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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 permission to go back to bed, pull the covers over your head and fuggedaboutit! |
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SPEAKER'S TIP #10
Ten Rules for the Reluctant Speaker
A young man approached a famous university professor, renowned as The Great Speaker, to seek his advice. "I have to give a speech," the young man said, "and I'm terrified. I wish they hadn't asked me, and I pray they'll never ask me again, but I can't get out of it. Can you tell me what to do?"
The famous professor looked down at the young man from his great height (he was 6'7") and scowled through the spectacles perched on the end of his rather large nose. "It takes years of practice to be a great speaker," he growled.
"I don't have years," said the young man miserably, "I have to give the speech next week!"
 The Great Speaker nodded. "All right," he said somewhat grudgingly, "I'll give you ten rules that will help a reluctant speaker like you. But you must pay strict attention and write them down!"
The young man nervously pulled out his notebook and a pen. "Ready, sir," he said gratefully.
"Then listen carefully," the famous man said.
Here are the Ten Rules the Great Speaker gave to the nervous young man.
Rule 1. Never plan your speech ahead. Have a general idea what you want to say, but nothing specific. The words will come to you when you're in front of the audience.
Rule 2. Never rehearse in advance. You're a smart young man, you've seen other great speakers. Just do what they do.
Rule 3. Wear your most comfortable clothes, nothing fancy, nothing too business-like or elegant. If you dress up for your audience, they'll think you're trying to show off that you're better than they are.
Rule 4. Don't speak too loudly or too clearly. Make the audience struggle to hear what you're saying. If they have to work for it, they'll appreciate it more.
Rule 5. Don't speak in short, concise sentences. The audience won't believe you know what you're talking about unless you say it in long, rambling sentences that are hard to follow. Remember that it's better to keep the audience guessing than to make it too easy for them.
Rule 6. Don't use helpful handouts or prepare power point presentations. The audience came to see you, not your visual aids. They'll pay close attention to what you're saying if they have nothing else to look at.
Rule 7. Stand stiffly in one spot and look straight ahead. Keep your eyes focused on the back wall of the room. On no account make eye contact with anyone in the audience or make any natural body movements. You want the audience to focus on what you're saying, not how you're saying it.
Rule 8. Ignore any noises from the audience like coughing, sneezing, cries that they can't hear you, requests to slow down, or questions about your competence to stand before them. Just because they're being rude doesn't mean you have to acknowledge their bad behavior.
Rule 9. If you're nervous, chew gum. Watching your jaws go up and down will focus their attention on you and calm your stomach at the same time.
Rule 10. Speak as fast as you can. That way you'll get it over with sooner and can sit down!
When the Great Speaker stopped talking, the young man looked at his notes with some dismay.
"Are you sure, sir, that these rules will help me become a great speaker?" he asked with trepidation.
"Are you nuts?" the Great Speaker roared. "Of course not! But they'll ensure that no one ever asks you to speak again!"
Moral: Be careful what you wish for because you may get it! |
IF YOU LIKED THIS, PLEASE PASS IT ON! Please help me reach anyone you know who'd benefit from receiving a copy of 'Speaking Is Sexy' eZine. You can forward it to them directly or send me their email and I'll be sure to send them a copy. And that's no April Fool! Reach me at Marion@Marionclaire.com. |
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 Speaker at your Next Meeting or Event?Let me demonstrate how to attract and hold the attention of your audience. Choose from these...
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Speaking is Sexy: ... Let the power of your voice make you irresistible
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Speak Like a Pro and Have Fun Doing It: What every comedian knows but usually won't tell you
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When You Speak, Everybody Listens: How to persuade your audience to do exactly what you want... right now!
...or ask me for a speech that will specifically make your heart sing. Be sure to contact me if your previously scheduled speaker takes a hike at the last minute. I'll never let you down! 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 experiencing a panic attack and scurrying back inside. That made for a very restricted life, let me tell you. Everyone else was out having fun, and I was cowering behind the door with the shades drawn. This is no way to live, believe me! My enemy was not the great outdoors, it was fear. Everyone experiences fear on occasion, but this was ridiculous! No way could I dream of getting up to speak in front of a room full of strangers! The good news is I got over it, went on to lead a happy and productive life, and today I speak in front of groups of all sizes, shapes and interests without fear! If I can do it, believe me, so can you! And that's no joke! Let me help. Contact Marion@marionclaire.com.
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 Kick Start your way to being a better speaker!Just about anyone can become a confident speaker. All you need to know are a few tricks of the trade and you, too, can wow them on the podium. Sign up now for my user-friendly, non-threatening, hands-on coaching program, "How to Speak to Any Audience with Charm and Chutzpah." In only six hours you can:
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Learn how to make your audience your new best friend
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Discover techniques that'll make your listeners hang onto your words from start to finish
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Check your fears at the door and feel like a superhero whenever you get up to speak
Give yourself a gift that will last a lifetime. Amaze yourself and your friends. Let me help you become the speaker no one believed you could be. For more information, email Marion@marionclaire.com. |
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What do people say about Marion Claire?
"Marion Claire is a terrific and creative coach and speaker! And she has a great sense of humor."
~ L. Indenbaum, Factotum | |
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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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