If you have a tool, technology, or topic you want to learn then offering to give a talk on the subject is a great way to focus your attention. Preparing to teach others and anticipating what questions the audience might ask forces you to think more in depth. Having a deadline means you’ll make the time to do the learning and write the talk.

Not everyone enjoys getting up in front of a room full of people but the more you do it the easier it gets. You can start with lunch and learns with colleagues you already know as a way of building confidence. There are always user groups and conferences looking for speakers when you feel you’re ready for more.

The more practise you get the easier it gets to prepare and give the presentation. You’ll get better as a speaker, remember more about the subject, and others will think of you as an authority on it.

What do you want to learn next and could you give a talk about it?