So you’ve got a skill. A talent. Or maybe just a passion you want to share with the world. But then you think, “Who would listen to me?” Or maybe, “I need to get a degree or certification first!” But you don’t. That’s right, you don’t need to be a teacher in a traditional sense. Not everyone who teaches in this world wears a suit and tie or spends years studying education. No, no.

If you’ve got skills in something, whether it’s something niche like origami or something more mainstream like basic computer skills, there’s definitely a place for you. You can teach through continuing education programmes, library workshops, or even run one-off courses through places like Dabble (yes, it’s that new platform that lets you turn your expertise into quick one-off courses!)

And hey, don’t overlook unconventional venues. I’ve always thought it would be great to offer a razor course in a local barbershop. Imagine the atmosphere, right? You’re standing there talking about razor safety, and people are actually listening, nodding and honing their skills (pun intended). Weird? Probably. But that’s the point! Think outside the box.

I recently flipped through the Tulsa Continuing Education catalogue (because who doesn’t flip through catalogues for fun?) and the possibilities were endless – photography, drawing, conversational foreign language (imagine learning a language over a coffee?), even something as unexpected as electrical safety. Courses like this are real, people.

You might ask, “But what about my references?” And, of course, qualifications are important in certain areas. But for many of these types of courses, you are the credential. It’s your experience, your passion and your stories that count. So don’t let that stop you. Seriously. There’s a growing number of people teaching online with no university stamp, just pure expertise.

For those itching to take the next step into public speaking, there’s hope. You don’t have to stand behind a podium in a huge conference hall to make an impact. Take a look at people like Simon Sinek, who went from TED talks to becoming a world-renowned speaker. Or even individuals offering niche advice on TikTok! Public speaking is increasingly accessible. If you have an idea, a passion and a message, you’ll find an audience.

Want a real-life example? A few months ago, a woman (a keen photographer), started running small workshops at a community centre in her area (Bristol, no less). She went from teaching 4 people in a cramped little room to a full classroom of 20+. She’s now exploring the idea of expanding into international workshops.

So what are you waiting for? Find your niche, tap into what excites you and teach it. Whether it’s in a library, a hairdressing salon or even online, you can start now.

Remember, teaching isn’t about a piece of paper. It’s about connection.

Feeling inspired? Here’s a little something to get you started, visit Dabble (yes, that’s a link to Dabble, where you can start!). Believe me, the world is waiting. And it’s so much more fun than being stuck in a classroom full of textbooks.