Speaking is Sexy
Volume I, No. 16                                                                          June 2010

"Each problem has hidden in it an opportunity so powerful that it literally dwarfs the problem.  The greatest success stories were created by people
who recognized a problem and turned it into an opportunity."

                                                                             ~Joseph Sugarman
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Included In This Issue
Speaking Is Sexy Tip #16
Would you really like to be a Sexy Speaker?
What do people say about Marion?
Let a Sexy Speaker Brighten your Next Meeting or Event!
More about Marion Claire
What's Bugging You?
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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.
 

Did you miss a previous Speaking Tip?

You can find them here!
 
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 accomplished speaker you've always longed to be.
MARION CLAIRE coaches solopreneurs, business owners, middle managers and executives who want to achieve their highest potential as calm, confident, sexy speakers who inspire with the power of their voice.
Speaking Is Sexy Tip #16

 Do You Hate to Write a Speech?
       When you are asked to give a speech, what's the first thought that runs through your mind?  Do you think, as many of my clients do, "I don't want to because...":
            "... I get nervous in front of large groups of   
             people."
            "... I'm afraid I'll forget something important."
            "...They'll laugh at me."
            "...They won't listen to me."
            "... I'm just not a good speaker.  I don't know     
             why."      
            "... I never know what to say."
The list goes on and on.  There are about as many reasons as there are reluctant speakers.  However, truth to tell, many of those reasons are covering up one most people don't admit:  "I hate to write a speech." 
         
       What is it about actually writing out a talk that makes folks give up before they start?  Would you rather throw something off the top of your head, or not get up to speak at all, than create a thoughtful, organized, entertaining and enlightening speech that your audience will admire?  Why is that?  What is so intimidating or terrifying about putting your thoughts down beforehand?  Are most folks just lazy? 
       What part of writing a speech don't you like?" I ask.
       The answers:  "All of it."  "The beginning, the middle and the end."  "I don't know how to start."  "I want to be spontaneous."  "I hate to memorize, and I don't want to look like I'm reading it," and so on. There's another hidden reason: "I don't know how to write down what I want to say in a way that people will want to hear it."

       What is the difference between talking to people and giving a speech? When I ask that, people usually stare at me, wondering if I'm serious or is this a trick question. 
        
       Speaking styles have changed drastically over the years.  In Roman times, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Industrial Age... pretty much over all the years previous to the last half of the 20th century, giving a speech meant orating, exhorting, sermonizing, using formal language, talking to the audience as if from a great height.  Great speakers were thought to be born with special gifts and abilities.  Only the wealthy and educated, it was assumed, were equipped to stand before groups of people to inspire them. 
       
       Nowadays, we're all equipped to say what we think in front of whoever will listen. All we need is the desire, the audience, and the speech.  So why are so many so reluctant to do it?

       Next time you're asked to give a talk, and you automatically think, "Oh, no, I don't want to write a speech!", think again.  If all you need is a little help to get your thoughts down on paper, help is always available.  Whether it's a source on the Internet, a book from the library or the assistance of a coach, a colleague or your best friend, help is not difficult to find. If you aren't sure what to say, try putting your thoughts down in random order at first and then playing with them, moving them around into blocks and patterns that make sense to you. Say them into a tape recorder if that's easier. 

       The Random Order technique will enable you to figure out what you already know, what you have to research, and how to organize your talk into a logical sequence.  It'll help you clarify your premise and show the way to your conclusion.  The beginning, middle and end will present themselves obviously and clearly.  Best of all, it'll give you the confidence of knowing that you have something important to say in a way that people will be glad to listen.
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
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

Would you really like to be a
Sexy Speaker?

You can be a cool, confident and yes, Sexy Speaker every time you face an audience.  All you need is the Desire to Inspire and some easy-to-learn techniques of the trade that the speakers you admire all use.  Let me show you "How to Speak to Any Audience with Charm and Chutzpah!"  In two hours, you can learn how to achieve one of the following:

Get the basics:  How to make your audience your new best friend!

Mesmerize/Hypnotize:
  Discover techniques to make your listeners want to hang onto every word from start to finish
!

Be Amazing:
  Check your fears at the door and feel like a superhero whenever you get up to speak!

Go for One or choose All Three.  Mix and Match to suit your desires.  Get special savings when you select them all.
  Give yourself a gift that will last a lifetime.  Let me help you become the speaker you've always believed you could be.  Call me at 310/659-8956 or email [email protected] for your free half-hour, confidential consultation.
What do people say about Marion Claire?
"As CEO, my speaking engagements range from client briefings and stakeholder meetings to an address at the annual holiday party. No matter the topic or occasion, Marion has shown an uncanny ability to offer tips and advice that help me better connect with my audiences. She helped me discover the keys to engaging listeners at the start of my speeches by leveraging my own stories and style.  Even though many of my speeches involve highly technical subject matter, she has the ability to quickly understand the "big picture" and provide advice that is on-point and impactful. Never have I had the opportunity to work with a more effective personal coach - -she genuinely cares about your success."   
~Kevin O'Connell, CPA, CEO, Macias Gini & O'Connell LLP     
Let a Sexy Speaker Brighten your Next Meeting or Event!

Choose from these topics:
  • Yes, You, Too, Can Be a Sexy Speaker!  Let the Power of Your Voice Make You Irresistible in Front of Any Audience
  • You Can Give a Great Speech, Even If You Think You Can't!  How to Leave Your Fear at the Door and Love Being the Center of Attention
  • When You Speak, Everybody Listens!  The Four Things That Will Persuade Your Audience to Follow You Anywhere
...Or ask me to create a talk for you that focuses on your special needs.  Please contact me if you have a last minute cancellation by your previously scheduled speaker!  [email protected]
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 [email protected].
  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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