Executive Speech Coach - Business Presentations

Presesntation Tip #53: Passion

2012-02-01T10:49:00.030-05:00

Add passion to your presentation to be more effective.

Why?

1. Passion can help energize you to prepare and deliver your presentation - especially if you need to deliver your message repeatedly or to challenging audiences.

2. Passion as perceived by your audience can help engage and persuade them. You need to use emotion to persuade and passion can be a window to display your emotion.

3. Passion can be infectious. Your audience might ignite their own passion for your cause if you have connected in the right way. (We'll examine the connecting factors in the next tip.)

A client asked me to help her convey more passion in her business presentations. After meeting with her I realized that she was clearly passionate about her work and role. But she was not comfortable conveying that passion in her presentations. I believe that she was confusing loud passion with quiet passion.

There seems to be two diverse forms of conveyed passion. Loud passion and quiet passion. Neither is right nor wrong. And there are combinations and shades of gray.

Loud Passion

Loud passion is the most easily recognized form. Motivational speaker, Tony Robbins illustrates an extreme of this form. He bounds onto the stage only after a rising roar from the audience of "Tony! Tony!! Tony!!!" His voice bellows over the sound system. He goads the audience into repeating his mantras and bullies them into standing and performing jumping jacks.

Clearly a passionate speaker. And loud!

You can recognize loud passion in a speaker by a combination of these signs:

Loud voice

Big energetic body movements

Large hand gestures

Simple words repeated as mantras

Seeks and encourages verbal and physical responses from audience

Encourages laughter, cheers and audience participation

Quiet Passion

You might need to look closer for quite passion. When you see it you will recognize it and value it as well. Albert Einstein and Mother Teresa demonstrate quiet passion with their thoughtful words and dedication. Abe Lincoln's delivery of the Gettysburg address was memorable for the quiet passion.

You can identify quiet passion in a speaker by a combination of these signs:

Soft steady calm and firm voice

Long pauses

Bold and confident eye contact

Facial gestures instead of body movement

Thoughtful words, phrases and ideas

Compelling and colorful stories

Observes the non-verbal cues from the audience

Expresses confident well placed smiles

Loud or quiet? It depends on the individual, situation and audience. You might employ a variation of loud and quiet techniques to convey your passion. You might also change your style based on the situation.

Passion can persuade and inspire your audience. There is more than one way to express your passion. Express it.

George Torok

PS: Tell me how this tip helps you.

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Questions To Ask Your Speech Coach

2012-01-30T07:33:00.002-05:00

When you are selecting your public speaking or presentation skills coach - here are some important questions that can help you select the best speech coach for you.

Tell me about your most unusual or most challenging presentations that you have delivered.

Tell me about some of the books that you have read recently on presentation skills.

Tell me about some of your speech coaching triumphs.

Tell me about your experience working with executives and executive issues.

Show me what your clients say.

In addition to the questions above, here are some criteria to consider.

Your best speech coach is one who speaks as well as coaches.

Your best speech coach is one who has experienced some of your speaking challenges.

Your best speech coach is one is constantly learning as well as teaching.

George Torok is the Speech Coach for Executives
To arrange for Executive speech Coaching – call 905-335-1997

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Presentation Tip #52 - Open with a Success Story

2012-01-27T06:18:00.004-05:00

Open Your Presentation With a Success StoryWhen you deliver a sales presentation, leadership speech or motivational talk - open with a success story.

Why?
It grabs attention.
It offers hope.It enhances your credibility.It's more memorable.

Success Grabs Attention
To capture attention at the beginning of your presentation deliver a success story. More people will listen because people prefer to hear from winners - not losers. Success creates positive attraction. If you start negative you will repel them.

Success Offers Hope
Start with success and you offer hope to your listeners. Hope is the universal drug. We all want it and can't get enough of it. Hope is a powerful emotion and motivator. If you are speaking to persuade then triggering hope will help move them.

Success Enhances Your Credibility
When you demonstrate success you will have more credibility. Give an example of your success - especially how you helped a client achieve success - and you appear as the expert. Success will increase your value. When you appear as an expert offering high value you will be perceived more as a helpful resource instead of an annoying sales person.

Success is More Memorable
Plant a success story in the minds of your listeners and they will tend to associate you with that story whenever they think about you. They might even repeat that story when they talk to others about you. Use that story early in your presentation and you can refer back to it when clarifying a point later in your presentation. The success story becomes a point of reference for shaping their opinions.
In my presentation skills seminars or sales presentations to prospects I have used the example of how I helped one client close a $10 million deal. Depending on the situation I might convey some of the detail and drama to effectively plant the success story in the listeners' minds.

Prepare Your Success Stories
List your success stories. Search your memory, colleagues' experiences and client testimonials for evidence of dramatic results. Then go back to those clients for more detail if necessary. Write out the best stories. Edit the story so is it easy to tell without detracting from the main message. Rehearse them so you can deliver them comfortably and convincingly.

Warning
Avoid opening with the company story about the founder's biography, corporate history and mission statements. That's usually boring. No one cares about your company until they know if you can help them.

Success Breeds Success
Lead with success stories because success is attractive and convincing.

George Torok
PS: Tell me how this tip helps you.
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Can We Really Trust Your Conference Speakers to Stay on Time

2012-01-25T13:55:00.008-05:00

If you are organizing a conference, convention or corporate meeting this is the most difficult thing to do. Keep your speakers on time.

Every speaker believes that they need more time than you allot them. Every speaker believes that the audience loves them and wants to hear more.

Most of the time, you, the conference or meeting organizer, can not trust your speaker to stay on time – especially if your speaker is a non-professional. Perhaps you invited an industry expert or company spokesperson to speak because the price was right. They speak for free. That might satisfy your budget but will it present a logistics challenge for you?

Consider this: A speaker who agrees to speak for free with the intention of promoting his product or company will feel that you owe him the time you originally agreed to – and sometimes more.

As the event organizer you probably know that conferences and meetings seldom run on time – which means that someone must cut their presentation. A free speaker will seldom do that because:

They don’t know how to truncate their presentation
They promised their boss that they would speak for x minutes at your event
They feel that you owe them their time - period

And yes we’ve all seen professional speakers abuse your time. Celebrity speakers seem to be the worst because they are basking in the glow of “It’s all about me”. Novice professional speakers make the mistake of going over time because they are still learning.

Every time before they go on stage, the best professional speakers will usually ask the MC or conference organizer, “When do you want me to finish?” And miraculously they will finish on time. Why? Because they have prepared to do that.

Here is a test you can use to see if your speaker understands the concept “Finish on Time”

Ask the speaker, “How will you ensure that you finish on time?”

Does the speaker have his own clock or he is aware of the clock in the room. It’s a bad sign if the answer to both these questions is “no”.

Ask the speaker, “Are you able to shorten your presentation to meet our shifting time limits?” Is the speaker prepared to leave something out?

If the speaker looks at you strange or starts to protest then your schedule is in trouble.

Ask the speaker, “What have you done to shorten your presentation when the schedule changed at a previous speaking engagement?”

If you want your speakers (professional or free) to adapt to your schedule, ask them these critical questions before you agree to book them for your special event.

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How to Present to City Council: Steve Jobs Video

2012-01-23T05:18:00.002-05:00

When you need to speak to city council watch this video first. This is Steve Jobs speaking to Cupertino City Council about Apple's plans for a new office building.

Steve Jobs had many things in his favor going into this presentation in 2011 - and he still prepared and did the right things to ensure his success. I have presented to city council and watched many others do the same. Most of those presenters could learn much from this video.

He was personal and transparent. He started with a personal story about his admiration for HP and the founders of that company. He expressed his excitment about getting a job with HP. Jobs made a joke about his own age...in the 50s.

He proceeded to sell the dream - 12,000 people in one building - and then he explained the significance of that.

He addressed issues that were important to city council and talked in their language.

Landscaping would change from 20% to 80% because we would use underground parking.

The number of trees on the property would increase from 3,700 to 6,000 - including some apricot orchards.

Jobs talked about bus service, tax base and jobs - all key words to city councilers.

When asked a silly question - he replied with "I'm a simpleton, I think that the city should do those things". He humbled himself and did not attack the questioner - which many presenters under fire do.

He emphasised that this would be the best business building in the world and experts would visit our city to study it.

When asked a question about air quality, he personalized it by stating, "Both of my parents died of lung cancer so I'm a little sensitive to that issue."

Notice that the city councilers did not attack him on any of the critical issues because he built his case so well.

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How to Ask, Answer and Anticipate Questions In Your Presentation

2012-01-22T14:18:00.000-05:00

Free Audio Class

In this program you will discover
• The two hidden laws of answering questions
• The over-used word that negates your answer
• Three unasked questions that you need to address for your audience
• Damaging lies that many of us were taught about answering questions
• Constructive phrases to use when you don’t get the answer you wanted
• How to convey more confidence when answering questions
• How to structure your presentation to follow the persuasive question sequence
• How to deal with tough and hostile questions without losing credibility
• How to ask questions that engage your audience without threatening them
• Common phrases to avoid because they often offend your audience
• And much more…

Live Audio Class

When: Thursday January 26, 2012 – 2:00pm to 3:00pm EST (New York Time)

Register to get the free download.

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Come on. Speed it Up!

2012-01-18T15:22:00.005-05:00

What does that really mean?

Imagine that you are speaking to a group. You are speaking slowly because you want to be understood. You are using pauses because you learned that that is an effective way to create drama in your presentation.

You think that you are doing well with your presentation. Then someone says, “Hey! Can you speed this up?” And you notice a few other people nodding their heads in agreement.

You might feel temped to speak faster. Don’t do that. That is not what that person was asking for.

Most likely, what they are really saying is, “I get it. I’m with you. Now explain to me how to do this. Let’s move on”.

A normal flow to a presentation is to first explain the background, the issues and the goal. Then you might talk about the history of your organization. Perhaps you are trying to bring every uninformed person up to speed before you address the point of your presentation.

So if one or a few people say, “Let’s speed it up” what they really mean is “Yeah, we know that. What do you suggest? Or how do we do this?”

They are not saying “speak faster”. They are saying, “leave some of this boring stuff out”.

I experienced this frustration when I attended a workshop on the topic of humor. The speaker was a qualified humor writer. I was there to learn “how” to be funnier when I spoke. Yet he wasted the first half of the session explaining “why” humor was important to a presentation. I put my hand up and asked him to speed it up – when what I really meant was “Skip the crap. We already know that it's important. Start talking about how to do it”.

Unfortunately he ignored my request and his time ran out before he got to the "how to". I was disappointed with this presentation because he didn’t appreciate what his audience really wanted.

When your audience pleads with you to speed it up, what they might really mean is:

We are past that stage – move on
You’re speaking fluff – say something more meaningful
Your words haven’t challenged me yet – when will you get to something interesting?

Speed it up really means that you need to better engage and challenge the thinking of your audience. It does not mean to speak faster.

By the way, I tend to speak slower than many speakers and I use the pause more effectively than most. Other speakers have commented favorably to me about both these techniques and no one has asked me to “speed it up”.

Speed it up does not mean - speak faster. It means you need to say more meaningful things. Say things that make your audience think. They are challenging you to make them think.

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Ford CEO Runner Up in 2011 Executive BS Jargon Award

2012-01-16T09:17:00.002-05:00

What did he say?

It can be mildly entertaining and incredulously frustrating when business leaders make statements that convey nothing but BS.

Lucy Kellaway writing for the Financial Times announced the executive winners of her annual Jargon Awards.

Honourable mention goes to Alan Mulally, CEO of Ford Motor Co. for what Lucy labels as a purposeful yet content-free statement:

“Going forward, we are focused on aggressively managing short-term challenges and opportunities and we remain committed to delivering our mid-decade plan and serving a growing group of Ford customers.”

What did he say?

If I was a nervous investor before hearing that statement, I would be nervous and confused after.

The winner is this category of Sound And Fury goes to Cisco Systems Inc. CEO,John Chambers, who managed to be even emptier - and much uglier - in fewer words:

“We will accelerate our leadership across our five priorities and compete to win in the core.”

What was he smoking?

Imagine the staff searching for a straight answer about what he wants. What does he really want and how will we measure that?

Read the rest of "And the winners of 2011’s guff awards are..." by Lucy Kellaway as printed in the Globe and Mail.

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How Many Times Do I Have to Tell You?

