Speaking is Sexy
Volume IV, No. 3                                                                     February 2013

"We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit."  
                                                            
   ~ Aristotle
                  
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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 Vol IV, Tip #3 ~ Be A Memorable Speaker
New Year... New You!
What Do My Readers Say?
How Can I Help You?
Food for Thought
More about Marion Claire ~ My 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?
 
Help with your Speech for that Special Occasion
      

            Do you need to speak at a company gathering, your son's wedding, your daughter's engagement party, your mother's milestone birthday or your father's retirement celebration? Know what you want to say but not how to say it?  Need a speechwriter to create your speech for you?  Make it easier on yourself to have the perfect speech.  We can create it over the phone, fast but thorough, and you'll have the right words in record time.

            Why struggle by yourself when you can get it written without the trauma? Email me at  marion@marionclaire.com or call 310/659-8956 and tell me what you need.  Be smart. Get help. You'll be delighted you did!  

 

~~~~~~~~~~~~  

  conftable

 

      Looks like mid-March for the release of my new book, SECRETS OF A UNIQUE & SEXY SPEAKER, 155 Speaking Tips used by experts you can keep in your pocket or desk for a bit of quick help.  Use these Tips and you, too, will 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: 

 

      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!  

      I'll customize a program for you and show your group time-tested techniques to become the speakers they've always wanted to be. 

      Send me an email at: Marion@marionclaire.com 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 speech for almost any occasion.  Download your Free Report now and make creating your next speech so much easier!   

   Speaking Is Sexy Vol. IV, Tip #3
   

   Be A Memorable Speaker  

            

            How many times have you sat in a conference, seminar, business meeting or lecture, listened to one speaker or a series of speakers, and found that at the end of the day you couldn't remember anything specific that was said? The presentations all seemed to run together like rivers flowing to the ocean, and while you're left with a mountain of material, nothing stands out. When someone asks you to recap what a particular speaker said, you find yourself scratching your head awkwardly and confessing that you'll have to look at the handout or consult your notes. You really can't remember a thing.

            Is it your fault? Were you not paying attention? Is your memory failing you? Were you bored, sleepy, or distracted? What were you there to learn? Assuming that you chose to attend, paid attention and listened carefully, why didn't you learn it?

            On another occasion, you attend a talk and come away with loads of information that you're happy to share with anyone who asks. You feel that you understood the speaker's key points almost by osmosis and can repeat them practically verbatim. You're delighted at how much you remember and anxious to put it into good use in your daily life.

            What's the difference?

            Chances are the speaker whose presentation you remember so vividly has learned to chunk it down, punch it up and offer her material in easily digested, memorable phrases. She has employed the Interview Technique and mastered the art of speaking in sound bites.

            Take a look at the most successful interview shows. Whether it's the news or late night entertainment, the shows you learn the most from are those in which the interviewers and guests have prepared what they want to say in clever, pithy, knowledgeable, cogent phrases that are easy for the audience to absorb quickly and repeat later. Unique and sexy public speakers do exactly the same thing.

            Speakers of all kinds are remembered for the memorable phrases they offer in key moments that define who they are or what their platform is or how they look at the world.

            When John F. Kennedy was inaugurated in 1960, what does everyone remember from his speech? "Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country!" He reminded us of our historic American belief in the value of service to our country in exchange for the benefits we enjoy as citizens.

            Remember Richard M. Nixon's angry, "I am not a crook!" He connected to the universal human instinct to fight back when they feel they're being falsely maligned.

            Princess Diana, when interviewed about the break-up of her marriage to Prince Charles, memorably said, "There were three people in my marriage." She painted an instant picture of her relationship with her husband that everyone who felt betrayed by a spouse could relate to.

            The key to creating sound bites that your listeners will instantly understand and remember is to connect them to the universal thoughts, feelings and attitudes of your audience. Use metaphors, similes, or whatever is most appropriate to describe the concept you want remembered in an easy to absorb format. Paint a visual picture like Princess Diana. Connect to a universal human emotion like President Nixon. Create a rhythmic, musical or alliterative phrase that sings to your audience like President Kennedy.

            Use the Interview Technique to create sound bites that emphasize the key points or evidence in your speech that you most want your listeners to relate to and agree with. Make your sound bites long enough to clearly make your point but short enough to be easily remembered. Be colorful and topical and connect them to current thoughts and attitudes in your industry. Be as universal as you can. Your audience will reward you by remembering not only what you say, but also by admiring you as the memorable speaker they came to hear.


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 fifteen 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 
New Year...New You!... In 2013 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

  

 

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. Amaze yourself at how quickly you can get rid of whatever is holding you back!    

 

If the thought of giving a speech absolutely paralyzes you, it's time to change your thinking! You can overcome those debilitating fears and get rid of the limiting beliefs that keep you from speaking with confidence. At the same time, acquire tips and techniques that will make you a calm, cool, unique and sexy speaker!  

 

Smooth and Polish your present speaking skills!  Easily learn useful techniques to increase your capabilities and look and sound professional.

 

Giving a major speech for an important occasion? Need some guidance on writing and delivering it?  Quickly learn to organize your thoughts, create a skilled presentation, and speak to your audience with authority and enthusiasm.

 

Give yourself a gift that will last a lifetime.
All inquiries are confidential. Call for a *free* half-hour consultation at 310/659-8956 or email me at Marion@marionclaire.com

What Do My Readers Say? 

   
RE: Vol IV, #2, It's Not the Fear, It's the Focus

Very well put, succinct and to the point, and an important reminder before I make a presentation.
~ Martin Jacob, Dept. Manager- Bateman Engineering, Ltd.

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 Marion@marionclaire.com

 

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

 

conftableFood for Thought

 

Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it.    
 ~ Andy Rooney           

 
           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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