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Why is it called Speaking is Sexy?
When what someone says and how they say it sends chills up and down your 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. 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 sexy.
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If you are...
- Currently speaking in public,
- Thinking of speaking in public, but 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 tips and techniques to become the cool, confident speaker you've always longed to be. |
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SPEAKER'S TIP #6
Make an Unforgettable Impression
I attended a memorial service for a famous movie & TV comedy writer not long ago, expecting to see a few celebrities and hear a lot of funny stories. What I wasn't expecting was a brief meeting with a well-known actress who understands that speaking is sexy. She definitely makes an unforgettable impression in 60-seconds or less.
 As I was navigating my way down an empty row looking for a seat, I came face to face with her coming from the opposite direction. We met in the middle, and when she saw me, her face lit up. "Hello!" she said. "I know you. How nice to see you, even under these sad circumstances." She completely won me over in those five seconds.
The truth is we had actually met more than twenty years ago at a recording session for a movie title song. I was a young producer's assistant, she was newly married to the highly successful songwriter whose song we were recording. Though we had never been in the same room since that time, she seemed to remember me.
"We have met before," I smiled back at her, "a long time ago." "I'm Angie," she said graciously, looking me straight in the eye, still smiling. "I'm Marion," I answered, a big grin on my face. "It's very nice to see you again," she repeated, and then made a comment about the memorial service and the man we had come to honor.
In those few seconds I recalled being introduced to her that long ago day and receiving that gracious smile. An hour or so later, I had to introduce another member of our staff to her. As I brought him up to meet her, horror of horrors!, I completely forgot her name!
What to do? I couldn't insult her by asking her to introduce herself, or make an idiot of myself by asking her what her name was. I had about a second-and-a-half to say something intelligent.
Fortunately, our brain works at lightning speed, offering a thousand choices in that second-and-a-half and choosing one that, if not the most appropriate, at least will fit the situation. What came up in my head was the fact that she was newly married to the songwriter. Without missing a beat, I said, "And this is Mrs. B." She looked startled for a tiny moment and then beamed. The full 1000 megawatts of her smile were turned on me, and I smiled back in total relief.
Was it that moment that she remembered when she saw my face more than twenty years later? Or was it simply a case of mistaken identity and I reminded her of someone else? Did she realize while we exchanged greetings that I probably wasn't who she thought I was? If so, she was too gracious to show it. I'm taking away the memory of someone who made me feel welcomed, important and appreciated in her orbit, even if it was only for 60-seconds.
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, 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 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.
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 Need a dynamic, entertaining Speaker for your next Meeting or Event?Let me customize a talk especially for your group. Choose from such topics as...
- Speak As a Leader: How to Enjoy Being a Positive Influence on People
- Be a Sexy Speaker: How to Inspire and Influence with the Power of Your Voice
- Speaking is Fun: How to Lose Your Fear of Facing an Audience
...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 at Marion@marionclaire.com. |
More about Marion Claire
For over 20 years, I suffered from agoraphobia, the fear of crossing open spaces. Its cousin is claustrophobia, the fear of enclosed spaces, and they're often mistaken for each other. At one point I had both. I couldn't step into an elevator without feeling anxious, dizzy and terrified I would faint. These were the same symptoms I suffered when I had to stand in line at the supermarket or sit in the middle of a row in a movie, theater, bus or airplane. I was the Aisle Seat Kid. Sometimes I couldn't tell whether I was experiencing agoraphobia or claustrophobia, the symptoms were so much alike.
I remember once having to sit in the middle of a row (there were no other seats) through the entire four acts of Eugene O'Neill's "More Stately Mansions", a very long play, indeed. I spent at least three-and-a-half of those four acts practicing my deep breathing exercises! No way could I then have dreamt of getting up on stage to speak to a room full of strangers! And yet, today I'm on stage 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. |
 How would your life be different if you finally got over your fear of public speaking?Do you hate being asked to make a speech at a business event or social occasion? Can't give a toast without shaking in your shoes? Would you like to feel calm, cool and comfortable when talking to a group?
It's a lot easier than you think to become a confident speaker. In a short time you can learn how to neutralize your fears, tweak the skills you already have and gain simple techniques that'll make you shine on the platform. Give yourself a gift that will last a lifetime. End your fear of public speaking once and for all! Let me help you. Contact me at Marion@marionclaire.com. | |
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Questions from My Readers:
 Lynda M asks: What do you do if you burp or (horrors) pass a little wind when you are in front of an audience. It happened to me once and I laughed and made a joke of it. What would you say to do in this instance?
Exactly what you did. If you're comfortable making a joke of it, do it. It makes you seem approachable and reachable, as opposed to an authority figure who is too far away to touch. The more you humanize yourself in front of a group, the easier it'll be for them to connect with you and you with them.
If you can't make a joke of it, just ignore it. It will soon pass (forgive the pun) and everyone will forget about it. Just keep on talking about your topic. In focusing on what you're saying, the audience won't have time to notice any little mishaps that have nothing to do with your subject.
You can also prepare in advance for those little embarrassing moments. Create your own response or repeat something clever you've heard someone else say. Memorize a couple of snappy comebacks in advance or keep a 3 x 5 card of them with you when you speak. You'll always have something clever to say no matter what happens.
Bottom line, either one is okay. Do what feels most comfortable for you. |
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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. |
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