2012-01-13T06:55:00.003-05:00

Have you heard that dumb question from your parents when you were a child? Have you inflicted it upon your child as a parent?

I'm guilty of using it and naturally I learned it as a child.

You know the scenario. Something has not gone according to the plans of the parent. Therefore the parent pulls out this useless "authority hammer" from their "parenting toolkit". It's a no win question. Neither the parent nor the child has the answer and the conversation ends badly.

It's a dumb question. There is no right answer. There might be lots of smart ass answers. But there is no answer that will advance this conversation to a positive conclusion.

Did your teachers ever tell you that there are no dumb questions?

Ha! They lied. There are many dumb questions and questions that might sound smart but are dumb because of bad timing.

As a business presenter there are times that you might ask questions of your audience. When you do it well, questioning is a powerful way to connect with your audience. When done poorly, it can be insulting, embarassing and disastrous.

You can learn more about how to use questions intelligently in your presentations by listening to this free audio class:

How to Competently Ask, Answer and Anticipate Questions in Your Presentations

It's free to register. You can listen to the live audio class on January 26, 2012 and/or download a free audio file of the class.

Among other points, you'll learn how to avoid asking dumb questions.

Check out the details and register to listen to this important audio class.

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Body Language Oozes Testosterone

2012-01-11T13:05:00.012-05:00

We know that body language sends messages. Those messages are not always clear to your audience. There are intended and unintended messages that body language might convey.

But did you know that your physical body language also sends chemical messages to your own body?

Here is an excerpt from an article in the Burnside News.
---------------
Amy J.C. Cuddy, assistant professor at the Harvard Business School, has performed extensive research in various human areas of behaviour, feelings and control in the workplace. Her findings can help many managers become better presenters and overall more confident professionals at stress-inducing periods, like employment interviews, meetings and all in-person events.

Working with co-authors Dana Carney and Andy Yap from Columbia University, Cuddy completed a definitive study that became a wonderful article, Power Posing: Brief Nonverbal Displays Affect Neuroendocrine Levels and Risk Tolerance, which appeared in an issue of Psychological Science magazine (September 21, 2010).

---------------
The interesting point from this research was that when you stand more powerfully your body cooperates by producing more testosterone - which makes you feel more powerful.

Stand proud and you will feel proud. Look good and you will feel good.
Body language is not only what your audience reads into your message. It is also how you feel about yourself and your presentation. This is critical when you might feel anxious about presenting. If you want to feel more confident - look more confident. Then drink the testosterone.

Read the full article Improving Presentations Skills with Power Poses

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Does the Bigger Man Win?

2012-01-09T08:04:00.008-05:00

When speaking in front of an audience, does size matter? Specifically, do you appear more powerful and thus more persuasive when you are taller and/or larger than your competition.

On his NeuroScience Marketing Blog, Roger Dooley states, "There’s data from business showing that tall men are more likely to be promoted than shorter guys, and that they also earn more money."

Dooley provocatively suggests "Politics is Simple: Vote for the Tall Guy".

He justifies that statement with this opening:
---------------
"Our decisions aren’t always as rational as we think, and choosing a presidential candidate is no exception. Researchers at Texas Tech have found an innate preference for candidates who are more physically imposing. This tendency is considered to be an example of evolutionary psychology, in which modern-day humans still exhibit behaviors developed in our hunter-gatherer days. (Or, simply put, “caveman politics.”)"
---------------

Politically incorrect or not, there appears to be a correlation between an individual's height and possibly body size and their perceived leadership abilities.

In my experience observing, training and coaching speakers, I've noticed this same relationship. Specifically a speaker who appears to be larger often projects more power and thus is more effective as a presenter.

Regardless of your size, how might you use this information?

The key to remember is "relative size". How large or tall or powerful do you appear to your audience as compared to your competitiion. Even if you are not a political candidate you are still competiting.

If you are a large person, flaunt it.

If you are a smaller person, you can appear to be larger by:

Standing closer to the audience
Standing as tall as you can
Walking confidently
Talking in a deeper voice
Moving your arms in bigger gestures
Speaking from a raised platform
Not hiding behind the lecturn
Speaking slower
Moving about the stage to consume all the space

My friend and mentor, Peter Urs Bender, used these techniques to appear much larger on stage than he was. He remarked to me that after people watched him speak on stage they often approached him to speak with him. Peter noticed that many people did a double take in suprise when they realized how short he was.

When he was on stage he appeared powerful because of his presentation skills. Because he appeared powerful people assumed that he must be tall.

If you want to appear more powerful when presenting, use these techniques to appear larger.

Read the full article Politics is Simple: Vote for the Tall Guy by Roger Dooley

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Speak More Slowly - important lesson from Stroke Victim

2012-01-05T08:40:00.014-05:00

When Words Failed Him is an inspiring story about Harvey Strosberg, a trial lawyer who suffered a massive stroke that robbed him of speech.

He learned to speak again and more importantly returned to his career as a court room lawyer.

A lesson that he points out is that he found he was more persuasive when he spoke slower. He suggests that most lawyers need to speak more slowly to win their arguments in the court room.

It's curious that after years of a successful law career he was still able to learn how to present more effectively. We should never stop learning. Too many presenters forget or ignore the fundamentals of presenting. In this case, because he had to learn how to speak again from scratch he was more willing to learn how to do it better.

The lesson for business presenters - don't wait for a stroke to force you to learn the fundamentals. Start speaking slower today.

Read the full story When Words Failed Him at the Globe and Mail.

George Torok

Public Seminar: How to Deliver Superior Presentations

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Warning: Trailer Trash Words and Phrases that Destroy Your Credibility

2012-01-02T19:29:00.000-05:00

The words that you use tell your audience who you are, where you are from and what is your level of education. Based on those blatant messages, your audience decides on what label to slap on your face.
If your audience perceives that you are “beneath” them in education they tend to be less willing to see you as an expert.

There is nothing wrong with coming from the other side of the tracks. Oprah has pointed out often where she came from. But she also made it clear that she didn’t stay there. She improved her language skills…..

Watch out for these words and phrases that might slap you with inferior labels.

You Guys

This is pure trailer trash talk. The correct term is “you”. The word “you” is both singular and plural. We learned that in high school. The phrase “you guys” is just a touch above the gang phrase “youse guys”
Anyways

This word is dismissive. It suggests that you are dismissing what the other person just said or that you wasted their time with your previous message. Avoid it.

Internet
The word is “In – ter – net”. Three syllables with a clear T in the middle. It’s not “Inner-net”.

Create
The individual who claimed to be an expert on creative thinking kept pronouncing this word as “crate”. Just plain trash talk.

Freak You Out

The individual from the previous example also used this term. The only place that I’ve heard this term is on the TV show “Trailer Park Boys”. I’ve looked at that show a few times and I don’t want to advertise that fact. Neither should you.

If you speak or present to senior executives, they will likely be “language educated”. That means that they will listen to your words and judge you and your value on the words that you use. Their ears will be tuned to key words and phrases that enable them to quickly label you and your value.

The wrong words can turn your listeners into objectors immediately. If you want to connect with these high value decision makers then learn to speak their language.

George Torok

Executive Speech Coach

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PowerPoint Tips, Mistakes and Ideas from 2011

2011-12-23T13:02:00.001-05:00

What are the best ideas that you can use to improve your PowerPoint Presentations?

What if Your PowerPoint Slides Make You a Liar?

The marketing director of a well known Internet company presented us with fascinating stats about Internet use and users.

I was captivated by the numbers and percentages until he reached the graph slide in his PowerPoint presentation.

One of my colleagues raised his hand to ask a question. The presenter innocently paused to take the question and was blindsided by what happened next.

Black Death Versus PowerPoint

It's estimated that the Bubonic Plague (Black Death) killed 20 to 50 million people in Europe between 1347 and 1351. It's attack was swift and merciless. People didn't know how to deal with this threat. They didn't understand nor appreciate personal hygene nor sewage removol. They were vomitting in the streets - and dieing horibily. Almost half of the European population was eliminated in four years.

How Many Words Can You Have on Your Slides?

This is a question that more presenters need to ask before they speak. How many words should you put on your PowerPoint slides? What is the maximum number of words?

Geoff Ramm Presenting With PowerPoint

I watched my good friend from the UK, Geoff Ramm present at a few conferences. We were fellow speakers on this speaking tour. Geoff is a marketing expert and specializes in Observational Marketing. That means he looks around and reports what he sees – especially what seems to be working.
In his presentations Geoff made the best use of PowerPoint that I’ve seen. Too many speakers use PowerPoint as a crutch or shield. You know those speakers who simply repeat the words on the slide or constantly check the slides so they are reminded of what to say next.

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Change Your Posture, Change Your Presentation Success

2011-12-17T13:28:00.000-05:00

Perhaps you remember your teachers or a parent scolding you to “Stand up straight, don’t slouch.” Looking back you probably realize that advice was well intended.
We generally perceive a person that stands straight with head high is more confident and thus more successful. Because of that we tend to listen better to that person and grant more credibility to their words.

Research from Harvard adds more weight to that advice. The work was published in an article titled “Power Posing: Brief Nonverbal Displays Affect Neuroendocrine Levels and Risk Tolerance” which appeared in an issue of Psychological Science magazine (September 21, 2010).
The study and article suggest that if you assume a more powerful pose you will feel more powerful because of the increased production of testosterone caused by the physical power posturing. This is a curious aspect of body language. By adjusting the physical language of your body you can influence the internal chemical language of your body.
The Burnside News reported:

The study concluded that learning to adopt "high-power" poses of your body for two or three minutes before an interview, meeting or presentation will increase your testosterone levels and decrease your cortisol levels. Since testosterone is associated with power and dominance in mammals and cortisol can cause hypertension and even memory loss, this simple technique can be quite valuable to anyone who suffers feelings of powerlessness, nervousness or physical upset prior to a potentially stressful "performance."

The message for presenters is, if you want to be more successful, adopt a powerful stance before you take the stage. You will both feel more powerful and convey greater power and confidence.

Go ahead and practice before your mirror. Just don’t let your mother walk in on you.

Read the rest of the Article in the Burnside News at Improving Presentation Skills with Power Poses.

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North American English Dialects, Based on Pronunciation Patterns

2011-12-16T10:36:00.000-05:00

English, like many languages has many dialects and regional accents. None of them is the right way. This detailed website explains and demonstrates the variety of English spoken in North America.

The detail is amazing - including links to videos that demonstrates the accents. Kudos for Rick Aschmann for the detailed work into producing this resource.

North American English Dialects, Based on Pronunciation Patterns

http://aschmann.net/AmEng/

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Geoff Ramm Presenting With PowerPoint

2011-12-14T07:44:00.001-05:00

I watched my good friend from the UK, Geoff Ramm present at a few conferences. We were fellow speakers on this speaking tour. Geoff is a marketing expert and specializes in Observational Marketing. That means he looks around and reports what he sees – especially what seems to be working.

In his presentations Geoff made the best use of PowerPoint that I’ve seen. Too many speakers use PowerPoint as a crutch or shield. You know those speakers who simply repeat the words on the slide or constantly check the slides so they are reminded of what to say next.

Geoff Ramm worked with his slides as if they were a tag team. One didn’t steal from the other. They handed off to each other. Geoff would set up the next slide before it appeared so the audience anticipated it and knew what to look for.

When the slide had delivered its message, the attention moved naturally back to Geoff. Like an accomplished comedy duo they worked seamlessly together.

The slides were real visuals – photographs. Not paragraphs or bullet lists. The only slides that had words on them were for his transitions. So the audience always knew what was coming next.

Nicely done Geoff Ramm and company.

Presentation Skills Training

Read "Annoy Your Audience: Read Your PowerPoint Slides"

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Power Presentations Tip 51: Fact vs. Opinion

2011-12-12T08:27:00.003-05:00

Facts vs Opinion

When you want to persuade you need to present both facts and opinions.

Both need to be there. Facts serve as the foundation and reference points. Opinion builds on the facts and leads them in the direction you wish to take them.

Be clear on the difference. Distinguish between them and use them wisely.

In a courtroom trial the lawyer will present a series of linked facts and then interpret those facts via expert opinion or his own opinion. The jury will reach a verdict based on their own opinions. But it all starts with proven facts. Unproven facts are simply opinions and not the foundation for a persuasive argument.

Facts

When presenting a persuasive message you need to include the relevant facts – but not all the facts. Too many facts will bore and confuse people.

