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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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Did you miss a previous Speaking Tip?
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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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Speakers Tip #13
Big or Small, Talk to Them All
Julianne was recently promoted to vice president at a growing accounting firm with offices in three cities. She was thrilled with her new opportunities and responsibilities, except for one. She was now expected to speak at quarterly meetings of all three offices, an audience of approximately two hundred people.
"I'm okay when I speak to small groups," she said to me, "but when I have to face more than 10 or 15 people, I absolutely freeze up. I just can't stand that many eyes on me all at once."
"What is so uncomfortable about more than 10-15 pairs of eyes?" I asked.
"I don't know. In a small group, I can see all their faces  and speak directly to them. In big groups, I feel overwhelmed trying to see who I'm talking to. Then I worry that I'm boring them or they're just not getting my message, so I get self-conscious and start tripping over my tongue, my heart starts pounding and worst of all, I begin to blush! It's just a disaster!"
Julianne is a perfect candidate for the "Big Or Small, Talk To Them All" technique. Try it the next time you speak in front of group that's a little larger than you're used to.
Whether you're behind a lectern or a podium, or with nothing but air between you and them, when you step up to speak, first take a moment to 'case the joint.' Look at all the faces in front of you, from left to right or right to left, doesn't matter. Don't say a word yet. Position yourself in front of them, take a few deep breaths, and at the same time, look for three special faces in your audience... one on the left, one in the center and one on the right. What makes them special? They're smiling at you, they look friendly, they look interested, it's someone you already know, or something else about them attracts you. Remember who they are.
When you begin to talk, look at your chosen person in the center for a few moments, then as you continue to speak, gradually turn to your chosen one on the right. Move slowly and deliberately to focus on the friendly face on the right. After speaking to her a couple of moments, turn back and focus on your center person again, and then turn gradually toward the left to look at your chosen person over there. After you've spent a little time with him, turn back, slowly and deliberately, toward the center and repeat the process, right, center, left, center, right.
Note that no matter how many are in the audience, you're only speaking directly to three people. But as you deliberately turn from left to center to right, the rest of the audience will be in direct eye contact with you. They'll all be in your line of vision as you move from left to right and back. They'll hear every word you say, see the enthusiasm and animation in your face, and appreciate your cool, professional manner.
That's all there is to it. Talk to your three chosen listeners. The rest of your audience will think you're speaking directly to them. Big or small, you'll be talking to them all!
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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! www.marionclaire.com
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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 will also help you write your speeches for almost any occasion. For more information about Marion and her programs, check out her website at http://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 is the desire to speak well and a few techniques of the trade that'll wow them on the podium. Let me show you " How to Speak to Any Audience with Charm and Chutzpah!" Choose one, two, or three two-hour sessions:
Session One: Learn how to make your audience your new best friend
Session Two: Discover techniques that'll make your listeners hang onto your words from start to finish
Session Three: 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. Go for All Three or Mix and Match to suit your desires. Amaze yourself and amuse your friends. Let me help you become the speaker no one believed you could be. For more information, call me at 310/659-8956 or email Marion@marionclaire.com. |
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What do people say about Marion Claire?
"After years of presenting to large and samll groups, I developed a serious case of "stage fright". I've overcome it by using the insights and techniques I learned in my work with Marion. In particular, she taught me how to do whatever it takes to be comfortable in front of any sized audience. Marion's help has been instrumental in restoring my confidence as a speaker."
~Larry Appell, President, Int'l Div., Mathnasium |
Need a Dynamic Speaker at Your Next Meeting or Event?
Choose from these topics:
- 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 to create a talk for you that focuses on 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. I don't know where it came from. In college, I wanted to be an actress, but found out pretty quickly I wasn't very good. I was playing the lead in Eugene O'Neill's 'A Touch of the Poet' at the time, and distinctly remember fighting panic attacks throughout the entire Four Act play! It was like I split myself into two people: one was reciting my lines, the other was telling myself to calm down, focus, and don't faint! That's a heckuva lousy way to spend three hours on a stage, let me tell you! It was by a sheer act of will that I didn't pass out in the middle of Act Three! The moment the curtain came down on the last performance, I gave up acting.
Eventually, I realized that I wasn't afraid of being on stage, I just wanted to be there as myself, not as a fictional character. That changed everything. It took awhile to make that discovery, but I'm happy to report, that today, I speak in front of groups of all sizes, shapes and interests. If I can go from a stage-terrified puppy to a calm, self-aware lioness, so can you! Whatever your speaking problem, let me help you overcome it. Contact me at Marion@marionclaire.com.
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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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