Volume V, No. 7                                                                                    May 2014

"Do you want to know who you are? Don't ask.

Act!

Action will delineate and define you."

                                                               

   ~ Thomas Jefferson             
                   
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Included In This Issue
Get Help Writing Your Speech!
What's On My Bookshelf?
Need a 30-60 Second Elevator Speech?
Speaking Tip Vol. V, #7~ To Read or Not To Read, That's the Question
Have Speech, Will Travel!
Food for Thought
The Clock Is Ticking! (Time to Be a Unique & Sexy Speaker)
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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GET HELP WRITING YOUR SPEECH! 

  

          Do you need to create a talk for a company conference, a toast for your son's wedding, your mother's milestone birthday, your father's retirement celebration or even a eulogy for a memorial service? Too overwhelmed to do it yourself? Let me help you make it easier to have a speech you'll be proud of. We'll create it together over the phone, quickly and thoroughly, and you'll have the right words just when you need them. 

         Why struggle when you can get it written without the trauma? Contact me at marion@marionclaire.com or call me at 310/659-8956 and get it done fast.

           

"Wow!  I am totally blown away, Marion!  Thank you!  Hope to use your services again soon."
~ Victoria Ferro, CEO,MicroKey Solutions, Inc.

"My speech was a hit! Thank you so much for your guidance and help.  I received so many compliments from the audience. I would love to retain your services in the future to help me become a more comfortable writer and speaker."
~ Angela W.

Thank you for your help. Love it. If you don't mind, I will use you again when I have to speak. Thank you so much.

~Andrew Lotter, CEO, Ameriflight, Inc


Need help with your speech? CALL MARION!


What's On My Bookshelf? 
  

      
       Want to know the speaking tips used by experts?  SECRETS OF A UNIQUE & SEXY SPEAKER, 155 Helpful Speaking Tips for Writing Your Speech, Facing the Audience & Overcoming Fear! may be the perfect solution.  Keep it in your pocket or on your desk for a bit of quick help year round to make you 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'.


        Your personal autographed copy is available
                  now
at marion@marionclaire.com

Don't want the autograph?  Go to
www.BalboaPress.com www Amazon.com, or www.BarnesandNoble.com. 
     

~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

 

"This is a very good book. I have been recommending it to everyone I know!

                   ~ Dr. Tamara Eskenazi, Professor, HUC 

 

 

"I have a whole new mindset about getting up to speak after reading Marion's book.  I was quite nervous before, but she showed me another way of looking at the audience which made me feel more confident.  And I liked the way the Speaking Tips reinforce the advice in every chapter.  It's a terrific book and it really helped me."

       ~ Larry Freedman, Dynamic Nursing Service 

  

Need a 30-60 Second 'Elevator' Speech? 

  

"Marion, your presentation (on the 30-60 second Intro) today was excellent! I definitely have take-aways from it, especially your suggestion that we 'provide a solution to an emotional problem people have'.  That's a nice twist on the difficulty of doing a good elevator speech!  I think it will enhance our communication and will foster more referrals.  Thank you very much for your expertise." 
~ Ivy B. Rappaport, LTC & Life Insurance Specialist  
   
       

          Be irresistible in 30-60 seconds or less. Describe yourself in compelling terms that tell people how much they'll benefit from working with you. Show them with confidence and flair that you can answer their questions and help them solve their problem. Contact me at 310/659-8956 or marion@marionclaire.com. I'll coach you to put your best foot forward in a minute or less!

 

Need a 30-60 second intro? CALL MARION!

Speaking Tip Vol. V, #7      

  

TO READ OR NOT TO READ, THAT'S THE QUESTION     

  

            When is it appropriate to read your speech word for word from a prepared text?

            Most speeches nowadays are given more as informal talks than formal orations.  There are, however, occasions when it's important to read your speech from a prepared text.  For example:

             When the subject is complex, i.e. presenting a scientific paper, and you don't want to make a mistake.

            When it's a formal event, i.e. an international conference, where you need to say every word correctly in a limited amount of time.

            When it's an emotional setting, i.e. a memorial service, and you don't want to forget anything or be overwhelmed by your feelings.