Choose your facts carefully and present them clearly and confidently because your argument of opinion is based on the facts. If the facts are unproven or disbelieved your argument will fail.

The speaker mentioned that today was the birthday of Elvis (primary reference point fact). He then went on to add stats about the growth of Elvis impersonators since the death of Elvis (secondary reference point fact). He next compared the money earned by these impersonators versus the original (tertiary fact).

His conclusion was that it was more important for people to be an original instead of a copy (opinion).

It looked like a good use of fact-linking to support his opinion – except for one thing. One audience member pointed out that today’s date was August 16 – the anniversary of the death of Elvis; the birth date was January 8. The primary factual reference point of the speaker’s argument was wrong. Therefore the rest of his argument was suspect. If his facts are wrong or suspect his opinion is worth very little.

Get your facts straight.

Opinions

Facts by themselves often fail to persuade. It is opinion that persuades people because opinion adds relevance. To be effective build your opinion on facts. Your opinion will always appear more convincing when supported by proven fact.

The salesman repeated several times that the laptop was a good price. That was his opinion. He did not connect that to any facts. Because of this I didn’t believe him and stopped listening to everything else he said.

Some speakers mistakenly present opinion as fact. If you can’t prove it – don’t call it fact.

“In my experience” is an opinion. “Everybody knows” is not basis for a fact. Wikipedia is not a source of reliable facts.

I believe that more speakers need to distinguish their facts from their opinions and appreciate the dependant relationship between them.

When building your persuasive presentation research and clarify your facts then build your opinion on top of the facts.

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Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Presentation Train Wreck: Avoid These Mistakes

2011-12-09T12:49:00.000-05:00

Have you ever cringed while watching a speaker and wondered “How is this speaker going to save this train wreck of a presentation?”

Most presenters make some mistakes. All speakers can get better. And then every once in a millennium you witness a presentation that defines awful. If you saw the movie “Apocalypse Now”, just imagine Marlon Brando, watching this presentation and muttering, “The horror, the horror”.

Be forewarned. This will be awful. Reach for the air sickness bag.

This speaker was the head of an international office for a major advertisement agency. You would think that people who make their living persuading people to buy would understand the principles and importance of communication skills. You would think that their leaders would be superb communicators and presenters. At least, that’s what I had thought.

Of all the speakers at this international marketing conference, this speaker was the only one who chose to plant himself firmly behind the lectern. With both hands desperately grasping the lectern he made it clear to his audience that:

He had no intention of getting close to his audience metaphorically and literally,
He would be lost without his notes,
He would not let the lectern fall over.

He then showed his first slide while reading it word for word from his notes – never looking at the audience. Then, the next slide and so on…

I admit. I stopped paying attention for a while. Examining my finger nails and wondering if they were ready for cutting and filing – seemed more interesting at this point.

At some point during his presentation he started to display videos of TV advertisements that his agency had produced. I missed his introduction of the first video – wondering “Where did I leave that nail file?” But the videos did seem more interesting than he so I glanced at the videos on the screen. He played a few in a row – without commentary between. No setup and no debrief. I wondered: What was his point? What message was he trying to convey? Did his audience understand the message? Did he know the answers to those questions? Did he even care?

Then one video caught my attention. It was a short story about a teenage girl having communication problems with her handicapped father. They argued. They both seemed angry and frustrated. It was saddening to watch. Then, the daughter attempted suicide.

In the last scene of the video the daughter was recovering in the hospital while her father donated his blood to save her. It was an emotionally stabbing story.

I wondered, “How is this speaker going to bring the audience up after this emotional plummet into the abyss? Surely he understands that you never leave your audience with despair. You might take them to the depths for a brief visit. But you never abandon them there. You always leave them with hope.

I was intrigued at how he would perform this magical transition. I wanted to learn from this advertising agency CEO.

Then he said, “Well, that’s it. Thank you.”

Arrrrrggghhhhh.

He left his audience in the pit of despair. And then he failed to have a close to his presentation. That callous ending demonstrated a complete lack of understanding and empathy for the feelings of his audience.

Of course he also demonstrated an incredible lack of presentation ability. I believe that this man is an unconscious incompetent. He doesn’t know what he doesn’t know. And he clearly didn’t care. He was the only person who didn’t compare notes with the other speakers at this marketing conference.

The Lessons From This Disaster

Know your presentation well enough that you don’t need to read it.
Move away from the lectern to appear more open to your audience.
Tell your audience what to notice when you use videos.
You might even stop the video part way to draw attention to an important point.
After the video review the message.
If you take them to an emotional low – be sure to bring them up immediately after.
Close your presentation. Don't just end it.
Demonstrate that you care about your audience.

The best news for you as a speaker is that the standard for awful has been set. And you now know how to be better than awful.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

When You Speak It's Not Your Time That You Are Using

2011-12-08T16:14:00.000-05:00

The worst presentations waste time.

They start late, drone on too long and go over time.

If you are starting late, ask your host, "When do you want me to finish?" And then finish early. They will love you.

The measure of a good presentation is not how long you can speak. It is about how well you can get your message across in the shortest possible time.

Always be prepared to have your presentation time cut. Leave out that 5 minute story, extra point or extended Q & A.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Steve Jobs: How to Live Before You Die

2011-11-25T19:17:00.003-05:00

Steve Jobs delivering graduation speech at Stanford University in June 2005.

Steve Jobs has been cited as an effective presenter - especially when he announced the new Apple products.

This presentation seems to show a shy, wounded and reluctant presenter.

The words are powerful. It was a well written speech. It is an amazing speech to read. The best way to enjoy this speech is to read it or listen to it - but not to watch it. You will notice that Steve Jobs read this speech - almost entirely.

That seems strange because he only told three personal stories. He knew those stories, yet he felt compelled to read his speech. When the audience reacted to his words, he did pause, but failed to look at them. He was clearly lost in his own emotion and discomfort.

Notice the lack of emotion on his face and in his body language. Although his message was important to his audience he was clearly telling it for his own personal cleansing.

Notice how he strokes his chin at personal moments. That is likely a sign of self comforting because of pain.

The man was likely in a swamp of personal pain during this presentation.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Your Audience Doesn’t Care About Your Problems

2011-11-24T17:52:00.001-05:00

Yet, too many speakers start their presentation with their personal tale of woe.

The speaker started his presentation by telling us that he travelled from the west coast across three time zones and arrived around midnight. He went to the wrong hotel because he didn’t clarify that information before he travelled.

Was he looking for sympathy because of his stupidity? Was he hoping to gain rapport because he travelled? Meanwhile I was remembering that I had recently travelled half way around the world across nine time zones to speak. I didn’t bore my audiences with my personal pain and lack of sleep because they didn’t care.

Why did this speaker think that his audience cared about his travel challenges?

Stop feeling sorry for yourself. Stop crying to your audience. Deliver your message.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Keynote Speaker's photostream

2011-11-23T14:40:00.001-05:00

Keynote Speaker's photostream on Flickr.

International Keynote Speaker, George Torok, speaking on the big stage at conferences in Iran. Notice the passion, body language and energy

How Many Words Can You Have on Your Slides?

2011-11-15T16:57:00.007-05:00

This is a question that more presenters need to ask before they speak. How many words should you put on your PowerPoint slides? What is the maximum number of words?

I wish more people would ask me because I would tell them - zero, zip, nada. PowerPoint slides should be for images only because it is a visual medium. Text is not visual. Images - photos, diagrams and charts are visual.

But, those people don't seem to listen to me.

Here is a tip that business presenters might find more palatable.

"Put as many words but no more on the slide than you can speak in one breath."

That practical advice comes from my friend, colleague and professional speaker, Mark Ellwood. He is a productivity expert who helps business professionals make better use of their most limited resource - time.

The photo above is a picture of a slide from a presentation I attended at a conference in Iran. As you can see - it has way too many words on the slide and no visuals at all. This PowerPoint scourge encompasses the globe.

The bad news is that presenters all around the world have been seduced into delivering boring PowerPoint presentations.

The good news is that presenters all around the world have been seduced into delivering boring PowerPoint presentations.

The wonderful news for you is that you can stand out from the competition by using less words and more visuals on your PowerPoint slides.

Look at your slide and try to read it out loud in one breath. I dare you! Then remove the excess words.

George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
Presentation Skills Training
Presentation Skills Club on Facebook

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Why do you ask questions?

2011-10-25T18:42:00.001-04:00

The most obvious reason might be to discover the answer.

The purest form of asking questions is just that – to discover the answer. But that could be difficult. To discover the answer you must ask a good question then listen without judging.

That’s difficult for many people and impossible with certain temperaments.

First, you must ask a clear question.
Second, you must listen without interrupting.
Third, you must listen without judging.

Each of those steps are difficult for most of us some of the time and each step can be difficult for many of us most of the time.

Are you asking a question to trap someone?

Are you asking a question to prove that you are right?

Are you asking a question to confirm what you already believe?

If you want to better connect with your listeners – ask questions to discover.

Ask, and then listen without judging.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Better Name for PowerPoint?

2011-10-22T15:14:00.002-04:00

Don’t be fooled by the name. There is no implied or real power in PowerPoint. It’s just a clever name. Would so many presenters have been as easily seduced if the product was named FoolsPoint, LoserPoint or BoringPoint?

PowerPoint is software that is easy to use. So, many presenters make the mistake of relying on the software instead of preparing an effective presentation. The next mistake they make is assuming that the PowerPoint slides are the presentation, so they don’t bother to improve their own presentation skills. They expect the software to present for them.

Microsoft put one over the whole presentation world by naming it PowerPoint.

So, let's have some fun and suggest a realist name for the scurge "once known as PowerPoint".

George Torok

PowerPoint Sins

SlideShare Presentations

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Presentation Training: How to Select Your Presentation Skills Trainer

2011-10-14T17:29:00.001-04:00

If you are ready to improve the presentation skills of your team and are looking to hire a presentations skills trainer you might be wondering “How do you choose the right presentation skills trainer?”

This article will offer you some tips and ideas on the questions you should be asking of your prospective presentation skills trainer when planning a presentation skills training program for your people.

Ask these five direct and revealing questions of your presentations skills trainer to help you select a superior trainer.

Are you a natural born speaker?

This is an important question because if the trainer is a natural born speaker – they will not likely be a good instructor. The best teachers and trainers are those who struggled to learn the skills. They remember the pain of how difficult it was for them and thus can better help your people. You don’t want a self appointed Prima Donna as your presentation skills trainer. Do you?

It’s a good sign if the trainer briefly describes some of his own pain and struggle to become a better presenter. You don’t want an individual who claims to have a gift.

Other than training, what other types of presentations have you delivered?

You probably heard the expression “those that can, do and those that can’t, teach”. Be sure that your presentation skills trainer is not just a teacher or professor telling students how to do something that they have never done. Almost anyone can tell the theory of delivering a sales or boardroom presentation but it’s another story to actually deliver the real thing and relive the mistakes and lessons for you.

What have you written and where else have you been quoted and published?

If the presentation skills trainer has any substance he will have written something. The real question is who else thinks it’s worth quoting. A few articles is a good start but does not make one an expert. Ask to see copies of several articles written over a period of several years. Look for evidence that the individual is raising and answering provocative issues. If he wrote or contributed to a book, ask for a copy to see if that resonates with your needs and values.

Who says that you’re good?

There are two things that you are looking for here. Who (companies or organizations) have they worked with and for how long? The other important element that you want to see is client testimonials. You want testimonials from clients that detail the results and show the names, titles and companies. Anonymous testimonials are fools gold. Recognition from other experts is helpful. The third area of recognition is the media. Where has your expert been quoted, interviewed or published?

What have you done recently to improve both your presentation skills and presentation skills training?

There are two things that you are looking for with this pointed question. You want to hear that your presentation skills trainer has attended training programs to refresh or upgrade their skills. You want to hear that this person has invested in their own expertise by working with a presentation skills coach. You might also ask about the books that they have read lately or books that influenced them greatly. Here’s a simple tip – ask them what two or three books – other than their own they would recommend to you to improve your presentation skills. If they can’t immediately name at least three and the reason for their picks, you can write them off your list.

When selecting the best presentation skills trainer for your people it’s important that you ask the right questions so you make the right choice. Ask the questions that establish the expertise, approach and fit for training your team on improving their presentation skills.

