think, as you say, there’s far too much focus on speaking in order to be famous for being famous rather than seeing speaking as a means by which to develop personally.

Thanks for posting this, great insight.

K