Speaking is Sexy
Volume III, No. 8                                                                      March 2012

"America was not built on fear.  America was built on courage, on imagination, and the unbeatable determination to do the job at hand."
                                     ~ Harry S. Truman           
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Included In This Issue
What's Marion Up To Now?
Have you downloaded your FREE report yet?
Speaking Is Sexy Tip #8, Vol. 3, The Procrastiation Game
Is 2012 the year for you?!
What Do My Readers Say?
How Can I Help You?
Food for Thought
More about Marion Claire ~ Revealing an Embarrassing Secret
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 become calm, confident, unique and sexy speakers who influence and inspire others with the power of their voice. www.marionclaire.com

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What's Marion Up To Now?
    

      conftable Back to work on my book, SECRETS OF A UNIQUE & SEXY SPEAKER, still shooting for a publication date early this summer. It's a Handbook of Speaking Tips used by experts that you can keep in your pocket or desk for a bit of quick help to make you look and sound like a sexy professional speaker.

      If you'd like to be on my special Advance List to be the first to have the opportunity to purchase a copy, please send your request to me at:  [email protected]

      This is a book for speakers of all levels, from beginners to experienced. You're sure to find in it helpful Speaking Tips for any type of speech or speaking occasion that will save you time and uncertainty and make creating your next presentation a joy instead of a struggle!
 
conftable
LOOKING FOR A UNIQUE 
   AND SEXY SPEAKER?
 

"I recently had the privilege of coordinating and attending the Los Angeles Jewish Chamber SBA Luncheon with Marion Claire. The experience and knowledge Marion led us through felt like a custom-designed, presentation skills training process. Having participated in a wide variety of workshops and seminars, I can be pretty discerning. Marion's skills and warmth are authentic and I highly recommend her."

~Paul Goldstein, Vice President, Los  

Angeles Jewish Chamber of Commerce


      If you're looking for a speaker for your next event and would like to learn the "Secrets of a Unique and Sexy Speaker", please contact me right away!  

      You need a speaker who walks her talk. I'd be delighted to speak to your group in your neighborhood one of these days. Just send me an email: [email protected]. I'm looking forward to talking to you about it!

HAVE YOU DOWNLOADED YOUR FREE REPORT YET?     

 

Go to www.marionclaire.com and on the Home page, you will find a link to download this valuable speaking tool:

 

5 MAGIC KEYS TO CREATING ANY SPEECH!

 

Knowing the answers to these Five Questions will enable you to create a fabulous speech for almost any occasion.  Download your Free Report now and make creating your next speech so much easier! 

   Speaking Is Sexy Tip #8, Vol. 3    

 

    The Procrastination Game    

 

      An accountant I know wants to improve her speaking ability. Gina often has to introduce herself in social and networking situations, and every time she tries, she's chagrined at the nervousness that overwhelms her. It's not her competence that's in question. She's very good at her profession, has no problem with tax returns, profit & loss statements, budgets or anything else financial that pertains to running a business, until she has to tell potential clients just how good she really is and why they should work with her. All of a sudden, she freezes and can hardly remember her own name.conftable

     Gina would really like to speak to groups about how to protect themselves and their businesses. She sees so many entrepreneurs making financial missteps that could easily be corrected. Yet the thought of actually getting up and giving a speech ties her in knots. Most of her business is by referral, and now and then, as with all solopreneurs, the pipeline isn't as full as it should be, and that's when she wishes she could go out and offer her expertise to larger groups. For several years now she's been thinking about it... and thinking about it... and thinking about it. She's expert at playing the procrastination game.

      Thinking isn't doing. Gina admits that on this one issue she's a master procrastinator. She knows she could help so many more people if she could just get rid of that overwhelming fear of not knowing what to say or saying the wrong thing. Her business limps along while she dreams of being much more successful and providing more of the good life for herself and her family. But when it comes to actually doing something to overcome her fears, she procrastinates.

      Gina is not alone.

      People fear public speaking for a whole slew of reasons, many of which have nothing to do with actually making a speech. It could, of course, come from an unpleasant experience, often years ago, say when you were a kid in school and gave a report you thought was brilliant but the whole class laughed at you. Or maybe you forgot your speech in the middle at your bar/bat mitzvah or graduation or some other important occasion when you wanted to be perfect.

      Sometimes it's not a particular event that has robbed you of your self-confidence when it comes to speaking. Many people grew up in a family where their opinions weren't valued, where they were constantly compared to a sibling who was more accomplished and they suffered by comparison. Some people acquire a deep-seated feeling that what they have to stay isn't important or good enough, and that nobody wants to listen. They fear they won't be heard.

      For many it's a simple case of never having done it before, and stepping out of their comfort zone to try is too painful to think about. Not knowing in advance if we'll succeed or make a fool of ourselves stops some people cold. We plan, we prepare, we rehearse. That's the best we can do to predict the outcome. For some, taking that leap off the cliff and actually giving a speech is way too scary, so they continue to procrastinate because that feels safe.

