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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 #11
Stand and Deliver
Ever see a speaker hide behind a podium or a lectern as if he has an ugly stain on his clothes and is afraid you'll see it? How about the luncheon speaker who has a pile of notes in her hand that she fumbles through while making a point? Or the speaker who, without the help of a hand or lapel microphone, wanders all over the meeting room, making you crane your neck to see and hear? I don't know about you, but these people drive me nuts. I'm so busy thinking about what they're doing that I don't hear a word.
When you speak, you want your audience to get what you have to say, but not be distracted by how you say it. Take a look at some great comedians like the late Johnny Carson, today's Jay Leno and David Letterman. In their opening monologue, they all know how to catch and hold the audience. They take center stage, look the audience straight in the eye, and make the fewest, most natural movements they can. They may have teleprompter help with the jokes, but whether you're there in the audience or at home watching TV, you're totally focused on what they're saying. Nothing is allowed to distract you from the punchlines. They've perfected the art of "stand and deliver."
 Okay, usually when we get up to speak we're not giving a comedy monologue. We're most often making an educational, persuasive or informative presentation, sometimes accompanied by power point slides or handouts. We need to move about in front of the audience to stress our key points, use a pointer on the power point screen, or hold up various models, handouts, or other tools for emphasis. The key is: where we do want the audience to focus? What is the important information we want them to get? What is the message we want to land?
Audiences hate to be talked down to or talked at. They love naturalness, humor, comfort, ease. Unless it's an extremely formal occasion, it's a good idea to come out from behind the podium and let the audience feel close you. Moving back and forth across the stage, you won't look like a tree planted in the woods. You'll be in control of where all eyes focus at any given moment.
However, when you want to emphasize a key bullet point in your presentation, stop! Don't move! Stand absolutely still and deliver. Let your audience know how important this point is by the stillness of your body, the power of your voice, your direct gaze, and the moment's pause you take after making your statement. Just as the comedians wait for the laugh after the punchline, wait a moment for your pronouncement to sink in. Give your audience time to absorb it.
One caveat! Ever see a speaker walk back and forth, back and forth across the stage, until you started to feel queasy just from watching him? Whoa! You want your audience to follow you, but you don't want them to get seasick! Pause after you cross in one direction before you start back in the other. Stand and deliver for a few moments in that spot, and only start moving back in the other direction when you're ready to make your next point. With practice you can time it right so that you'll automatically be standing exactly where you want to be at every moment during your speech.
Stand and deliver. Your audience won't be able to take their eyes off of you. And they'll get every word you say!
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DO YOU HAVE ANY FRIENDS who would benefit from seeing this Speaking Is Sexy eZine? Please forward it to them or send me their email address and I'll send them a copy and tell them it's from you! |
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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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:
Learn how to make your audience your new best friend Discover techniques that'll make your listeners hang onto your words from start to finish Check your fears at the door and feel like a superhero whenever you get up to speakGive 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, contact 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. |
 Need a dynamic Speaker at your Next Meeting or Event?Let me show you how to attract and hold the attention of your audience. Choose from these:
- You Can Be a Sexy Speaker! Let the Power of Your Voice Make You Irresistible in Front of Any Audience
- Five Secrets Every Great Speaker Knows: How to Leave Your Fear at the Door and Love Being the Center of Attention
- When You Speak, Everybody Listens: The
Four Things You Must Do to Persuade Your Audience to Follow You Anywhere
Or, ask me for a talk that addresses your special needs. Feel free to contact me if you have a last minute cancellation by your previously scheduled speaker. Marion@marionclaire.com |
More about Marion Claire
For over 20 years, I suffered from agoraphobia, the fear of crossing open spaces. In those days, getting up to speak in front of five people or five hundred was a major trauma. For days beforehand I shivered in fright, felt faint, fought down waves of nausea, and imagined all the embarrassing things that could possibly happen, from forgetting my name to fainting dead away. It was a sheer act of will to force myself to go through it at all.
But that was then, this is now! Today I speak in front of groups of all sizes, shapes and interests. If I can go from a terrified puppy to a calm, confident lioness, so can you! I'll be happy to share my secrets with you. Whatever your speaking problem, let me help you overcome it. Contact me at Marion@marionclaire.com.
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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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