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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 #8
Being Perfect Is Not An Option
How often have you said to yourself, "I'm not afraid of speaking in public, I'm just afraid I'll make a mistake!" Or "I can't speak as well as so-and-so, so I don't even want to try." Or "They'll think I'm a bad speaker, and then they'll think I'm a bad (lawyer, consultant, accountant), too."
Whoa! Wait a minute! Stop right there.
Do you think everyone who gets up to speak in front of a group of people is cool, confident and never feels fear? That they were born with some kind of 'super speaker gene'? Do you believe CEOs, organization presidents, volunteers, religious leaders, politicians or anyone else who regularly gets up on a podium never feels butterflies careening back and forth? That you're the only one who ever trips over your tongue, forgets a key point, loses your train of thought or fears the audience isn't getting it? Give yourself a break! Every great speaker feels all of those things, and more, at one time or another!
 The difference between the person who is afraid to speak and the person who seems to get up and do it so easily is threefold: 1) Desire, 2) Practice, and 3) Experience.
Desire: Many people desire to be good speakers but are hampered by old beliefs that they just don't have what it takes. When you were a kid and got up to speak in class, did someone laugh at you? At home were you told that "children should be seen and not heard?" When you ventured an opinion, did someone say you were stupid and tell you to be quiet? Were you among people who all talked at once and never gave you a chance to get a word in edgewise?
Take a good hard look at your earliest attempts to be heard. If your desire to speak up when you were young was squelched every time you tried, no wonder you find it difficult now that you're an adult. The desire is still there, it's just gone underground. Your world is different now. No one is saying you're stupid or telling you to be quiet. Whatever your topic, you're the expert; your point of view is unique, valuable and worth listening to. Let your desire to speak resurface. You no longer have anything to fear.
Practice: The old cliché 'practice makes perfect' is not true. Practice makes you confident and comfortable. Being perfect is not an option, or a necessity. Let's face it, who wants to be confronted with perfection all the time?
Human beings respond to doing the best we can at the moment. Making the attempt, trying to succeed, that's what turns us on. When the Olympics skiers slalomed down those mountains, they all made mistakes on the way to the finish line. The winners were the ones who overcame their mistakes more successfully than their competitors. The more you practice, the better will be your ability to overcome your mistakes and fears. Getting up to speak, even when you're afraid, gives you valuable knowledge of your ability to perform under pressure, to recover when you goof, to keep on keeping on, and never give up no matter what the challenge. We should probably change that old cliché to "practice makes character", because in fact that's what it does.
Experience: Experience teaches you what to expect from yourself and your audiences. It gives you respect for your own abilities, confidence that you can overcome your fears, and the expectation that when you have something to say, people want to listen. Forget about perfection. Do the best you can. Your best is good enough.
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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 Looking 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...
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Be a Sexy Speaker: How to Inspire and Influence with the Power of Your Voice
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Speaking is Fun: How to Lose Your Fear of Facing an Audience
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Speaking As a Leader: How to Enjoy Being a Positive Influence on People
... or ask me for a topic 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. 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.
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Kick Start your way to being a better speaker!
It's a lot easier than you think to become a confident speaker. Sign up for my user-friendly, non-threatening,
'Kick Start Your Speaking Package'.
 In only six hours you can:
- Learn how to eliminate your fears
- Tweak the skills you already have
- Use simple techniques that'll make you shine on the platform.
Give yourself a gift that will last a lifetime. Let me help you end your fear of public speaking once and for all. For more information, email me at Marion@marionclaire.com. | |
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What do people say about Marion Claire?
"Marion's coaching sessions were inspiring. I learned more in two hours than a whole weekend seminar. She really impressed me with her professionalism, her delightful attitude and great passion for coaching. Marion's encouragement and support have given me the confidence to stand in front of a large audience and actually enjoy giving presentations."
~ R. Sawdayi, Shopzilla, Inc. |
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What's Bugging You?
Got a specific question about speaking you'd like answered? Or 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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