Speaking is Sexy
Volume III, No. 23                                                                     October 2012

"The great thing in the world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving"

                                    ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes               

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Included In This Issue
What's Marion Up To Now?
Your Unique and Sexy Speaker at your next Event!
Have you downloaded your FREE report yet?
Speaking Is Sexy Tip #23, Vol. 3 ~ When Candidates Debate
There's Still Time!!!
What Do My Readers Say?
How Can I Help You?
Food for Thought
More about Marion Claire ~ My Secret Vice
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?
 
End of the Year Special on Speeches for Special Occasions
      

            Do you need to speak at your company's holiday party, son's wedding, your daughter's engagement party, your mother's milestone birthday or your father's retirement party? Not sure what to say or how to say it? Need someone to help you become a unique and sexy speaker for this very special occasion? Let me make it easier for you. We'll work together over the phone, fast but thorough, and you'll have your speech in record time.

            Why struggle all by yourself when you can get it done the easy way? Email me at  [email protected] Subject: I need a speech!, or call 310/659-8956 and tell me what you need. Take advantage of my End of the Year Discount.  

             Be smart. Get help. You'll be delighted you did! 

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~  

  conftable

 

      Have you heard about my upcoming 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:  [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

YOUR UNIQUE AND SEXY SPEAKER AT YOUR NEXT EVENT!

      "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 


     

      Looking for a speaker for your next event? Want to know what it means to "Be a Unique and Sexy Speaker!"? Let me show you ASAP!  

      You need a speaker who walks her talk. I'll be delighted to speak to your group in your neighborhood. Just let me know what you need. I'll customize a program for you and show your group time-tested techniques that'll make them the speakers they've always wanted to be.

      Send me an email at: [email protected] or call me at 310/659-8956.

      All you need to do is ask!

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!  

 

Already a subscriber?  Click here.  

   Speaking Is Sexy Tip #23, Vol. 3    

 

   When Candidates Debate      

          

    We've just had three opportunities to watch two experts at debating use everything they've ever learned about the art of verbally combating a foe to promote their own agendas.  Admittedly, Presidential debates are a class unto themselves, but it might be instructive to take a look, not at what the two candidates said, but how they said it.  Did they adhere to tried and true techniques that debaters have used for centuries?  Did they 'follow the rules' of each debate as they were presented?  Should we look to their debating styles as models for the rest of us, who are not Presidential candidates, to use the next time we find ourselves facing off against a worthy opponent?                 
    No matter which side of the question you're on, there are certain key elements all debaters must keep in mind,
    Are you prepared intellectually?  Can you marshal your arguments and defend them forcefully?  Can you state your points in clear, pithy, easily understood phrases?  Do you have a pretty good idea of what views to expect from your opposition and can you refute them?
    Are you dressed appropriately?  Will the audience be distracted by the colors, style, or hair-do you've chosen to wear?  Are you presenting an image of confidence and comfort?  How's your eye contact and body language?  Are you looking at your opponent or the audience?  What about your facial expressions?  Are you making comments with your eyebrows, remembering to smile or deliberately frowning? Are you attempting to disparage your opponent without saying a word?
    Are you keeping within the time allotted for you to speak or running over into your opponent's time?  Talking over your opponent when it's his turn to speak?  Talking over your opponent when he runs over his allotted time and is trying to hog some of your precious minutes?
    Are you controlling your emotions?  Letting your opponent's statements go unchallenged even though you know they're untrue?  Are you calmly correcting them or allowing those misstatements to irritate you and throw you off your course?  Are you letting your feelings show in your face?
    In discussing how the Presidential candidates did in each of these areas, the opinions expressed here are mine, based on what I saw on TV and influenced by technological limitations; I could only see and hear what the cameras permitted me to see and hear. What you see is what you get to judge on.
    There's no question that both candidates were prepared intellectually.  They each had an agenda, were familiar with what the other was likely to say, and prepared to refute or deny as the need demanded.  They also knew the value of humor and tried to use it... sparingly and Presidentially.   A-plus.
    Their wardrobe was conservative, expensive, and color-coordinated.  They each wore a different color tie... when one chose red, the other chose blue, and vice versa, very safe, non-distracting colors.  They both looked comfortable and confident, permitting the audience to concentrate on what they said.  Solid A.
    Experienced campaigners that they are, they both kept tight control of their facial expressions and physical movements.  They always wore a non-committal smile when the other was talking and kept their eyes mostly glued to the other when not speaking themselves.  Only rarely did they allow themselves a roll of the eyes or a slight frown.  No trace of any emotion such as anger, astonishment, frustration, or resentment; whatever their personal feelings at that moment, they were masterfully masked.  Another A.
    Both debaters had a hard time speaking within their allotted time, however.  Usually it had to do with challenging a statement they felt unjustified or simply untrue.  More often than not, they simply talked over each other.  B-minus.
    Both candidates were masters at the technique of not answering a direct question, instead sticking to what they wanted the audience to hear instead.  A -- for following their own agenda; C -- for not answering the question asked.
    Overall, they skillfully demonstrated how to promote your own agenda in front of TV cameras and millions of people.   As debates go, these were probably the best we'll see for at least another four years.
 