© George Torok is a presentation skills trainer, keynote speaker, bestselling author and radio show host. Get your free presentation skills tips at http://www.torok.com Arrange for executive speech coaching and presentation skills training at http://www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com For media interviews call 905-335-1997

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Black Death Versus PowerPoint

2011-10-13T15:49:00.012-04:00

It's estimated that the Bubonic Plague (Black Death) killed 20 to 50 million people in Europe between 1347 and 1351. It's attack was swift and merciless. People didn't know how to deal with this threat. They didn't understand nor appreciate personal hygene nor sewage removol. They were vomitting in the streets - and dieing horibily. Almost half of the European population was eliminated in four years.

It took almost five years for the uneducated masses of the middle ages to learn how to deal with this threat.

In 1990 another plague assualted us - PowerPoint. Twenty one years later the people are still suffering from Death by PowerPoint.

Audiences are still suffering from bad PowerPoint Presentations. Educated people are still deverlering painful PowerPoint presentations.

Why?

Because the pain is kept to oneself, because the death is in deals lost, and the vomitting is done in private.

Cleary - it's not painful enough - yet.

What are the numbers?

We don't know for sure.

Consider this. When was the last time you sat through a PowerPoint presentation? Today? Last week? Last month?

How did you feel during that experience?

Let's consider some conservative assumptions about corporate presentations.

Of the Fortune Five hundred Corporatioins in North America, let's assume that each of them endures at least 10 interal PowerPoint presentations each working day.

At the same time let's assume that their sales reps are delivering at least 50 external presentations each day.

The next 2,000 large sized corporations are delivering at least five presentations per day.

The next 5,000 large and medium sized corporates are delivering at least one persentation per day.

Of the hundreds of thousands of entrepreneurs at least 10,000 are delivering a PowerPoint presention each day.

Of the at least thousands of colleges and univeristies at least 2,000 must be delivering PowerPoint presentations every day.

So what does that leave us?

Fortune 500 x 10 = 5,000

Fortune 500 x 50 = 25,000

Next 2,000 corporate x 5 = 10,000

5,000 mid sized x 1 = 5,000

Entrepreneurs 10,000 x 1 = 10,000

Colleges & Universites 2000 x 1 = 2000

That suggests at least 57,000 presentations a day.

That means at least - 14 million presentations a year

Let's be conservative again and cut that number in half. So for for the last 20 years, at least 140 Million PowerPowerPoint presentations have been forcing people to vomit in private.

With at least five people attending each presentation - that makes at least 700 million people that have suffered the plague of Death by PowerPoint. That is more than twice the population of the USA.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Power Presentations Tip 50: Timing is Everything

2011-10-07T11:36:00.010-04:00

Timing is Everything

The singer sang the verse and then encouraged the audience to sing
along with the chorus of the old yet well known song, "Those Were
the Days My Friend"

I studied her as she switched between the roles of singer /
performer and maestro / cheerleader. The transitions were smooth
and coincided with the accompaniment from the band.

Each time she shifted out of "singer" mode into "maestro" mode she
waited for the precise moment to call out an encouragement to the
audience.

It was only seconds that she waited but I marveled at her timing
because I've seen many performers loose their sense of timing when
they fall out of performer mode.

What is Timing?

Timing is a difficult concept to explain. If you know it, you will
recognize it when you see it. Bad timing is usually easier to
recognize because of the ill effects.

The importance of timing is especially noticeable in relationships,
dancing, business, combat, sports, music, entertainment and
presenting.

Complex Skill

Timing is a complex skill because it is based on developing other
skills first.

Timing seems to be the combination of two key skills. First, the
willingness to wait, even though you feel ready now. Second, the
ability to be in the moment, observe your audience and notice when
they are almost ready.

Timing in Presenting

Where can you make better use of timing in your presentations?

-Pausing just before you deliver a poignant point
-Slowing down your delivery on a critical message
-Delaying your response to a challenging question
-Waiting for the laughter to arrive and then subside after a funny
line
-Changing the sequence of your presentation because the rhythm was
right
-Taking an unplanned break because the room was ready for it

How Can You Improve Your Timing?

Listen to music and notice both the rhythm and the beat. Notice how
important that is. Try humming your favorite tunes - first as
intended, then quicker and finally disjointed. Feel the difference.

Watch comedians - live or on TV and count the seconds of their
pauses. Repeat their lines out loud.

Sit on a chair - look at the clock - close your eyes and open them
in 60 seconds. Then try it again and aim for 90 seconds. See how
close you can get to your target.
The next time you are near a lake, sea or ocean - watch the waves.
Count the cycle between big waves. Imagine that you are a surfer
timing your next ride. Move too soon and you crash - too late and
you miss the joy.

Of course the most important part of timing is to finish your
presentation on time.

George Torok

PS: Tell me how this tip helps you.

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Me, Me, Me

2011-10-05T18:56:00.002-04:00

Imagine how you feel when they start talking to you like this?

Me, me, me, me, me, me me...

My, my, my, my, my...

Mine, mine, mine...

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Why Are Presentation Skills Important?

2011-09-20T10:17:00.002-04:00

Most people will agree that presentation skills are important. But ask them to explain “Why?” and they are stumped. These folks might mumble something unintelligible and proudly declare “Because – everybody knows that it is”.

I’ve been studying and teaching presentation skills for over a decade so I’ve had the opportunity to think about this question.

First, let’s clarify the statement “Presentation skills are important”. What we really mean is, “Effective presentation skills are important”. “Presentation skills” is not a black and white off/on switch. It is a rainbow of colors. Everybody has presentation skills. Some are better than others. The primary goal is for your presentation skills to be better than your competition, whoever and whatever that is. The secondary goal is for your presentations to get better with every presentation that you deliver.

So whenever you read “presentation skills are important” think “better presentations are critically important”.

Presentation Skills are Important to Individual Success

For many individuals the first important presentation they deliver might be to the selection committee. It might be labeled as a “job interview” but it’s really a presentation. Success rides on their presentation outshining the competition. The results are black and white but the skills are a rainbow of colors.

In most organizations day-to-day business entails teamwork. That means presenting to your team or on behalf of your team. Career growth necessitates presenting your ideas to others. And if you want to be promoted you need to train others to handle your old job. If you want to fast track your career – volunteer to work on projects and deliver more presentations.

Presentation Skills are Important to Business Success

Having the superior product is never enough to guarantee business success. Apple is acknowledged as offering leading edge technology and Steve Jobbs is often modeled as a superior presenter. If you are not the Apple of your industry just imagine how much better your presentations need to be.

Business leaders are often expected to present their message with confidence and clarity to staff, clients, partners, investors and sometimes the public. Millions of dollars can ride on these presentations.

Presentation Skills are Important to Stress Reduction

The financial cost of stress to organizations is huge. Work related stress can be demoralizing to staff, management and executives. Effective presentation skills reduce miscommunication, which is likely the biggest cause of work related stress. Better presentation skills also reduces the stress on presenters which means they will be more willing to present and more effective with their communication. The principles and techniques of presentations apply to other methods of communication. Become a better presenter and you will become a better communicator.

Presentation Skills are Important to Time Management

Many presentations take too long and thus waste time because the presenter was trying to fill the time period. Better presenters get their message across in less time because they respect time, focus on the message and use the most effective techniques to communicate. Better presenters can deliver their 30 minute presentation in 5 minutes or 90 seconds when needed. Better presenters also save time while preparing because they prepare their presentation more efficiently. They know where they are going and how to get there faster.

Presentation Skills are Important to Leadership

Winston Churchill was praised for his inspiring presentations that helped England fight back against Nazi Germany. Leadership in your community, association or organization demands effective presentation skills.

Every cause needs a leader. Every leader needs to be able to stand up and deliver a clear and inspiring message. The team and followers will often judge the leader and the cause on the presentation skills of that spokesperson.

Presentation skills are Important to Public Image & Opinion

It might seem unfair, but we will often judge you, your organization and your product on how you, your staff or executive delivered a presentation. We will tend to remember the extremes – really bad or really good. Remember that our perception is relative to how everyone else presented.

Better presentations don’t guarantee you success but they give you a better fighting chance of success. Almost everything you want to accomplish is a fight. Why not gain a powerful edge in your favor? Improve the presentation skills of you and your team.

For the reasons above you can see clearly why presentation skills are important to you and your success.

© George Torok is a presentation skills trainer, executive speech coach and keynote speaker. He helps business leaders deliver million dollar presentations. Tap into your free presentation skills tips at http://www.torok.com Arrange for presentation skills training or speech coaching at http://www.SpeachCoachforExecutives.com For media interviews call 905-335-1997

Why Are Presentation Skills Important?

Presentation Skills Articles

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Keep Your Speech Interesting By Being Present Yourself

2011-09-15T20:03:00.001-04:00

What happens when you keep your speech more interesting? Your audience will listen attentively to your words. People will think about your message. Your listeners are more likely to act on your call to action.

When those three things happen you know you delivered a successful presentation. So how can you keep your speech more interesting?

First you must realize that making your speech interesting is not something you do one time. You must keep injecting interesting moments throughout your presentation – much like adding spice to your cooking. If you want to make your meal more interesting you will include a variety of flavors and textures that stimulate the palate of your guests.

Delivering an effective speech is similar. You want to stimulate the minds of your listeners. So, what can you do to make your speech more interesting?

You can deliver more interesting and effective presentations by being present when you speak. What does that mean? Your audience must feel that you are there in the room with them – body, mind and soul. They must feel that you want to be there, that you are listening as well as talking and that you truly care about their best interests.

How can you demonstrate that?

Transform your speech into a conversation instead of a lecture. Think of how you might feel when the speaker is lecturing at you. That might feel rather cold. Lectures are often delivered by parents to children. Neither party enjoys them. They tend to be a one way communication. The listeners are usually made to feel small.

Use these techniques to be present when you present.

Ask questions of your audience and listen to their answers. Acknowledge and respect their opinions and perspectives especially when they differ from yours.

Encourage questions from your audience. Listen carefully to their queries and answer as best as you can. Look at the person asking the question and allow others to offer their comments.

Make eye contact with your audience while you are speaking. Don’t speak to a spot on the back wall, your slides or the floor. Look at your listeners and talk to them. Connect with people for a few seconds and then move your eyes to another person. Talk to every person in your audience one person at a time.

Be human. Admit a personal flaw, mistake or failing. Nothing says “I’m real” like sharing an embarrassing moment. Pretending to be perfect will offend your audience. Just don’t admit to all your flaws in one speech.

Laugh. Ha! Inject some humor into your presentation. Laugh when you make a mistake and laugh when something funny happens in the room. When you make a mistake be willing to allow people to laugh at you.

Be aware of what is happening in the room. When someone sneezes, say “Bless you.” When a cell phone rings, make a comment. If there is noise from outside, acknowledge that. If the mood seems to be dragging, either take a break or finish early.

Tell stories. Most people would prefer to listen to stories over lectures. Just ask your children. Include stories in your presentation that connect with your audience and illustrate your message.

You can keep your speech more interesting by demonstrating to your audience that you are fully present in the room.

© George Torok helps business presenters deliver million dollar presentations. Get your free Power Presentation Tips at http://www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com Arrange for presentation skills training or coaching at http://www.Torok.com For media interviews call 905-335-1997

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Tell me your strengths and weaknesses

2011-09-08T09:59:00.005-04:00

What should you say, in a job interview, when asked to state your strength and weakness?

First, get your perspective right. You are there to sell yourself for the job. You are not there for confession or to be a clown.

Think about the perspective of the person interviewing you. They want to discover if you are the best person for this job. Every question they ask you is intended to help them decide. Therefore the perspective you take is to translate every question into “Why should we hire you for this job?”

Second, prepare. Do your homework before the interview. Look at each question and think about them. Then prepare a list of at least ten attributes for each question. Some things might even fit on both lists. If you can list more than ten, do it. This is the brain storming stage. Don’t judge yet.

Then ask five people who know and like you, “What do you see as my three key strengths?” and “What do you see as three weaknesses?” Remind them that only honest answers will help you. Some might need time to think about those questions, so give them the time. Don’t judge their replies and don’t defend. Thank them for their help. Tell them how this is helping you prepare for interviews.

Study the lists. If your friends are telling you things that you didn’t list it’s probably something you have overlooked.
For both questions pick the top three answers that are most relevant to the type of work or type of organization that you want. Remember your purpose.

