There are hundreds of reasons NOT to teach.
- I’m not a “born” teacher.
- I don’t know how to teach.
- I don’t have the knowledge yet in my subject area.
- I don’t like public speaking.
- I’m not a techie so can’t use the technology tools necessary to do an online class.
- I don’t have a group big enough to teach a seminar to.
- I’m an introvert or I’m shy and don’t like big groups.
The fact is that these are just excuses. In fact, teaching is one of the best ways to learn – your subject matter, technology, speaking in public and the skills needed to teach.
There is also an answer for every one of the excuses.
“I don’t have a group big enough.” Get to know people who do have groups they influence and talk to them about publicizing your event or interviewing you about your subject on their webinar or podcast.
“I’m not a techie.” Learn the technology yourself and better yet get to know someone who’s already done several webinars.
“I’m not a teacher.” Everyone has had a good teacher at some time in their life. What was it that made them good? What did they do? Learn those things yourself. Take courses. Read articles about how to teach.
So what is YOUR excuse?
What is teaching?
Teaching is much more than delivering information. People can find information on the internet. It’s taking that information and translating it to knowledge so people can use that same information to reach their objectives. It means that you deliver knowledge.
Wisdom means that you have the ability to make judgments and decisions. Wisdom is an intangible quality gained through your experiences and through learning more about your subject.
Information leads to knowledge leads to wisdom.
Let me repeat – teaching is the best way to learn something new – your subject matter, technology, speaking in public and the skills needed to teach.
It’s also a way to keep young when you’re older. You already have the knowledge and experience. Why not share it with others! Teaching IS sharing.