       The sad part is that refusing to speak in public robs you of the joy of learning that you do have something to say. You have valuable knowledge to offer and people want to listen, learn from you, and admire you for sharing it with them. You are unique and your unique perspective is your gift to the world.

      conftableActually, you have a responsibility to give that gift to all who will listen. You'll be amazed, once you start speaking in public, how many there will be who do admire you, think your gift is valuable and will thank you for it.

      There's a whole new world out there just waiting for you. Give yourself a break! Stop playing the procrastination game. Grab hold of the joy of sharing your gift with the world. It's time!


DO YOU HAVE FRIENDS OR COLLEAGUES 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 Is Sexy Tip in your Newsletter or Blog?  
You can, as long as you include this entire blurb:  For fourteen years, Marion Claire has coached entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals of all kinds to become the confident, sexy speakers they longed to be.  She'll also help you write your speeches for almost any occasion.  For more information about Marion and her programs, check out her website at www.marionclaire.com 

Is 2012 the year you'll become the
Unique and Sexy Public Speaker you've always wanted to be?



  

It's easier than you think to overcome your nervousness and increase your confidenceYou don't need to be reluctant to get up to speak ever again. Amaze yourself at how quickly you can get rid of whatever is holding you back! Give yourself a break! Let me help you become the speaker you'd really like to be!

 

Do you need a quick polish on your present speaking skills? Let me show you some useful techniques that will give you more confidence and help you speak like a pro.

 

Are you planning a major speech for an important occasion and want guidance on writing and delivering it? In a very short time, you can learn how to organize your thoughts, create a winning presentation, and speak from your heart with authority and enthusiasm.

 

Do you have any debilitating fears that paralyze you at the thought of giving a speech? I can help you overcome them using a special process that focuses specifically on getting rid of the limiting beliefs that keep you from speaking with confidence and joy. Quickly eliminate any fears that have been holding you back. At the same time, acquire tips and techniques to enable you to be calm, confident, unique and sexy every time you speak!

 

      Give yourself a gift that will last a lifetime. Talk to me confidentially about your special speaking needs. I'm always available for a *free* half-hour consultation at 310/659-8956 or email me at [email protected]

What Do My Readers Say? 

 

Speaking Tip #6, Volume III,
"What Do You Say After You Say Hello?"


I love your newsletter and always get something good out of it.  I just tweaked/re-wrote my 60 second commercial as a result of reading this and I think it is better based on the tips you provided here.  Continued success.
                                  ~Brendan McMahon, Merrill Lynch,
Global Financial Advisor


I look forward to reading your 'Speaking is Sexy' newsletter, which always has some unique, thoughtful and important information that will help me in both my business and personal life.  You have great insight, wisdom and practical tips to help guide me in my many speaking opportunities and coaching experiences.  Thank you, Marion!
~Mary Berney, MSW, Executive Coach, DISC Trainer 


Each month I read the tips in Speaking is Sexy and it helps me refresh my skills.  As a lawyer, I need to be able to feel comfortable in giving speeches and the tips in the newsletter have continued to help me.  Thank you Speaking is Sexy!
                                  ~Sharon Kopman, Attorney at Law

HOW CAN I HELP YOU? LET ME KNOW!

 

Would you like to comment on what you've seen here? Your feedback means a great deal to me. Contact me at [email protected]

 

Did you miss previous Speaking Tips? You can find them at www.marionclaire.com/newsletter

 

conftableFood for Thought

 

 

Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence.  Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.  Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb.  Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. 

Persistence and determination are omnipotent.

                ~ Calvin Coolidge          

More about Marion Claire

 

Revealing an Embarrassing Secret   

 

      We all have an embarrassing secret that we don't want to reveal because we're afraid people will think less of us if we do so. For many, many years I hid mine. I was sure that people would look at me strangely or not want to be around me if they knew I was less than perfect.  

      Boy, was I wrong!

      The thing about hiding the truth about yourself is that you are depriving yourself and the folks you come in contact with of the opportunity to have an honest relationship with you. True, you don't want to just blurt out your deepest feelings or most painful memories at inappropriate moments. You want to be sure your revelations will be received with kindness, consideration and sympathy, and not with distaste, anger or ridicule.

      But it is far better to be open about the things you cannot change that have shaped who you are. Facing the secrets of the past helps you understand yourself and it helps others understand you. And with understanding come the gifts of appreciation, sympathy, empathy, and love.

 

      So here's the embarrassing secret I used to be afraid to reveal.

      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 scurrying back inside.

      My enemy was not the great outdoors. It was simply fear.

      Everyone experiences fear on occasion. And everyone's fear is a little bit different, personal to the individual. Mine was fear of being alone out in the world. I didn't feel safe by myself. Although I was perfectly content to live on my own, I needed the comfort and companionship of someone I knew well whenever I ventured out of the safety of my home. No way could I dream of getting up to speak in front of a room full of strangers!

      I'm so proud to say that I overcame my fear. It took, first of all, the courage to admit there was something wrong. Then came the desire to fix it and to seek out the help I needed to overcome it.

      And wow! Look at me now!

      Today I speak in front of groups of all sizes, shapes and interests. If I can do it, so can you! Let me help you. Contact me at   [email protected].   

Speak Your Mind with Marion Claire

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