For each write a short paragraph describing that attribute with an example. Then explain how that strength or weakness is a benefit for this job. Edit the paragraph to make it as short as possible and then rehearse saying it out loud.

When asked these questions in the interview, you could smile and start with, “I’m glad that you asked that question.” Pick the most relevant of your top three. Then deliver your prepared answer. Remember your purpose is to answer the real question which is, “Why should we hire you for this job?”

George Torok

Presentation Skills Training

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

How do you know if you gave a successful presentation? Video

2011-09-05T16:56:00.003-04:00

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Bad Opening Lines to Your Speech: 10 Mistakes to Avoid

2011-08-15T17:02:00.002-04:00

You had me at hello. Imagine if you could deliver an opening to your presentation that was that effective. You can grab your audience with “hello” lines. But first you need to banish these disaster lines from the opening of your speech. Avoid these opening line mistakes in your presentation.

Unaccustomed as I am to public speaking

This line has often been said with sarcasm. The speaker is an experienced speaker and is trying to be humble and funny. Sarcasm is a low level of humor. It is a negative way to start even if you get the laugh.

I don’t know why I have been asked to speak

This line is either sarcastic or true. If the first is true see the above. If the second is true the audience is in for a boring speech. Because if you don’t know why you have been asked to speak how will you know what your purpose for speaking is?

I haven’t really prepared anything

This line is either a sarcastic joke (see point one) or an admission of truth. If you are unprepared you are telling your audience that you value their time and attention very little. In other words, if you were important I would’ve prepared something – but you’re not so I didn’t. The audience had better prepare themselves for a self indulgent boring presentation.

Speaking off the top of my head

What does that mean? What does that tell your audience about your preparation or respect of their time. And, how do you speak “off the top of your head”? Do you ever speak from the bottom of your feet, the end of your elbow or behind your buttocks?

Today I am going to talk about

Boring! Start with that line and you have bored the audience with your first seven words. It’s an old, overused, unimaginative and cliché line.

Hello, how is everybody today?

Perhaps you saw some motivational speaker stand up on a stage and goad the audience to respond to this question. When the audience didn’t respond quick enough or loud enough the speaker yells into the microphone, “I can’t hear you.” That’s so cheesy and phony.

A funny thing happened on the way here

This is old, cliché and been overdone.

Thank you for that kind introduction

This can come across as insincere. It also diminishes the credibility of the introduction. The introduction was either true or false. If it was true it was factual. If it was kind does that mean that it was false?

Is this thing on?

The speaker walks up to the microphone, taps it, blows on it and states, “Is this thing on?” How unprepared. How inconsiderate can you be? If you want to look and sound like an experienced speaker check the audio/video equipment before your presentation. Get into the room before everyone arrives and test the equipment.

Before I begin

This is a dumb and confusing opening line. Why? Because, as soon as you started speaking you had already begun. To say, “Before I begin” is a lie. It appears that you are sitting on the fence with your opening statement. The implied statement is, “I’m speaking but I really haven’t begun yet or committed to what I said.”

Your opening line to your presentation could seduce your audience or repel them. Those were 10 of the most offensive and disastrous opening lines that you can now avoid. The next time you speak, imagine having them at hello.
-------------

© George Torok is the Speech Coach for Executives. He helps business leaders deliver million dollar presentations. Claim your copy of the Power Presentations Tips free at www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com. Arrange for presentation skills training or private presentation coaching at www.Torok.com or call 905-335-1997

Bad Opening Lines to Your Speech: 10 Mistakes to Avoid

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives

For Serious Speakers Who Want to Get Much Better

2011-07-29T15:37:00.009-04:00

Coaching program for serious speakers only

When you are really serious about improving any skill – you will work directly with a coach.

As the Speech Coach for Executives I coach business leaders to deliver million dollar presentations.

I also needed to learn from others. (Ask your teachers who they learned from.)

I attended the weekend Speaker Boot Camp with Warren Evans and Kit Grant. Both are former Chairs of the Global Speakers Federation. Both have more than 20 years of professional speaking experience including extensive international exposure.

I invested at least three thousand dollars for an intensive weekend of small group presentation coaching. I am happy with the return on my investment. I’m a much better speaker. When you get to a certain level of speaking the only improvements you can make is in the details. Warren Evans and Kit Grant pointed out those details and I’m a much better and more profitable speaker because of their help.

Here is an opportunity for you to take part in the scaled down version of that boot camp.

It’s a one day “Sneaker Camp” with Warren Evans in Toronto on Monday August 22 in Toronto.

Only 8 people can attend. It’s still intense. You get a full day with Warren Evans. You’ll benefit from the best insights that his experience and perspective can offer. He never holds back.

And the fee is only $1,265

That’s a good deal.

Here’s the bonus for you. Tell him that George Torok sent you and you will save $100 off that price.

BTW I receive no compensation for this recommendation – other than a kind thought. Perhaps Warren will buy me a beer – remind him to do that.

If you are really serious about kicking your presentations up for a relatively small investment – attend this “Sneaker Camp”.

Toronto Sneaker Camp for Speakers

PS: Maybe you're wondering why Warren offers this coaching program so inexpensively. It's to raise money for the Laura's Hope Charity.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

How to Open Your Presentation with Commanding Attention

2011-07-25T16:00:00.002-04:00

You have a few seconds to set the tone for your presentation. A good start paves the road to success while a weak opening can slam shut the door to success.

Your opening must do three things for you. Grab attention, set the direction and establish rapport. Without their attention you have a room of non-listeners. Without knowing your direction your audience will feel lost and confused. Without rapport you might have a room of enemies.

You can grab attention with contrast, relevance and credibility.

You can set the direction by answering the question, “Why are we here?”

You can establish rapport by demonstrating empathy, common interest and confidence.

The Marcel Marceau Opening

Use this powerful technique to open your presentation.

When it’s your turn to speak, walk slowly, proudly and smiling to the front of the room. Take your position. Face the audience. Stand tall. Smile confidently. Say nothing. Glance at one individual, then another, and another. Do this silently for up to eight seconds.

This is how you claim the room. It allows everyone to stop fidgeting and focus their attention on you. They will be amazed at your self confidence to look so good and patiently wait before you speak. They will anticipate listening to a powerful presentation. Choose your first words carefully because they will be listening intently.

5 Presentation Opening Mistakes to Avoid

Speaking on your way to the front of the room
Doing this diminishes your perceived confidence and power because you appear unwilling to wait. In addition many people might not hear what you said while walking to the front of the room.

Telling a joke
This was standard advice to public speakers five decades ago. It was bad advice then and even worse today. Don’t start with a joke. In fact you should never tell jokes in your presentations. Most jokes make fun of somebody else and that’s not the way to establish rapport with your audience. A painful example of this was for the speaker to tell a lawyer joke before opening the speech to a room full of lawyers.

Testing the microphone as you open
Perhaps you’ve witnessed a speaker tapping or blowing into the microphone and saying “Is this thing on?” The time to test the microphone was before the meeting began. Get into the room before the audience arrives to test the audio and video equipment.

Before I begin
Think about that statement. The speaker walked to the front of the run and started with, “Before I begin.” That’s like a runner at the start of a race. The starter pistol sounds and everyone dashes off except one person who says, “I’m not ready yet.” The race started without you. Your presentation started when you were introduced.

Reading your opening
Listening to your reading your speech seldom feels authentic to your audience. Reading your opening will feel cold and distant. You won’t connect because your audience is likely to think, “Are you talking to me or only reading a prepared statement?” The worst case of reading your speech is reading your self introduction, “Hello, my name is George.” I’ve seen speakers read their own name. That’s usually the beginning to a boring speech. When you are reading, you are not making eye contact. You’re not building rapport. You might as well be in another room.

Design the opening to your presentation with the care that you should prepare the curb view of your house when you put it up for sale. If people don’t like the curb view they will drive by. Do you want your audience to drive by - or to eagerly embrace your presentation?

©George Torok is the Speech Coach for Executives. He helps business leaders deliver million dollar presentations. Claim your copy of the free Power Presentation Tips and learn about the next free audio class at www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com Arrange private coaching or a presentation skills training program at www.Torok.com or call 905-335-1997

More Presentation Skills Articles

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Should you call out an individual by name?

2011-07-15T10:04:00.002-04:00

Question about engaging your audience

I asked the group of MBA students for examples of ways to engage your audience. One student suggested selecting an individual, calling their name and directing a question to that person. He pointed out that this was a common technique used by professors in the university classroom.

“Roger, tell us the issues in this case study.”

An interesting example that I had forgotten, because I hadn’t been on the receiving end of a professor’s or teacher’s attention for decades.

Clearly this is one way of engaging your audience. In the classroom this is an accepted and necessary technique. Professors might attempt to engage their students through interest and inspiration. At some point they might provoke individuals to trigger critical thinking and hence group discussion. Inclusion might require directed engagement to pull in the reluctant or sleepy ones.

Students might not always enjoy this unwanted attention but it is almost always in their best interest. I believe that a good teacher will provoke their students to participate when needed.

In a business presentation you will almost never use this technique.

“Sophia, what do you think about this new marketing strategy?”

Why? Because, when delivering a business presentation you likely don’t want to provoke your audience. If you provoke them, you might provoke the group with your creative ideas. But you will not want to pick on an individual during a presentation. There are many other ways to engage your audience without attacking an individual.

You might not have intended it to be an attack but it could easily be perceived that way.

When presenting in a business environment you are likely attempting to persuade the audience to make a decision in your favor.

This example is looking at presentations. A business planning meeting among equals would have different rules.

When I facilitate a planning meeting, instead of calling out a person, I have asked, “Who haven’t we heard from yet?” I might even make eye contact with an individual, smile and wait for that person to speak.

This is another example of how effective presentation techniques can vary among different environments.

George Torok

Speech Coach for Executives

Presentation Skills Training

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Power Presentations Tip 49: Entertain Your Audience

2011-07-14T12:21:00.003-04:00

Entertain Your Audience

After you create the content for your presentation, the next step is to sprinkle entertainment throughout.

Why? Because the entertainment grabs the attention of your audience and makes it easier for them to listen to and digest the morsels of content. The more dry and boring the content might seem to your audience – the more important it is for you to include the entertainment.

The perceptions of what is boring or entertaining are relative based on the interest and understanding of the audience for your message.

Notice that even sporting events use color commentary to keep it interesting for the audience.

An old rule of thumb stated that you needed to include entertainment about every seven minutes. That rule was written before Google, Twitter and iPhones. My guess is that today you might need to entertain at least every three minutes.

You don’t need to break into song or dance – unless you are very good at it and that form of entertainment fits with your message and audience.

Here are three simple and effective forms of entertainment that you can easily inject into your presentation.

Tell a story

Use a metaphor or analogy

Play with words

Tell a Story

This might be the simplest and most powerful way to entertain. The story is our most enduring way of communicating from cave dwellers to texters.

Personal stories are the best because you know it and it distinguishes you from other speakers.

Use a Metaphor or Analogy

The simplest way that most of us learn is by relating new things to what we know already. How is this new thing like or unlike what we already know? We constantly think in metaphors so it’s natural for you to use metaphors that link your message to your audience. When you present new concepts you must rely on metaphors to make it easier for people to understand and remember your message.

Likening the World Wide Web to a spider web helps us visualize the linkages of the Internet.

Play with Words

This might take a little more thought and it’s worth it because your audience appreciates the cleverness of your presentation.

Rhyme your words – the rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.

Use alliteration – persuade people with Power Presentations

Use a pun – Biscuits and speeches are better when made with shortening. Matt Veinosky

You don’t need to be hilarious, amazing or worthy of an Oscar. The entertainment only needs to lighten the moment and support your message. Don’t entertain for the sake of entertainment only. Entertain to make your message more palatable and memorable.

Entertain people and you will be more like the puppeteer than the puppet.

George Torok

Author of Power Presentation Tips

The Speech Coach for Executives

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

The Greatest Speech I Never Delivered

2011-07-04T15:16:00.001-04:00

I was a shy student but I wanted to be popular – especially with the girls.

I knew that if I became president of the high school council I would become popular.

It was apparent to me that the way to become president of the high school council was to deliver an incredible speech to the school assembly. I noticed that the one who became president delivered the best speech.

So I devised a plan. I would deliver the best speech.

The first part of my plan was to create an incredible speech.

I started to write that speech. It included a strong opening. There were quotes from famous people. I would appeal to the interest of my audience without pandering. I would be bold but humble. And we would end with a rousing chorus of the school song from the band. I figured that I could arrange that because I was a trombone player in the band.

It was a great speech. It would be the best speech that they every heard.

But I never delivered that speech.

I chickened out. I didn’t run for high school president. I told nobody about my dreams or plans. I was afraid to speak. I was afraid to try. I was afraid that I would mess up. I was afraid that they would laugh at me.

I never became high school president. No one ever knew – until now - of my hopes.

It could have been the greatest speech I ever delivered. But it never happened.

I wish I had the courage the wisdom to deliver that speech – even if I failed.

The reason that I share this story with you is that you can’t go back but you can go forward. It took me 25 years to become a professional speaker. Today I have delivered over 1,000 professional presentations. And I coach and train others to deliver million dollar presentations.

It doesn’t matter where you were yesterday. If you want to be a better speaker you can.

George Torok

Executive Speech Coach

Presentation Skills Training

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Air New Zealand Safety Video

2011-05-24T13:22:00.002-04:00

You can take a boring message and make it interesting. Imagine how difficult it is to get travellers to watch and listen to the manditory safety presentation.

If you want people to pay attention - then grab their attention. Enjoy this new safety video from Air New Zealand.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Seven Seconds to Presentation Success

2011-05-14T18:55:00.003-04:00

There are powerful lessons for marketers and communicators in the movie Batman Begins.

Watch the movie with a stopwatch and a notepad. Notice that the camera shots are from two to a maximum of seven seconds long. Seven seconds is the longest shot. Most of the shots are close to three seconds. And many of the seven second shots are zooming in or out. What does that mean to you?

That seven seconds might be all you have to hold your listener's attention. Go ahead see how much you can say in seven seconds. If it is all in the same "shot" you might have lost your listener. How long did it take you to read this post? Yeah - start thinking seven second shots for your message.

When you speak you are competiting with all the other forms of communication your audience expereiences.

George Torok

Executive Speech Coach

Presentation Skills Seminars

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

To be perfectly honest

2011-04-29T17:20:00.003-04:00

The speaker responded to the question with that phrase.

I didn’t hear the rest of the answer because I was wondering why the speaker needed to state that now she would be perfectly honest.

I wondered how honest or dishonest was she when she answered previous questions.

I wondered about her understanding on the difference between honest and perfectly honest.

I wondered about when she wasn’t perfectly honest how imperfectly honest was she.

Naturally, I assumed that the speaker wasn't honest at all.

Why would a speaker say "To be perfectly honest" or "To tell the truth"? The only reason that I can think of is that they usually are dishonest and dont' tell the truth.

So are you going to be honest with me - or tell that you will be honest with me?

If you tell me when you are honest - will you also tell me when you are dishonest? Or should I just assume that dishonesty is your norm?

George Torok

Presentation Skills Training

Presentation Skills Success

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Effective Presentation Skills is Not Talent

2011-04-26T16:40:00.003-04:00

Bad News and Good News for presenters. Successful presentations are not about talent.

If you believe you are a good presenter and can’t articulate the details of what makes you good – you don’t know why – beware! You are headed for surprise failure.

If you are a poor presenter and want to get better – take heart. You can build on the fundamentals. The leaders in any field stress the importance of knowing and doing the fundamentals.

The best presenters are skillful presenters – not talented presenters.

The ability to deliver good and great presentations is based on using the techniques of successful presentation skills. Skills can be learned and honed. All it takes is study, practice and training.

If you want to be a better presenter, understand the principles, practice the techniques, and get expert coaching. That’s how the best in any field get to be the best and stay there.

I have met many fabulous presenters. I have not met one yet who claimed to be a natural born presenter. I am a top notch professional presenter and executive speech coach. Yet I was not a natural born presenter. I can reveal to you examples of my own frustration along the journey. I invested time, effort and money to become a great presenter. To get better I studied and analyzed hundreds of presenters. I received advice, coaching and mentoring from the best that I could find. And I haven’t finished learning yet.

How about you? Where do you want to be?

If you want to improve your presentation results – improve your presentation skills.

Read tips, articles and books on presentation skills. Study other public speakers to learn from their success and mistakes. Listen to audio programs. Watch videos. Attend conferences, course and seminars. Hire a presentation skills coach.

If you really want to improve your presentations invest time, money and effort in improving your presentation skills.

George Torok

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Read articles about presentation skills

Attend the Superior Presentation Skills Seminar on May 17

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Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives

BS is BS and it will Create a Disconnect With Your Audience

2011-04-23T17:22:00.004-04:00

Read this message that I read on a discusion group and look for the first major disconnect.

--------------------------
The Business of Humility....

Humility doesn't make for flamboyant headlines, but business leaders who combine intelligence, integrity and a generous dose of humility, build organizations that are more constantly successful and enduring. I always keep in mind the story of the Canadian firm where a young woman sales executive made an error that cost the company a $1 million account. When the executive offered to resign, her boss refused, saying, "You can't leave the company; I have a $1 million investment in you."There are two opposing types of leadership: arrogant, timid leaders and humble, quietly confident leaders. The Oxford English Dictionary defines arrogant as “having an exaggerated sense of one’s own importance or abilities.”

-------------------------------------

I read this and was okay until the "story about the Canadian firm..."

This version is a bogus story.

I recognized this story as having been told before. It was first told in a book about Thomas Watson at IBM.

The person was using his false version of the story on which to build his case. That makes everything else that follows disbelievable at best and a lie at worst.

Not every reader would know the true story - but some would and that would destroy your credibility with those people.

When you are writing or speaking be certain of your facts, storys and urban legends.

George Torok

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Presentations Go on Twitter

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Superior Presentations Seminar: Video feedback

2011-04-12T13:17:00.003-04:00

Lyle, is an experienced presenter who offers his endorsement of the "How to Deliver Superior Presentations Seminar" The next program is May 17, 2011. Check it out.

Register by April 19 to save $160.00 Learn more about this one day seminar by the Toronto Airport. Listen to what other participants said. Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Power Presentations Tip #48: Show Your Hands

2011-03-29T10:08:00.003-04:00

Show your hands to build more trust

To instil more trust in your audience let them see your hands.

Many speakers don't know what to do with their hands. They feel self conscious about their hands and might fidget with them or hide them. Both of those actions can hurt your effectiveness when presenting.

It's believed that because your hands are at the end of your arms they might display the real message that you can't control. Often this is true. When we can see your hands we will notice whether they support or detract from your message.

You might move your hands while speaking - which can help to grab attention, describe a point and convey passion - as long as the movement appears to be natural. Awkward or unusual hand movements can be distracting or disturbing.

Don't play with markers, pens, pointers, buttons, your hair, or your fingers.

As a speaker you don't want your audience concentrating on watching your hands so intensely that they stop listening to what you are saying. You also don't want them wondering what could be in your hidden hands. When we can see your hands we trust you more because we know that hidden hands could be hiding a threat. Hidden hands could hold a weapon. In the olden days a hand extended was a sign of friendship because it revealed that you were not holding a weapon.

Keep your hands out of your pockets and in front of your body most of the time while speaking. If you want to show a causal stance then you might place one of your hands in a pocket. But don't keep it there for long. And don't hide it deep in your pocket. Keep your thumb out of the pocket as a display of no threats.

When you display your hands show them palm out. A fist would appear to be threatening. Hands displayed with knuckles out could look like a fist.

Bonus tip: .If you want to build more trust when sitting at a table keep your hands on top of the table.

To cultivate more trust from your listeners display your open hands.

George Torok
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Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Researching Your Presentation

2011-03-20T17:39:00.003-04:00

Get your facts straight
Don’t stand there saying, “I think so” or “I’m not sure.” Don’t lie and pretend to know something you do not. So spend time collecting and confirming your information. Too many public speakers are quick to present their opinions without providing clear substance. Avoid that trap.

Be careful of presenting hearsay as evidence – unless you preface it as that. You might interview customers for their comments or check with the front lines for their unofficial feedback. That is ok – but present it honestly. Do a quick search on one or a few of the Internet search engines to find some new insights on the topic of your presentation. These Internet ‘facts’ might not be confirmable so present them as what you found – ‘Stuff from the Internet’.

Test for relevance
Review your speech for relevance to your audience. After every statement that you plan to make ask yourself, “So what?” Because that is what your audience will be asking. If you cannot answer this question clearly and succinctly – then rework it or remove it from your speech. What do you want them thinking, “Yeah right on!” or “So what?”

Remembering your speech
The best public speakers do not memorize their presentation. Instead know your topic and the issues. Then make notes for yourself. But don’t read your speech. That is so boring. Instead write key words that remind you of your messages. Write your speech notes on index cards. That is much easier to handle instead of fumbling with a sheet of paper.

Rehearsing your presentation
Rehearse your speech on your feet at least three times. It is okay to rehearse parts of it in your car or sitting at your desk. But because you will deliver in on your feet – you rehearse the speech on your feet. It feels different when you speak on your feet. Get used to the feel of delivering your presentation. The best way to reinforce a set of skills is by repeating the pattern the way you plan to deliver. Golfers and musicians rehearse their patterns so the skills of the big day are natural to them.

The fear of public speaking
Studies show that our number one fear is the fear of public speaking. Hard to believe but it is more prevalent than the fear of death. If you have a fear of public speaking or feel some anxiety you are not alone. Even great speakers like Churchill experienced this fear. But he worked on his delivery skills so he could deliver even when he was nervous. I am a professional speaker who has spoken to audiences all over North America yet I also experience speech anxiety. The fear of public speaking might be with you forever. But your audience does not need to know.

Overcoming the fear of public speaking
In most cases the symptoms of the fear are not noticeable to your audience. You might feel terrified but your audience doesn’t know. There are several ways to get past speech anxiety. Focus on the success of your presentation. Before you step up to speak take a couple of slow deep breaths. Speak slowly. Don’t let it run away from you.

George Torok

Presentation Skills Training

Presentation Skills Coaching

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

The President's Speech: George W

2011-03-18T16:40:00.002-04:00

George W does his best to butcher his presentations.

George Torok
Presentation Skills Trainer
Executive Speech Coach

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

What is the best way to rehearse your presentation?

2011-03-16T19:13:00.001-04:00

Question about presentation skills

Presentation Skills Expert:

Two parts to this answer:

1. Rehearse your presentation on your feet at least three times as close to the manner in which you will deliver it as possible.

2. Although you might practise your presentation from start to finish - you should also practise it in modules. This helps train your brain to recover when you get lost or to cut something out to save time. And practise your opening and close more than the other parts so you can deliver these important parts strong.

George Torok
Presentation Skills Expert

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Poll on What you remembered about the last speaker

2011-03-14T16:29:00.001-04:00

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Seven steps to more compelling presentations

2011-03-11T16:58:00.003-05:00

Investment Executive

Ensure your that audience is engaged and understands the ideas you are putting forward
Tuesday, February 15, 2011, By Fiona Collie

An engaging seminar presentation can be a powerful tool for building relationships with clients and prospects.

A successful presentation needs more than just great information, says Lisa Braithwaite, a public-speaking coach in Santa Barbara, Calif. “People want to relate to you,” she says. “They want to be able to trust you and they want to be able to have a relationship with you.”

To gain that trust and build relationships, follow these public-speaking tips:

1. Speak upMake sure you’re speaking at the right volume.

Most people speak too softly when they’re presenting, says George Torok, owner of speechcoachforexecutives.com in Burlington, Ont. Project your voice so you can be heard by the entire group. Just be careful not to yell.

2. Take your time

Slow down and give the audience time to hear your words.

Remember, the audience doesn’t know your speech the way you do. Give them time to absorb the information and follow your presentation.

Says Torok: “Your listeners have to hear the words, digest the words and think about them.”

3. Take breaks

Pause occasionally to emphasize important points. Pausing before and after you say something significant can serve to underline that point’s importance, Torok says. “The effect is like putting air quotes around [the phrase].”

Pausing also makes you appear confident. Stand quiet in front of the audience before you start, Torok says. Pausing for eight seconds before you begin will compel audience members to focus their attention on you.

Read the rest of Seven Steps to More Compelling Presentations

George Torok

Speech Coach For Executives

Presentation Skills Training

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

What are active listening skills?

2011-03-09T08:16:00.003-05:00

Active listening is a powerful communication skill.

