Volume IV, No. 9                                                                    October 2013

"Challenges make life interesting;
however, overcoming them is what makes life meaningful."  
                                                            
   ~ Mark Twain              
                   
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Included In This Issue
What's Marion Up To Now?
Have you downloaded your FREE report yet?
Let Me Be Your *Speaker* at Your Next Event!
Speaking Is Sexy Vol IV, Tip #9 ~ When You Really Don't Want to Write That Speech
Be the Unique and Sexy Speaker you've always wanted to be
Comments & Kudos From My Readers
Help with your Speech for that Special Occasion
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? 
  

GET YOUR COPY TODAY!

 

      
       You'll love my new book,
SECRETS OF A UNIQUE & SEXY SPEAKER, 155 Helpful Speaking Tips for Writing Your Speech, Facing the Audience & Overcoming Fear! In it are tips used by experts that you can keep in your pocket or desk for a bit of quick help to look and sound like a unique & sexy professional speaker. 

      This is a book for speakers of all levels, from first-timers to 'been there, done that'.  You'll find in it helpful Speaking Tips for any type of speech or speaking occasion. Use it to save you time and uncertainty and make creating your next presentation a joy instead of a struggle!
      

         Order your personal autographed copy now

                       at www.marionclaire.com.

Don't want the autograph?  Go to
www.BalboaPress.com www Amazon.com, or www.BarnesandNoble.co. 
The holidays are coming! Give yourself or someone you know the gift of becoming a unique & sexy speaker!  It'll make your whole life better!

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

 

"My job revolves around communication. Whether it's introducing myself in a crowd, public speaking, delivering good news or bad, my ability to convey information clearly and confidently is what leads to a trusting relationship with my clients. With Marion's practical instruction, she taught me how organize my thoughts and speak from the heart. A few new techniques and my confidence and competence have increased dramatically. I can highly recommend Marion - she's a gifted speaking coach!"

                               ~ Lorraine Greig, Financial Advisor

  


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!   

 

        "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


LET ME BE YOUR *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 meeting or conference? Want tips and techniques on how to be a Unique and Sexy Speaker?

      Being skilled in The Art of Public Speaking means being
comfortable on any occasion in front of any sized group.  Let me show you how to Stand and Deliver: Look, Sound and Feel like a Professional.
       Whether this is your first speech or your fifteenth. I'll give you techniques for grabbing the audience's attention, keeping them tuned in and leaving them wanting more.  I'll tell you secrets of making eye contact no matter how large the audience; how to establish your presence on the stage; how to speak with or without a microphone or slide program, what to do with your hands, and ways to keep moving around the room without making them seasick!


      You need a speaker who walks her talk.  I'll customize a Presentation or Workshop specifically for you and your organization to become the speaker you want and need to be.
  Contact me at: [email protected] or call me at 310/659-8956.  All you need to do is ask!
   Speaking Is Sexy Vol. IV, Tip #9
   

   When You Really Don't Want to Write That Speech  

 

            One of the most common reasons people say they don't like to speak in public is not the act of speaking itself. Actually getting up in front of the audience, whether it's a group of 40 or 400, is not nearly as fearful as not knowing, when they do get up there, what they're going to say.

            No matter how experienced some people may be in their profession, when it comes to telling others what they know or how they know it, their mind suddenly goes blank and they come down with a massive case of procrastination. They'll do almost anything to avoid writing that speech, down to scrubbing the kitchen floor, doing the ironing, handwaxing the car or even repainting the living room. Worthwhile tasks, all of them, but really only excuses to avoid facing the computer or the old-fashioned yellow pad and actually creating that speech.

            Almost everyone is a victim of the Procrastination Gremlin at one time or another. The question we need to answer is why does it appear when we have to put down a few well-chosen words of wisdom on a subject we're supposed to know well?

            Here are a few ideas:

1)    We really don't know our subject well enough to explain it to an audience.

2)    We have too much information and too many choices, and we're not sure what would interest our audience most.

3)    We have all the information we need, but we're afraid we won't say it in an interesting way. Worst case scenario: we'll be boring; the audience will tune us out.

4)    Our topic is technical, precise and exciting to us, but we don't know how to make it clear and attractive to an audience who doesn't love it like we do. We're afraid our talk will be incomprehensible and dull.

