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Volume I, No. 14 May 2010
"Every worthwhile accomplishment, big or little, has its stages of drudgery and triumph; a beginning, a struggle, and a victory." ~Ghandi
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You have received this email because you have a relationship with Marion Claire, have exchanged business cards, or it was forwarded by someone you know. Enjoy!
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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 #14
Forget to Forget
Have you forgotten your name
lately?
Don't
laugh. Forgetting something you
know as well as your own name is a major fear for some folks. As Phil, a Director of Marketing at a
small manufacturing company, told me, "I'm normally a pretty calm and cool
guy. I don't have trouble talking
to people one on one. But ask me
to make a speech in front of an audience of strangers, and I immediately go
into panic mode. I know I'm going
to  forget something important. And
sure enough! Halfway through my
presentation, my mind goes completely blank. My mouth opens and closes, but nothing coherent comes out! I feel like an idiot!"
Phil's not alone. Forgetting something important in the
middle of your speech is among the top ten reasons why some people have a
phobia about public speaking.
We all get tongue-tied at times
when we're under stress. Finding
the right words can be a challenge, especially when we specifically want to
make a good impression. Our intent
is to be clever, witty, engaging, enthusiastic, smart, someone well worth
spending the time with. We
certainly want to feel that our audience is seeing us at our most competent,
courageous, and in control. And
then we go and forget something important and freeze like a deer in the
headlights. Rats! Blew it again!
It doesn't have to happen. Never again. Try this simple tool.
Before your speech, using 3x5 or 5x8 index cards, create the
following:
1. A Key Word Outline: Write down the key words of your presentation in outline
order. Use a number or letter
system if that helps, all caps or upper and lower case, whichever you
prefer. Use dark ink and large
enough print to read them at a quick glance. Put each key word on a separate line and double space
between lines so it's easy to pick each one out. Try not to overcrowd the card. Use as many cards as you need to cover your entire
presentation.
2. A Key Phrase Outline: Similar to the Key Word Outline, only instead of single
words, write down the key phrases you want to say in a particular way, at a
particular time. Again, avoid
overcrowding the cards. Keep
enough space between each key phrase to make them easily readable at a quick
glance.
3. Color code for emphasis: Use different colors to make your key words or phrases jump
out at a quick glance. Organize or
link the colors to emphasize the important points you want to refer to or
repeat throughout your presentation.
4. Big print: Use print that's large enough to see
easily and quickly, but don't go overboard. Try to limit the number of cards to a comfortable
handful.
5. Power Point: Your Power Point slides can substitute
for the Key Cards, of course. However, if there are particular supplementary points you need to make
that don't fit or belong on your slides, and you don't want to forget them, the
Key Word or Key Phrase Outline is an extremely useful tool.
Keep
your Key Cards where you can see them, on the lectern or podium, or in your
hand if necessary, and a funny thing will happen. You'll forget to forget. You won't leave out a thing you've written down on your Key
Cards. You'll feel competent,
clever, enthusiastic, smart, admired, appreciated... and very much in control!
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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!" In only two hours, you can polish your present skills or acquire new ones. Certainly you'll feel more positive about your abilities. Choose one or all of these opportunities to become a more confident speaker:
Get Moving: Learn how to make your audience your new best friend
Push the Envelope: Discover techniques that'll make your listeners hang onto your words from start to finish
Go for the Gold: 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 amuse your friends. Let me help you become the speaker you've always 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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