I think that you might be looking for some techniques that enhance that skill. If we were talking I would clarify that with you. That's one example of a active listening technique.

Here are a few more techniques to active listening:

Look directly at the person who is talking.
Smile.
Appear relaxed - not impatient.
Nod your head occasionaly - to show understanding - not necessarily agreement.
Repeat some key words.
Ask a question about a point.

This is a question that I received.

Do you have more questions about presentation and communication skills? Ask me.

George Torok

The Speech Coach for Executives

Presentation Skills Training

Next Public Seminar

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Superior Presentations: Wayne Terry Feedback

2011-02-28T17:34:00.004-05:00

How to Deliver Superior Presentations:

The next seminar is May 17, 2011

How to Open Your Presentation with Attention Grabbing Pizzazz and Close with Memorable Oomph

2011-02-20T16:17:00.003-05:00

Free Audio Class - Feb. 24 - Registration Closed

If you listened to this free audio class - please complete the survey

Click here to take survey

ATTENTION: Imagine your audience snapping to attention during the opening of your presentation. And watch their heads nodding in approval while you deliver your close.

Do you want to electrify your listeners with a magnetic opening?

Would you like to feel the confidence of delivering a more effective close?

Get this right and you will notice immediate results in the reactions of your audience to your presentations.

Many presenters give little thought or preparation to these important parts of their presentation – the opening and the closing. Here’s how you can elevate your presentations above the competition with these simple techniques.

In this program you will discover

Why your opening and close are so critical to the success of your presentation
The stealth technique to start your presentation on the right foot every time
The surprisingly common and thoughtless two words to leave out of your close
8 effective techniques to open your presentation more effectively
8 techniques to close your presentation much stronger
The most damaging myth about how to open your presentation
Self-sabotaging words to avoid when opening your presentation
How to manage your body language during these critical moments
Why and how to end strong even when it don’t go so well
How to avoid the common limp close
And much more…

Live Audio Class
When: Thursday February 24, 2011 – 2:00pm to 3:00pm EST (New York Time)

Call in to listen to this live telephone broadcast from the convenience of your home or office.

It’s okay if you have a speaker phone and want others to listen in. No extra charge.

Here’s an easy way for you to continue to improve your presentation skills. Listen to these audio classes and get ongoing support for your skills development.

If you miss the call you can still download the recording for free – but don’t wait too long because it will be taken down after a few days.

Listen to the live class or listen to the replay on the computer at your convenience. You can listen to the replay as many times as you want because you automatically receive a free copy of the MP3 file to download. Listen as many times as you want.

If you want to receive the free recording you must register before the live audio class.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Power Presentations Tip 47: How to be more engaging

2011-02-18T09:49:00.003-05:00

Have you ever seen people talking to or yelling at the TV?

Why do they do that?

Because they are engaged.

How can an inanimate object like a television engage, excite and enrage viewers? Because the television message has wrenched at their emotions. The audience cheers in ecstasy, groans in disappointment or screams in anger.

It's not the TV. It's the message and the delivery that excites people.

Imagine how effective your presentations would be when your audience is mentally and emotionally engaged.

How can you make your presentation more engaging?

Pause More Often and Longer

If you want people to think or respond leave more gaps of silence in your presentation. While you are talking your audience doesn't have the opportunity to think or respond. They can only listen and attempt to process your words. In my first year university calculus class the professor wrote and talked continuously. I was too busy scribbling notes and trying to listen to be engaged. I didn't have time to think or ask questions. I failed (and hated) that class .

When you are the speaker and you pause, you demonstrate to your audience that there is room for them to feel engaged.

Ask Questions & Encourage Response

Ask questions of your audience and you immediately engage their minds. That's what you want. We are conditioned to respond to questions. When you pose a question to the audience and pause long enough they will offer answers. And if you encourage it they will do it again. Reward all answers not just the right answer. Don't say, "No, that's wrong." Instead say, "Interesting idea, who else can add to this?"

If you want to engage people don't tell them that they are wrong. Welcome their contribution.

Tell a Personal Story

When you tell a personal story you reveal something about yourself. That is engaging because we are naturally curious. Notice how gossip captures ears in the lunch room. If you tell your personal story well it will be dramatic and visual. That will create pictures in the minds of your audience. A personal story can easily be emotional. Emotions and images are the best ways to engage the minds and hearts of your audience. The best stories are ones that your au dience can relate to - so they can see themselves in your story. That's why people scream at their TVs.

Review and rehearse your personal stories. Salt your presentations with personal stories to engage your audience.

Engage your audience in your presentation.

George Torok
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Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

What if Your PowerPoint Slides Make You a Liar?

2011-02-14T19:22:00.003-05:00

The marketing director of a well known Internet company presented us with fascinating stats about Internet use and users.

I was captivated by the numbers and percentages until he reached the graph slide in his PowerPoint presentation.

One of my colleagues raised his hand to ask a question. The presenter innocently paused to take the question and was blindsided by what happened next.

My colleague boldly announced that the graph slide was wrong. The data clusters clearly could not be true for the axis defined in the example. When this was pointed out I could see his point. The graph was bogus. The marketing director tried to recover by accepting that the “data” illustrated on the slide was indeed bogus but that it was only for illustration purposes. My colleague continued to point out that because the data represented was bogus therefore anything else the marketing director said was thus suspect.

The marketing director stumbled as he attempted to skate by the flaw and continue to use the questionable slide for his example. My colleague persisted to the point of sounding angry. The marketing director finally conceded and moved on to the next slide and announced that the bogus slide would not be used again.

I was intrigued by the exchange and the impact on the room. Most of the audience knew of my colleague’s expertise and most likely “sided” with him on the point of credibility. The dispute ruined the flow of the presentation and hurt the presenter’s credibility. The presenter first attempted to continue what was clearly a flawed example. He attempted to belittle the flaw.

Most importantly the presenter failed to do three things:

He did not thank my colleague for being so astute.

He did not apologize for the error, (attempted deception).

And because of that he failed to clarify what I suspect was an important point.

You can take a few presentation learning points from this incident.

Don’t use PowerPoint slides prepared by someone else until you understand them fully.

When you use a PowerPoint presentation prepared by someone else – the audience will hold you accountable for errors.

Never use an illustration that is not representative of reality.

Not everyone raising their hand is asking a friendly question. Be prepared for the unexpected attack during your presentation.

When you are clearly wrong – apologize to the audience and thank the person who pointed out your error.

George Torok

The Speech Coach for Executives

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Practical tips to help you deliver more effective presentations with less stress

2011-02-13T17:44:00.002-05:00

Power Presentations Tips Vol 1 - on Kindle

Business presentations that inform, inspire and persuade

Power Presentation Tips offer you practical insights to be a more effective presenter so you can prepare and deliver successful business presentations in less time and with less stress.

Public speaking is not a natural born talent. It is a skill that can be learned and improved.

Power Presentation Tips offer you the bests ideas from George Torok, The Speech Coach for Executives. He helps business leaders deliver million dollar presentations.George Torok has coached hundreds of business leaders and trained thousands of presenters to deliver more effective business presentations.

He has delivered over 1,000 professional presentations across North America in conference centers, board rooms, auditoriums, meeting rooms and once on a moving train. Don’t worry, he didn’t fall off.

In the Power Presentation Tips you get the best principles, techniques and insights to use in your business presentations.Successful presentations are not the result of luck. They happen because of the superior knowledge, techniques and skills of the presenter.

Here is what you will find inside this 16-page booklet availble on Kindle.

Table of Contents
These are the first 12 in the series of Power Presentations Tips by George Torok. These tips are published almost every second week. To receive these tips directly by email visit www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com

Power Presentations Tip: 01 It's not about you
How to make your presentation more successful by making it about your audience

Power Presentations Tip: 02 Begin with the end in mind
How to use Stephen Covey’s first principle to start your presentation on the better road to success

Power Presentations Tip: 03 Google-ize Your Presentation
Use these three tips from Google to create a better presentation

Power Presentations Tip: 04 - Zip it, Zip it Good
When and how to use the magic of the pause to your advantage

Power Presentations Tip: 05 - Be like a talk show host
Use this simple and powerful technique to design and deliver your presentation

Power Presentations Tip: 06 - Focus on the 80%
Why you should ignore 20% of your audience and how to indentify them

Power Presentations Tip: 07: Be present when you present
How to be present when you present

Power Presentations Tip: 08: No Jokes - no kidding
Why you should not start with a joke and what to do instead

Power Presentations Tip: 09: Why do you say that?
The most important question that you need to ask yourself more often

Power Presentations Tip: 10: Emphasize key points
How to emphasize your key points

Power Presentations Tip: 11: Take your gold medal stance
A simple body language technique to look like a winner

Power Presentations Tip: 12: No - it's not okay
Verbal ticks can annoy your audience. Be aware of these and avoid themEnjoy

Power Presentations Tips
George Torok
The Speech Coach for Executives

12 Power Presentation Tips on Kindle for $0.99

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Just Because it's on the Internet Doesn't Mean you can Steal it

2011-02-11T17:03:00.001-05:00

Don’t violate copyrights in your presentations — Gihan Perera

Playing YouTube videos during your presentations is completely against YouTube’s terms of use. We should *assume* intellectual property is protected, unless the owner explicitly says otherwise. Unfortunately, I’ve found that many speakers take the opposite approach, and assume it’s permissible to copy material until somebody points out they are violating somebody else’s intellectual property rights. I’ve seen plenty of examples of people embedding YouTube into PowerPoint, pl aying TED.com videos in a paid presentation, inserting Dilbert cartoons into their handouts, etc. — all of which are violations of the owners’ terms of use.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Wrong introduction - but you still smile

2011-02-11T16:46:00.003-05:00

I inwardly cringed as the introducer read the wrong introduction for my speech.

But I forced a beaming smile because I was the only one that knew it was the wrong introduction. He was still saying nice things about me and I recognized that few people listen to the introduction.

The audience and the introducer did not need to know about the error so I didn't mention it. Your audience doesn't need to hear what your inner voice is screaming.

After the introduction, I smiled as I approached the stage and opened my presentation.

The purpose of an introduction is to make the audience feel good about the speaker and topic. If they feel good they will forget what was said - especially if the speech was good.

George Torok

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

What’s the difference between a speaker’s bio and an introduction?

2011-01-23T11:50:00.004-05:00

Many people don’t realize the difference and often say bio when they mean introduction. And many non-professional speakers mistakenly supply their bio as an introduction.

There is a big difference between these two documents in their purpose and hence their form. Function always drives form.

Speaker Bio
The speaker’s bio (biography) is meant to be read silently. It is printed in the program and meant to impress readers with the credentials of the speaker and attract them to attend the presentation. The bio in it’s worst form looks and feels like a resume. The bio could easily be a full page or several hundred words.

Do not read the speaker’s bio to the audience. It will usually be boring. Not the right start to a presentation.

Speaker Introduction
The speaker's introduction on is meant to be heard by the audience just before he starts to speak. It is meant to serve as an introduction to the presentation as delivered by this speaker.

The purpose of a good introduction is to get the audience interested in the topic and confirm the speaker as the best choice for this topic. After a good introduction the audience should feel eager to hear the speaker present on this topic. Also the speaker will feel welcomed by the introduction and audience reaction.

The ideal introduction would have 3 short paragraphs. The first one introduces the topic. The second reminds people why the topic is so important. The third one highlights the reason this speaker is qualified to speak on the topic. This third paragraph will be a selection of the most interesting points from the speaker’s bio. Print the introduction in large type double spaced to make it easier for the introducer to read.

It should take between 30 to 60 seconds for the introducer to read. Anything longer is wasting time. Don't put people to sleep before the speaker starts.

The more prominent the speaker, the shorter the introduction can be. For example “Ladies and gentlemen, the President of the United States”. The bio would be quite different from the introduction.

If you are the speaker, be sure to talk with your introducer before the introduction and ensure that she has the correct pronunciation of your name.

A bio is like a history report. An introduction opens new relationships.

Read "How to Introduce Your Guest Speaker"

George Torok

Motivational Business Speaker

Presentation Skills Coaching

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives

Power Presentations Tip 46: Open and Close with Silence

2011-01-19T11:07:00.004-05:00

Open and Close with Silence

Your presentation starts before you open your mouth. The audience is judging you and hence your message before you start speaking. To strengthen your message keep your mouth shut a little longer.