5)    When we've spoken in the past, the audience was unresponsive or critical. We're afraid history will repeat itself and we'll be left feeling stupid and incompetent.

6)    We haven't the time to write a great speech, so we'd rather not write one at all. We'll wait for another opportunity.

 

            Who are we hurting when we give in to the Procrastination Gremlin? What will we gain if we defy the P.G., look it in the face and say, "Nuts to you! I can do this and I can do it well. Just stand back and watch me!"

            The quickest way to defeat the Procrastination Gremlin is to Just Get Started!

            Use the Random Order Technique: put all your thoughts down just as they come to you, quickly before you forget them. Then move them around into groups that make sense for the progression of your speech. Pick out the three most important groups and make the key idea of each group one of your bullet points. Use the rest of your information as evidence to support each bullet point.

            Now that you know what you're going to say how should you say it?

            Be a storyteller. The audience will remember more of what you say if you can tell it as an incident that happened to you or someone you know, a journey or a treasure hunt from point A to B to C, or a reference to common knowledge or well-known people that everyone in the audience can relate to. Also consider the Courtroom Technique, asking a question and then answering it with content you want them to know, or the Laundry List, where you itemize what they need to learn in a clear and easy to follow manner.

            You're almost done. Now all you need is a Call to Action: what do you want the audience to do as a result of hearing your talk? Take a particular action? Buy a product, make an appointment, join your cause? Let them know clearly what action you want them to take and be sure to ask them to take it!

            Home stretch! All that's left is to leave them with a memorable thought or quote to take with them. The last thing you say leaves a lasting impression. Make it important.

            That's it! You've done it! You've written your speech. You can kick that old Procrastination Gremlin back in the closet. Then pat yourself on the back five times and say, "I deserve it!" Because you do!

 

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:  Marion Claire coaches entrepreneurs, executives, and professionals of all kinds to become the confident public speakers they long to be.  An autographed copy of her book, SECRETS of a UNIQUE & SEXY SPEAKER, is available on her website.  She'll customize a Keynote Speech or Workshop for your organization and help you write your speech for almost any occasion.  For more information, go to www.marionclaire.com 

Be the Unique and Sexy
Speaker you've always wanted to be!
 

 

"Public Speaking was terrifying to me AND necessary to my business.  Within a short time of working with Marion, my fears subsided and my confidence grew.  With her program and knowledge, I am able to speak publicly for the first time.  She gave me the tools necessary to make this painless and even FUN!  I learned a lot and feel so much better about myself in general.  Thank you so much, Marion. "

      ~ Jennie S. Crowley, Chef Eric's Culinary Classrom

  

 

Give yourself a break! It's easier than you think to overcome your nervousness and increase your confidence. If the thought of giving a speech paralyzes you, it's time to change your thinking! You can acquire tips and techniques that will make you a calm, cool, unique & sexy speaker!  Let me show you how to increase your ability to look and sound professional.

 

Giving a major speech for an important occasion? Need some guidance on writing and delivering it?  You can quickly learn to organize your thoughts, create a skilled presentation, and speak to your audience with authority and enthusiasm. I'll show you how. 

 

 

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 [email protected]

Comments & Kudos From My Readers

 

SPEAKING IS SEXY, Vol. IV, #6  

How hard is it to Write a Speech?   

One trick is to start writing, no matter how disorganized the first drafts look like.  Everybody remembers the first love letter he/she wrote to his/her sweetheart.  It's the same thing. 
~ Martin Jacob,  Ludon Engineering, Ltd.

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SPEAKING IS SEXY, Vol. IV, #8  
When the Audience is Hostile
 
I really liked this one.  It all made a lot of sense. 
                                  ~Nina Nadel, Tel Aviv, Israel

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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 pracitical tips to help guide me in my many speaking opportunities and coaching experiences.  Thank you, Marion!
~ Mary Berney, MSW, Executive Coach | DISC Trainer 

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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 

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?  Need a speechwriter to create your talk?
Make it easier on yourself to have a speech you'll be proud of. We'll create it over the phone, quickly and thoroughly, and you'll have the right words in record time. 
       Why struggle by yourself when you can get it written without the trauma? Be smart. Get help! Contact  me at www.marionclaire.com
 or call 310/659-8956 and let's get started! 

conftableFood for Thought

 

 

We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled.  The trick is knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.      
 ~ Ray Bradbury     

 
           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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