Your Speech: Intelectual Property

Your Speech: Intellectual Property

Your words – both written and spoken are your intellectual property. Of course the same applies to other writers and speakers.

Be careful what you steal – or are tempted to steal. Copyright law protects a work when it is created. A speech is created when it is delivered. An article is protected when it is written.

After I delivered a speech to an accounting association, an audience member approached me to compliment me on my speech. She then commented that she enjoyed my funny stories so much that she had written them down for her husband to use – because he was a speaker.

In shock I pointed out to her that these were my stories - my intellectual property and not for others to use. She shuffled this off with – “Oh don’t worry – the two of you will never be presenting at the same event.”

She missed the point. You would think that an accountant would know better. Breaking the law is not about getting arrested – it is about breaking the law. Did someone mention Enron?

If you plan to quote other sources extensively – ask for and obtain permission. If you quote short pieces – be sure to give credit. Don’t be a thief – even a clever one.

George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives

Presentation Skills: New Year

Presentation Skills: New Year

What skills will help you the most this year?

The usual suspects might be time management, delegation, stress management, problem solving, communication, and presentation skills.

If “presentation skills” is on your short list then this blog is one place for you to stay tuned.

On this Executive Speech Coach blog you will read tips, insights and examples of presentation skills. You will learn about presentation traps to avoid. And you will hear about dumb mistakes from presentations that I witness. (Just don’t ask me to testify against them.)

You will also see links to articles and tips-lists about presentation skills.

You will hear about upcoming teleseminars, programs and books about presentation skills.

Watch for the new Business Presentation mentoring service to be launched soon.

Have a happy New Year – and be a better presenter!

George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives

Practical Speaking Tips: #1

Drink Water

Before you give a speech, deliver a sales presentation or make phone calls - drink one to two glasses of water. It lubricates your vocal chords, helps your voice and gives you needed fluids that you lose while speaking. Lukewarm water is best; cool water also works well. However, ice water is not good for your vocal chords. Avoid dairy ...read more

George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives