Can you admit to becoming bored, even frustrated with your level of comfort? I can easily feel disappointment when someone I’m working with or the people in my networking groups will not be brave! I notice when people are too uncomfortable, reluctant, or afraid to extend themselves and try something new. I observe people constantly – both those that I know well and those that I have just met. It’s what I do because the core of my work is helping others to present themselves in a way that makes them stand out from the rest. After all, it’s a powerful way to get the success you deserve in a world where everyone is constantly vying for attention. When was the last time you felt brave enough to: Ask for something you really want Step out of your normal comfort zone Speak up about something you truly believe in Walk onto a stage, up to a microphone, or into a corporate setting Speaking of Up-Speak Because so many people speak in question marks today, the practice has actually been given a name. “Up-Speak” is the term for ending every sentence with a question mark instead of a period. This rising intonation at the end of every sentence causes those listening to wonder if the speaker is “sure” of what he or she is saying. It’s a real confidence killer. And while we all engage in this style of conversation from time-to-time, if overused during an interview, speech or presentation, it speaks to a lack of self-esteem and professionalism. Speaking up with confidence and authority is powerful in the following ways: Attracts and holds the attention of others. Permits you to ask for and get what you really want. Allows others to believe in your message – and have the confidence to trust in what you are saying. Speaking of Power Positive eye contact gives you the power to connect with others, inviting them in and communicating on a personal level that impacts and influences. This is how you make a difference. This is how you stand out from the rest. This is how you create more success in your life and in your work. The power of an attention-getting presentation belongs to those who will be brave – and it begins with addressing your fears. It continues with using those fears to your advantage. Here’s what I mean: One of the most common fears we all share is the fear of being judged. Since you’ll be judged no matter what you are saying or doing in this life, doesn’t it make sense to make it an engaging introduction or interesting presentation? Knowing that you’ve done a great job in reaching out to your audience results in a powerful feeling of having done your best; that you’ve succeeded in connecting with them. At this point, you’ll be prepared to let go of all expectations and judgments. Neale Donald Walsch says it this way, “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone.” Speaking of a New You Your job is to be the best you can be. If you’re willing to stretch your comfort zone you’ll soon experience the powerful new you who is able to enjoy: Being comfortable at a higher level Less tension, anxiety, and fear of judgment Maintained poise and composure, without hiding or sacrificing your vitality or true personality. You are free and powerful – because you are brave! 3 Brave Steps You Can Take Now When fear erodes your confidence and self-esteem it’s time to: 1. Step out of your comfort zone 2. Step up to what it is that you know you were meant to do 3. Step into the life you were meant to live I’d love to help you Rock That Interview or Raise Your Keynote. If you’re ready to get the success you’ve been craving, grab your FREE copy of Animation: The Physical Expression of Your Life Force NOW to get started!

Charisma can be defined as having the confidence to be fully yourself – your most engaging, most charming, most energetic, attractive, vibrant, alive self. Our charisma training came as a result of a two-day workshop we did with the Marketing Director of a major corporation and his team. We were on the topic of charisma and how it applies to personal development and public speaking when the director made an interesting comment. He said, “Who I am at work is very different from the person I am at home.” I commented that it must be very difficult dealing with that split personality everyday. “Could it be that you are robbing your team of a whole different side of you? What effect does that have on you leadership skills? Your spontaneous creativity and freedom of thought get beaten down with that kind of thinking.” Many of us are uncomfortable with using the word charisma in relation to ourselves, reluctant to claim what is special and unique about us — which is ironic, since that’s what charisma is all about. I understand why people feel that way, but consider how much you’re leaving on the table. It’s hard to maintain the energy required to perform at your highest level when you shut essential parts of yourself down. When we stand firm and communicate from a deeper level than just the surface of our personality, we are giving our charismatic self a chance of being seen. This young leader decided to take on developing his charisma. While the work was, at times, risky and uncomfortable, he emerged with a whole new way of being. He was still the same person but now he carried a new kind of energy and sense of self. People who communicate charismatically have the ability to inspire and connect with anyone. The following quote embodies this quality and lies at the very foundation of the Laurie Burton Training. “There’s a vitality, a life force, a quickening that is translated through you into action, and because there is only one of you in all time, this expression is unique. If you block it, it will never exist through any other medium and it will be lost—the world will not have it.” ~ Martha Graham Every client and every student I have taught has recited this quote. Their assignment has always been to “embody” or express the meaning of the words – so that when they say the word vitality they say it with energy, spirit and passion. It is through this process that they learn a new way of expressing themselves and tapping into the source of their charismatic self. Who do you know who freely expresses their charismatic self?