Genuine question - I haven't answered yet! Background: I often do give talks on my specific area of knowledge, (don't want to out myself, but eg imagine I was a dog breeder, and talked to groups of dog lovers about training methods).
I basically give variations on one of two talks, I have them well 'worked up' with a set of photos for each, so it takes a max of say an hour or so to run through beforehand, gather props and maybe find a few new pictures, plus the time to give the talk. I only say yes if I think there is going to be a decent turn out to make it worth giving up my evening.
An acquaintance has got in touch. She belongs to a WI type group, around 20 members, only a few of whom (actually, I think only her) have any specific interest in what I do. Neither of my talks would be at all appropriate (they are 'how to' talks), but she wants me to come and 'talk about the development of your business as well as what you do at the moment'. I tried quite hard on the phone to say no, but she really pushed me hard to agree, and has sent an email, and I'm finding it very difficult to turn her down. They're having a 'theme' this autumn that I would fit into.
Now, its going to take me at least 2 hours at a minimum to write a new talk, probably more as I have no starting point, probably another hour to find suitable photos & sort them out, then I need to rehearse and run through - basically it will be a good half day plus the evening given up. AIBU to stick to my guns and say no, or am I being a miserable git especially as I have a suspicion that she has to come up with a speaker each month and can't think of anyone else to ask?