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 
 There's Still Time!... In 2012 to become the Unique and Sexy Public Speaker you've always wanted to be!


"After working with Marion Claire, my fear of speaking in front of a group of people is practically gone.  I still get a few pre-speech butterflies, which Marion assures me are totally normal, but my former severe anxiety has disappeared.  Marion taught me simple techniques to release my pre-speech tension and build up my confidence.  Her knowledge and easy-going manner make her very easy to work with.  She's the real deal and I'm happy to recommend her."

                    --David Feldman, CPA  

www.feldover.com



Give yourself a break! It's easier than you think to overcome your nervousness and increase your confidence
.
You 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! Let me show you how to become the speaker you'd really like to be!

If the thought of giving a speech absolutely paralyzes you, it's time to change your thinking! You can overcome those debilitating fears. Let me show you a special process that focuses specifically on getting rid of the limiting beliefs that keep you from speaking with confidence and joy. At the same time, acquire tips and techniques that will make you a calm, confident, unique and sexy speaker every time!  

 

Smooth and Polish your present speaking skills! You can easily learn useful techniques that will increase your confidence and make you sound like a pro.

 

Need to give a major speech for an important occasion? Can you use some 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.

 

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? 

 

SPEAKER'S TIP #21, VOL III

Do You Really Need Power Point? 

I listen to a lot of presentations and I really don't like when people just read off a power point.  Nice newsletter.  Keep up the good work, Marion.

~ Brendan McMahon, Financial Advisor,

Merrill Lynch Global Wealth Management

   

Ж Ж Ж Ж  

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  

Ж Ж Ж Ж 
 
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 newsltter 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

 

 

In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing; the next best thing you can do is the wrong thing; the worst thing you can do is nothing.  
             ~ Theodore Roosevelt  

 
           More about Marion Claire

 

My Secret Vice  

 

         If you're anything like me, there are things about yourself that you'd rather keep secret from the world. They don't have to be particularly serious or embarrassing. They may just be silly little vices, holdovers from your childhood that make you feel good but might make others look twice at you with one of those expressions that says, "When are you going to grow up?"

         Remember the movie "Citizen Kane" and his childhood sled that he called 'Rosebud'? I would venture to guess that we all have a secret like Rosebud. We don't talk about it. We don't want others to know about it. It may not even be a thing but rather a belief, a habit or a vain hope that we know will never do us any good, but we keep hanging onto it, anyway.

         My secret vice is a bad habit. I'm a procrastinator.

         If I'm going on a trip, do I start throwing things into the suitcase days ahead and make sure I have enough clean underwear and the proper outfits for every possible occasion? Of course not! I wait til the night before. I'm the one frantically doing the laundry at 2a.m., trying on slacks and shirts to see if they match, snatching extra pairs of shoes out of the closet, lifting my suitcase, finding it's too heavy, and then pulling stuff out again just as frantically as I put it in.

         I publish this newsletter twice a month. Do I write my Speaking Tips in advance? Are you kidding? Seeing the deadline in front of me apparently focuses my attention better than anything else because more often than not I only manage to get the copy ready at the very last minute for it to get out on time.

         I'm a professional speaker. Yet often I'm creating my presentations just a couple of days, sometimes hours, before I have to give them. That's a deep, dark secret. No one is supposed to know that. I'll bet you, though, that I'm not the only professional speaker who's guilty of this bad habit. Of course, I've already done the research. I know who I'm speaking to, how long I'm going to speak and what the focus of my presentation will be. I've talked to whoever invited me to speak and I know all the details I'll need. Still, actually sitting down and creating my speech... boy, do I procrastinate!

         I suppose there's a deep psychological reason why I like to leave things to the last minute. Maybe someday it'll bother me enough to find out what it is. In the meantime, I confess that there's something about the adrenaline rush of being up against the gun that appeals to my sense of drama. I just seem to get the job done better and faster when I don't have all the time in the world to accomplish it. That's my secret vice. Well, one of them, anyway.

     What's yours?  Want to share it?  I'll keep it confidential.  Contact me at  [email protected].   

Speak Your Mind with Marion Claire

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