The Power of the Pause

When you don't know what to do, what should you do? Pause and smile. Imagine that you are speaking to a crowded room of eager listeners. Suddenly your mind goes blank - you forget what you just said, and what comes next. If you speak in public this will happen to you. You've seen it happen to others; they stammer and sputter and even apologise.

What should you do? ....read more

George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives

Presentation Success

How do you know if you've delivered a successful presentation?

When I ask this question of my audience the answers are usually,

“you get applause”

“they ask questions”

“people stay awake”

“you see them taking notes”

“they laugh at your jokes”

However, none of them is a true indicator of a successful presentation.

No one has yet given me the correct answer to this question. That is curious in itself, because that would suggest if presenters don’t know the definition of a successful presentation they ‘ain’t gonna’ give one.

Definition of a successful presentation:
You gave a successful presentation if, after you presented, the audience is doing, thinking or feeling what you want them to do, think or feel.

I suggest that you read that definition a few times to internalize it

Also, if you know what a successful presentation should be, you might start designing and delivering more successful presentations.

Clarity of purpose is everything.

For more tips on delivering successful presentations read Presentation Skills Success.


George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives

Be a better Public Speaker

Be a better public speaker

How can you be a more effective public speaker?

Say less.

Say it clearer.

Say it with conviction.


George Torok
Executive Speech Coach

PS: the concept is simple. The difficulty is in doing it.


George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives

PowerPoint Exposed

If you or someone you care about uses PowerPoint in your presentations then you will find these articles helpful. They might save you some embarrassment, might rescue a big sales presentation and might rejuvenate your career.

Don’t be seduced by the “ease of use” of PowerPoint. Don’t become a PowerPoint body-snatcher. Don’t check your brains at the door because of PowerPoint.



PowerPoint Sins
PowerPoint Sins, errors, and myths you must avoid when presenting with PowerPoint. Giving presentations is a privilege and opportunity - not a right. Please stop sinning while you present. If you must use PowerPoint or other computer projection – learn these sins and avoid them. Read PowerPoint Sins



Presentation Power does not come from PowerPoint
How do you present yourself with power? Don't be fooled by the name. There is no implied power in PowerPoint. Have you noticed how many presenters use PowerPoint and do not have power? That should be your first clue. PowerPoint is easy-to-use software. It seduces you into believing… Read Presentation Power does not come from PowerPoint



10 Power Tips for Presentations with Computer Projection
When was the last time you sat through a terrible presentation using computer projection? When was the last time you gave one? If you want to avoid disaster and give your career a boost then apply these ten tips the next time you... Read 10 Power Tips for Presentations with Computer Projection


PowerPoint is a registered trademark of Microsoft.

Remember, friends don’t let friends present with PowerPoint without reading the above life-saving articles.


George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives

AIESEC

The international platform for young people to discover and develop their potential.

What they said about George Torok:

“Truly eye-opening and entertaining. A great way to see the clear relevance of effective executive speaking and understand easy, specific ways to improve your own style.”

Carolyn Rush, Regional Vice President Ontario
AIESEC Canada

“George makes everyone feel comfortable together as a group, yet pushes each individual outside of their public speaking comfort zone. Just through watching George present, I am motivated to improve my speaking skills.”

John Kelly, Region Vice President West & Atlantic
AIESEC Canada

“George has an amazing ability to take the mundane and creating it into something engaging yet simple enough to remember and put into practice. Over the years, I have taken classes and read many books on effective speaking; however, George’s class had the most impact on my development. I saw improvement in participating for only 4 hours of his session.”

Messalina Tiro, Vice President Corporate Development
AIESEC Canada


“George is not only a fantastic presenter he is also extremely effective with his time and content delivery. In a couple of hours he delivered several simple tips and techniques that will make me a much better presenter. Attending the “Effective Executive Speaking” course was certainly a great investment in my professional and personal development.”

Talicia Correa, Director of Alumni Relations
AIESEC Canada

“A truly motivating and inspirational presenter. This is my second time to receive training from George and I learn something new every time. The skills and techniques from this course help me every day both personally and professionally. Given the opportunity, I would certainly take a course from George again.”

Juan Panlilio, Director of National Accounts
AIESEC Canada


George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives

Build Trust When You Speak

Build trust when you speak


How can you build more trust when you speak?

Talk slower. It allows listeners to hear and understand you better.

Pause often. It allows people to think about what you said and it demonstrates your confidence in your message.

Look every member of your audience in the eye at some point. We trust you more when you appear to be looking at us. Don’t stare at your notes, the screen, the back wall or the boardroom table. We don't trust a speaker who won't look at us.

Make sure we can see your face clearly. Stand in the light. Don’t obstruct your eyes or mouth. Such actions destroy trust.

Let your audience see your hands. That builds trust. Hiding your hands is a sign of deceit.

And the number one way to build more trust with more people is to smile. A smiling face makes you look more friendly, confident and trustworthy.

The next time you watch a speaker – notice the things she does to build trust or destroy trust.

George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives

Who Trusts You in Your Business?