Speaking is Sexy
Volume III, No. 11                                                                      April 2012

"We are not here merely to make a living.  We are here to enrich the world."
                                     ~ Woodrow Wilson 
             
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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 #11, Vol. 3 ~ Take Control of the Power Spot
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 Adding more easy to use techniques to my book, SECRETS OF A UNIQUE & SEXY SPEAKER. 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:  Marion@marionclaire.com

      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?
 

"Marion Claire brings light into the room as she sets everyone at ease so they are ready to learn.  Our team mostly had no experience in public speaking, and so were shy and stumbling at first, but gained confidence quickly under Marion's effective guidance.  They were left with solid information that they could use as they practiced putting speeches together and then giving them.  And as a seasoned speaker myself, I nonetheless learned a thing or two to make my speaking more effective."

~Pauline Field, Chair, www.5050Leadership.org 


      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: Marion@marionclaire.com. 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 #11, Vol. 3    

 

    Take Control Of The Power Spot     

    

      At one time or another, most of us in business may be called upon to introduce a guest speaker, say, at a company conference, fundraiser, holiday party or any situation where a speaker is going to address the whole group. Sadly, many aren't aware that there is a right way and a wrong way to introduce a speaker in the front of the room.

      There is?conftable

  

      If you ask most folks how to present the next speaker on the agenda, they'll reply, "You just say a few nice things about her and her expertise, read her bio if she gave you one, say her name, give the title of her speech, and then walk away and sit down so she can come to the center of the stage and begin her talk."

      Well, that's about half right.

      What, you say, is wrong with it?

      When you're the one who's making the introduction, you have a responsibility beyond saying a few nice things and getting out of the way. You have to hand over the Power Spot.                                

      When you're conducting the meeting, you're in control of everything that happens in all parts of the room, because everyone is looking to you as the leader to tell them what to expect and how they should behave for the time they're here. Wherever you sit or stand, that's the Power Spot. Without the guidance of the leader in the Power Spot, the meeting will probably degenerate into chaos.

      The Power Spot could be in the front of the room with nothing but air between you and the audience. It could be center stage behind a podium or at the head table at a dinner. It might be the seat at the conference table where the president of the company sits. The size of the room doesn't matter. The Power Spot is where the one who's leading the meeting is at the moment. If the leader moves around the room, the Power Spot moves with him.

      So, what does this have to do with introducing a speaker?

      The most important rule about the Power Spot is that it must never been left unattended. Someone must be in control of the meeting at all times. When you, as the leader, introduce a speaker, you're handing over the Power Spot. You're saying, in effect, "Okay, now you're in charge of this meeting. Whatever happens in the next few minutes is your responsibility."

      Of course, you don't say that out loud. There is, however, a symbolic gesture that says to both the speaker and the audience, "She's in charge now, pay attention to her." That gesture is the simple handshake.

      When you introduce a speaker, you must remain in the Power Spot until the speaker comes up to take your place. You shake hands, and only then do you walk away and go sit down. You have 'passed the baton,' so to speak. You've handed over control of the event, and your responsibility until the speaker has finished is to be part of the audience like everyone else. When the speech is over, you need to go up and shake the speaker's hand again, effectively taking back the Power Spot and resuming leadership.

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      Sounds really simple, doesn't it? However, 90% of the folks who lead meetings every day say the introduction and then walk away, leaving the Power Spot as empty as air. For the few moments it takes the speaker to walk up and take control, the event is leaderless, floating like a ship in the sea without a captain. You'll notice the difference immediately. The audience will turn its attention away from the Power Spot and start talking with each other. When the Power Spot is empty, no one is in charge and everyone can do whatever they please.

     Next time you have to introduce someone, remember that your job isn't finished until you've passed over control of the Power Spot. A simple handshake will do it. And don't forget to repeat the process at the end of the speech, when you regain control of the Power Spot. Passing the power goes both ways. 


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 unique and 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 Marion@marionclaire.com

What Do My Readers Say? 

 

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


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 Marion@marionclaire.com

 

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

 

conftableFood for Thought

 

 

We should be too big to take offense and too noble to give it.

               ~ Abraham Lincoln                    

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   Marion@marionclaire.com.   

Speak Your Mind with Marion Claire

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