            Or any other occasion when misstating a phrase or omitting a word could cause a misunderstanding that might have critical consequences, i.e. speaking to the United Nations.

            Many folks prefer to read their remarks rather than just talk to the audience because they're afraid they won't say it right, will forget something important or run out of time before they've said all they want to say.  Having the speech in front of them and reading it is like having a Linus blanket.  It gives them the confidence they need to speak to the audience at all.

            If you feel you absolutely have to read your speech in order to say it properly, there are a couple of dangers you need to be aware of.

           While you're looking down at the page, the audience will be looking at the top of your head.  Hard to make eye contact that way. 

            It's easy to fall into a dull monotonous tone where every word sounds like every other word, without emphasis on the important points or pauses between phrases or sentences. 

            When you aren't looking at the audience, you can't tell how they're reacting to your material.  You're accustomed to the sound of your own voice, but are they?  Can they even hear you properly?

            What can you do to avoid these reading traps?  The trick to reading a speech is not to look or sound like you're reading a speech.  It's a learned skill like many others. Try these techniques:

    1. Take a deep breath before you start a new paragraph.
    2. Look at the audience at the end of every sentence; pause and take a breath before you begin the next one
    3. Look at the audience every 6-8 words. 
    4. Break your sentences into phrases so you can look at the audience before and after each phrase.
    5. Keep a finger on the text when you look at the audience so you won't lose your place.
    6. Show your enthusiasm for your material.  Avoid reading in a monotone.  Let your  passion for your thoughts shine through.
    7. Smile at the audience at appropriate moments, i.e. at the beginning of your speech, at selected moments when you say something you're really excited for them to know, and at the conclusion.
    8. Rehearse reading your speech at least three times before you give it,
      1. to be sure you'll speak within your allotted time,
      2. to familiarize yourself with your favorite phrases that you need to say correctly,
      3. to practice looking up from your text to smile at the audience at appropriate moments,
      4. to remember not to read more than 6-8 words at a time without looking at the audience, and
      5. to practice varying your voice tone and quality so you don't fall into a monotone.

            A funny thing will happen as you rehearse your reading technique. You'll find confidence you didn't know you had begin to assert itself.  You'll start to enjoy giving this speech because you'll feel comfortable, you're in control, and you know what you're doing. It'll be easier than you ever thought it would be.  In fact, you may even enjoy the experience.  Who knew?

 

    

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 
"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, david@feldover.com

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 

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

Have Speech, Will Travel!

 

 

Stand and Deliver:

Impress the Audience as a
Unique
& Sexy Speaker

 

 

Looking for a dynamic, entertaining Speaker for your next meeting or conference? Whether you need a Keynote Speech, Presentation or Workshop, I'll design an informative, amusing, value-laden talk specifically for you and your organization. Choose 30 minutes, an hour, two hours or more in your choice of formats. I'll reveal the secrets professional speakers use including techniques to overcome pre-speech jitters, grab the audience's attention, keep them tuned in and leave them wanting more. Contact me at: Marion@marionclaire.com or call me at 310/659-8956. Let me help you solve your speaking needs.

 

"Your talk was smashing!  Thank you so much for taking the time to share your expertise with our NAWBO-LA membership.  We truly appreciate it!"

~Mina Trujillo, PR & Marketing Specialist

 

 

Looking for a terrific Speaker? CALL MARION!

conftableFood for Thought

 

 

A successful man is one who can lay a firm foundation with the bricks others have thrown at him.  

 

 ~ David Brinkley              

The Clock Is Ticking!  It's Time to 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

  

 

            If the thought of giving a speech paralyzes you, it's time to change your thinking! Work with a coach to streamline the process of organizing your ideas, create a skilled presentation to deliver with authority and enthusiasm, and increase your ability to look and sound professional. Let me show you the tips and techniques you need to make you a calm, cool, unique & sexy speaker!   

 

        All inquiries are confidential. Call for a *free* half-hour consultation at 310/659-8956 or email me at Marion@marionclaire.com.

Need a speaker's coach? CALL MARION!

 
           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. 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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