Speaking is Sexy

Volume I, No. 3                                                                    December 2009

"Grasp the subject, and the words will follow."
(Cato the Elder, 234 - 139 B.C.)
You have received this email because you have a relationship with Marion Claire, have exchanged business cards, or it was forwarded by someone you know.  Enjoy!
Included In This Issue
Speaker's Tip #3
Why is it called "Speaking is Sexy"?
Looking for a Dynamic Speaker?
More about Marion Claire
Take your speaking skills to the next level!
What's Bugging You?
Join Our Mailing List
Did you miss a previous Speaking Tip?
 
Click here to visit our archive.
 
If you are...
  • Currently speaking in public,
  • Thinking of speaking in public,
  • Know you need to speak in public but you're procrastinating like crazy,
  • Afraid to speak in public,
  • Envious of people who speak confidently in public, or
  • Would just like a few tips on how you can speak better than they do...
This Newsletter will give you, as painlessly as possible, tips and techniques to become the cool, confident speaker you've always longed to be. 
SPEAKER'S TIP #3
Know the Six P's of Public Speaking 
If you're ever tempted to 'wing it' when you're asked to give a speech... don't!  No matter how well you know your subject, you still have to meet the requirements of the audience, the people who invited you, and most importantly, your particular reason for speaking in the first place.  Even if you've given the speech before, there are variables every time that make it vital that you remember the Six P's of successful public speaking:
 
Proper preparation prevents (im)possibly poor performance.
 
Proper:  Put in the time.  Even if it's a speech you've given before, go over it carefully.  Freshen it up.  Add a new point of view, a funny story or special handout, something to keep yourself interested.  If you get bored while you're giving it, how do you expect the audience to stay awake?  Be diligent, thorough, and enthusiastic.  Laziness equals sloppiness.  Do your homework.  
 
Speaking is SexyPreparation:  No short cuts here.  Know your subject backwards and forwards.  Be ready for off-the-wall questions and challenges.  Make beautifully clear visual aids, whether they're power point slides, handouts or hand puppets.  Rehearse enough to be sure you're not speaking too long or too short.  Know your venue, the audio/visual equipment you'll need and double check everything, including the date and time of your presentation!  Be clear on what your audience wants from you.  Then give them more than they expect.
 
Prevents:  Give yourself a break.  Preparing properly is like having an invisible shield to protect you.  The slings and arrows of unresponsive or hostile audiences can't get through to throw you off your charted course.  You won't forget anything important or be upset by the unexpected.  You'll sail through from beginning to end like a ship on a smooth and sunny sea.
 
imPossibly:  When you spend the time and effort to be properly prepared, it's impossible to fail.  You're so sure of your message, your reason for being there, and the gift you want to give your audience that the idea of not succeeding never enters your mind.  You've set yourself up to be a winner.  Your focus is on your goal.  You're already halfway there and ready to shine!
 
Poor:  The only way to fail is not to do the work.  It's really that simple.  While you are choosing the message you're there to give, when you've planned it all out ahead of time, created the visuals, rehearsed the content and fitted it to your allotted time, you've made yourself the expert.  You know more than anyone else in the room on this particular subject at this particular time.  Whatever you say or do will be fantastic.  You've guaranteed it. 
 
Performance:  This is your moment.  All the hard work has been worth it.  You're relaxed, purposeful and focused outward on your audience.  You know exactly why you're here, how you're going to give your gift and make your message land, and what result you expect to get.  You'll wow the audience with your cool confidence and expert enthusiasm.  You've made it happen.  You are the success you imagined yourself to be!
 
Proper preparation prevents (im)possibly poor performance! 
 
Count on it!
Want to use this Speaking Tip in your Newsletter or Blog?
You can as long as you include this entire blurb:
For over ten years, Marion Claire has coached entrepreneurs, executives, artists, professionals and just plain folks to become the confident speakers they longed to be.  She's the author of the forthcoming book, "Speaking Is Sexy: How to Inspire with the Power of Your Voice", due in early 2010.  She'll also help you write your speech for almost any occasion.  For more information about Marion and her programs, check out her website at www.marionclaire.com.
Why is it called "Speaking Is Sexy"?
Every time we say a word, we're inspiring someone with the power of our voice.   Think of some great speakers:  Franklin D. Roosevelt:  "The only thing we have to fear is fear itself!"  John F. Kennedy: "Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country!"  Martin Luther King, Jr.:  "I have a dream!"  What they said and how they said it sends chills up and down our spine.  That's sexy!

Whether you're giving a speech, having a conversation, saying your wedding vows, teaching your kids, exhorting your sales team, or talking in your sleep, if someone is listening, you are inspiring them.  The results you get depend on what you say and how you say it at that moment.  It's important to remember that whenever you speak, someone is influenced by each word you say.  Be a positive influence.  Be an inspiration.  That's very, very sexy.

blue birdsLooking for a dynamic, entertaining Speaker for your next Meeting or Event?
Let me customize a talk especially for your group. Choose from such topics as "How to Speak Like a Pro" or "How to Inspire with the Power of Your Voice" or I'll create a speech that specifically addresses your needs. Feel free to contact me if you have a last minute cancellation by your previously scheduled speaker. Email me at Marion@marionclaire.com or visit www.marionclaire.com.
More about Marion Claire 
For over 20 years, I suffered from agoraphobia, the fear of crossing open spaces.  Sometimes I couldn't leave my house for more than five minutes, without scurrying back inside.  My enemy was not the great outdoors.  It was simply fear.  Everyone experiences fear on occasion.  And everyone's fear is a little bit different, personal to the individual.  Mine was fear of being alone out in the world.  I didn't feel safe by myself.  Although I was perfectly content to live on my own in my apartment, I needed the comfort and companionship of someone I knew well whenever I ventured out of the safety of my home.  No way could I dream of getting up to speak in front of a room full of strangers!  And yet, today I speak in front of groups of all sizes, shapes and interests.  If I can do it, so can you!  Let me help you.  Contact me at Marion@marionclaire.com.
blue birdsTake your speaking skills to the next level!
It's a lot easier than you think to become the confident, exciting speaker you want to be.  In just a few short sessions, you can tweak the skills you already have and learn the simple techniques professional speakers use to shine on the platform.  Whatever the occasion, let me help you become a dynamic, delightful speaker. Email me at Marion@marionclaire.com or visit www.marionclaire.com.
Speaking is Sexy
What's Bugging You?
Is there a specific question or problem about speaking you'd like to see addressed?  Would you like to comment on what you've seen here?  Your feedback means a great deal to me.  Contact me at www.marionclaire.com.
Speak Your Mind with Marion Claire

PS - We don't like spam either! We will never share your information with anyone. If you would prefer not to receive communications from us in the future - just unsubscribe below.