Too many speakers start their delivery too early. As soon as they reach the front of the room they start talking. Even worse, some start talking while they are walking up to the front of the room or while they are still getting up from their seat.

Speaking too soon diminishes your opening presence and power. Your first words might not be heard by your audience because they aren't listening yet. Speaking too soon can make you appear nervous or in a hurry.

Wait

Instead start your presentation with eight seconds of silence. When it's your turn to speak, walk confidently and purposefully to the front of the room. Take the position where you will start, stand tall and pause for eight seconds. During the pause look at an individual for a second or two, then move your gaze to another and again.

Do this for eight seconds and the audience will stop their fidgeting and be totally focused on you and anticipating your opening words.You will need to fight the urge to speak. Start with a three second pause then increase it to five seconds. Then when you are ready boost it to eight seconds.

Close your presentation with a pause.

This is easier to do if you receive applause for your presentation. Stand still, look at the audience and graciously receive their applause.

What if there is no applause at the end of your presentation? This is the norm for a business or sales presentation. Conclude your presentation and then stand strong and pause for three to eight seconds while you look confidently at individuals in your audience. The secret is to connect silently with an individual, then another and another.

By concluding this way you will look confident, hence your message will appear stronger. Compare that to the speakers who seem to run off the stage once they have finished speaking.

To deliver a stronger presentation, open and close with silence.

George Torok

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Presentation Training & Coaching in Toronto, Jan 25,26

2011-01-12T10:30:00.003-05:00

If you want to dramatically transform your presentation skills here is an exciting opportunity for you to act on:

How to Deliver Superior Presentations – because inferior never wins
Public Seminar – January 25

This intense, one day seminar collects the best tips from a three day seminar that I delivered in a three day seminar for the Canadian Management Centre for 12 years. The focus is on how to improve the delivery of your message for better results.

Location: Toronto Airport
More details:
http://presentation-skills-seminars.com/superior-presentations/

There’s still time to save $80 if you register by January 13. But hurry or you will miss it.

Presentation Skills Coaching Clinic – January 26
The other option for you is presentation coaching. You or some of your team might be ready to dramatically transform your presentations. The fastest and lasting way to do that is with coaching.

You have a choice of small group or private coaching.

Learn more about the small group coaching
http://presentation-skills-seminars.com/group-coaching/

or the private coaching.
http://presentation-skills-seminars.com/private-coaching/

There is limited enrollment in these coaching programs.

Coaching is only for those individuals who are really serious about transforming their presentation results.

Check it out or forward this message to a friend or colleagues who might be interested.

This is the opportunity to make a real advance with your presentation skills.

Read what other clients have said.
http://www.speechcoachforexecutives.com/clients.html

Of course if you prefer, you can still arrange for me to come in and work with your people.

I look forward to working with you and helping you and your team become superior presenters.

Feel free to email or call me to discuss any of these options.

George Torok
905-335-1997

The Speech Coach for Executives
Author of Power Presentation Tips

http://presentation-skills-seminars.com/superior-presentations/

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

How to Write, Structure & Prepare a More Effective Presentation - audio class

2011-01-05T18:58:00.003-05:00

Questions, Comments and Feedback from the Jan 6 Audio Class

If you listened to the live broadcast or downloaded the recording - you can post your questions here.

If you got some helpful ideas them please tell us and your friends.

If you have suggestions for future classes then let us know here.

George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
Presentation Skills Seminars
Public Seminar and Coaching Clinic

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Top 10 Tips for Presenting Your Key Points - Slideshow

2011-01-03T13:15:00.004-05:00

Top Ten Tips for Presenting Your Key Points

View more presentations from George Torok.

Discover techniques that you can use to emphaise the key points of your presentation message.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

How to Write, Structure & Prepare a More Effective Presentation in Half the Time

2010-12-29T11:25:00.003-05:00

Listen in to this Free Audio Class on January 6, 2010

If you can not attend the class you can download a free recording - as long as you register before the class.

Register now

“How to Write, Structure & Prepare a More Effective Presentation in Half the Time”

Do you want your presentations to be more focused and more successful?

Would you like to write better presentations in less time?

If you need to deliver presentations often and want to learn how to do it faster and more effectively then discover these shortcuts.

There are only three parts to any presentation: Structure, Content and Delivery. This program will focus on where you should start – selecting and building the right structure. Once you know this simple planning process you will create better presentations in less time.

In this program you will discover

The 5 step method to outline your presentation in five minutes
The 3 types of presentations and what to emphasize for each
How to build a complete presentation with the balanced meal plan model
The simplest way to write and remember your presentation
5 effective presentation structures from which you can choose
The common and damaging presentation format you must avoid
4 questions you need to ask to jumpstart the writing of your presentation
How to quickly adapt your presentation to differing time frames
And much more…

Learn how to build a better presentation.

Click here to listen to this audio class

George Torok

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Like, you know, awesome, not - video

2010-12-21T12:39:00.003-05:00

Are you speaking with authority?

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Spice Up Your Presentation with Quotations

2010-12-17T14:33:00.002-05:00

Add one or a few quotations to your presentation to make it more entertaining and insightful. Your quotation might spur your listeners to think or laugh. Sprinkle lightly like pepper. Use a quotation that emphasizes or clarifies your message.

Here are three sources you can search for quotations:

Quote a Famous Person

This is the most common method. Be sure to quote from a person who is well known and well liked by your audience. That ensures that the quotation lends more weight to your message.

Name the person who said it. Don’t pretend to be the source of that phrase and don’t make your audience guess. An appropriate quotation helps you tap into the credibility of the person who first spoke that piece of wisdom. Select the right quotation from Albert Einstein and it sounds as if he agrees with you.

Avoid repeating the overused quotes. It looks bad when speakers are using the same quotations. If most people have heard the quotation several times you appear unoriginal in your thinking.

Instead, search for a quotation that is not so well known.

“I went to the gym on the days that I felt like it and I went to the gym on the days that I didn’t feel like it.” Muhammad Ali

Quote a Client, Colleague or Industry Expert

Another source of valuable quotations could be your clients – especially if you are talking to your staff or company colleagues. You could use praise or complaints.

The company or association founder could be a source of colorful insights. But don’t just look to the leader for words of wisdom. With a little research you might uncover hidden gems from the janitor or the guy on the loading dock.

“We hurry to ship it out and it comes back on the next truck. Why not get it right the first time?” Truck Driver

The Twist

A third variation is to take a common phrase or quotation and twist it. This technique can add an engaging element of surprise and humor to what might have been a dull presentation

“He who laughs – lasts.”

Children will offer you useful twists as they rephrase the words they hear and describe the world as they see it.

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us some email." 4 year old girl

How to Deliver the Quotation with Drama

Pause just before you deliver the line and just after. While you are stating the quotation, shift your stance so you look slightly different and alter your voice a bit. Then resume your previous stance and voice to demonstrate that you are back to your own words. You don’t need to deliver a perfect impersonation of the person. Just make the little shifts. Those tiny changes will help the audience perceive you as the character you are quoting. It adds drama to your presentation and makes your message more memorable.

What if you can’t remember who said it or you’re not sure if you’ve got the words right? Then preface the line with, “As my grandmother used to say…” No one will get annoyed with your grandmother for altering the line.

The right quotation and appropriate source can inject spice into your presentation. It will help make your message more engaging, insightful and memorable.

“All we have to fear - is being boring.”

© George Torok helps business professionals deliver million dollar presentations. Find more free tips at http://www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com Learn about upcoming seminars and audio classes at http://www.Presentation-Skills-Seminars.com To arrange for personal presentation coaching call 905-335-1997

Spice Up Your Presentation with Quotations

Quotations and Insights from George Torok

more Presentation Skills Articles

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Body Language of Animals Video

2010-12-16T17:12:00.004-05:00

What are the animals talking about? Read their body language. Enjoy this funny video.

George Torok

Presentation Skills Seminars

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Yadda, yadda, yadda and more annoying phrases

2010-12-15T16:58:00.004-05:00

What annoying phrases from popular culture are speakers over-using in their presentations?
For example: I heard one speaker say "yadda, yadda, yadda" within 30 - minutes.

---------------------
I asked that question in a Linkedin Group and was overwhelmed with the responses. Here are a few annoying phrases and terms.
---------------------

Sandra Vogel, PhD • I am tired of hearing speakers say " Let me un pack this for you". This causes a mental shut down... .

Martijn Sjoorda • Ah... you pressed a button here! So, well, you know, it's like it's sorta, kinda, basically a bit like this. Note that the last sentence conveys no definite statement of fact or emotion whatsoever. If you listen actively, you'll hear that a lot of people simply fail to produce coherent, crisp sentences, even when they are "trained" public speakers. In my own language it would be the endemic use of "zeg maar" which has infested everyday speech. It's our equivalent of "like" or "sorta". Even seasoned public speakers (the prime minister comes to mind) use it.

James Hamilton • This is GREAT! I reference these over-used phrases in my keynote/seminars. A personal pet peeve of mine is: "SO, How many of you have ever....?' as an opener. It's okay to open with a question, but unless the energy in the room is already peaked, the audience usually does not want to raise their hands at the beginning of a presentation. Feel free to add the contrite: Synergize, monetize, bring to the table, reinvent the wheel, carve out a niche, core competencies, low hanging fruit, deliverables, action items, and...GAZILLIONS more. There is actually a "buzzword" game to play during executive meeitngs that lists many of these. It's FUN!

Mandi Stanley • Just yesterday, I heard a speaker say, "Well, at the end of the day..." three times within a 20 minute talk. It's quickly moving to the top of the overused cliches list.

Sue Birkam • Moving forward, going forward..what other direction would we go in? It is definitely overused not just in speeches but in everyday conversation.

Scott Barclay • I use 'bottom line' probably ten times within an hour, I am seeking help :)

http://www.blogger.com/groups?viewMemberFeed=&gid=37544&memberID=5851459&goback=%2Egmp_37544 • I agree with Mandy, "at the end of the day", at my end of the day I go to sleep, which is what happens when i hear those words ... Favourite MBA jargon, "add value".

Steven Weisman • For me, Yachting terms are the most annoying to me--"Headwinds and Tailwinds" They are elitest and mean nothing in the final analysis.

Kenny Zail • The fact of the matter is

John Loven • I have been pointing out to communications seminars that the word "toxic" has been drained of all specific meaning in just a few months. It now indicates any level of disapproval or undesirability for any (or no) reason. It is instructive to see the "draining" process happen so fast. It's a paradigm shift with a lot of impact for the stakeholders. I think. John

Maggi Smith-Dalton • Gritting my teeth as I say them: Going forward Back in the day On the same page skill sets like, you know, um (used almost every other word in the sentence!)

Mike Smithgall • I’m not as bothered by the new buzzwords/phrases because they come and go. What drives my crazy is "irregardless". I am also guilty of using the following "they may or may not...." well that doesn’t really narrow it down does it. It’s like saying it "may or may not rain..." although 100% correct it has not moved us any closer to valuable information.

I also not a big fan of anything that comes after a phrase such as "my granddaddy used to say..." It’s always some hokey, folk wisdom designed to cut through the clutter of today’s sophisticated jargon and get back to the basics. However, I guess if you are Zig Ziglar and your persona is based on being folksy it works.

OK, for the record I have used every one of these except irregardless. Maybe there is a speaker’s anonymous program I can join

Jodie Beach • I am laughing out loud! Everyone is right on with your replies . . . and I must confess, I am guilty of a few of these. Time to check myself and make improvements.

Mike Smithgall • Ooh I just remembered.. "At this point in time" that’s and oldie but a goody. Doesn’t that mean now? Its an attempt to make the mundane more elegant.

"At this point in time I’d like to suggest we all adjourn to Burger King" My other favorite is relatively new and I have seen it used by cable news anchors so of course it has to be correct... "efforting"

"We are efforting to get that video feed to you soon"....what? you mean working on or attempting or trying right.. is that even a word?

You know my granddaddy used to say "fixin to"...

Robb Braun • Just joined your group and am glad to be a part of. Comments have been great. I struggle when I hear things like "If you do what you've always done, you'll get what you've always gotten" or " Insanity is..."...you get the point. I know they are wonderful quotes and have meaning, but to me they have lost their meaning because they've become so overused and cliche. I hope I'm not using any that others have grown tired of hearing.

What annoys you about the phrases and terms that speakers use?

Do you agree or disgree with the above?

Watch for more feedback from this survey.

George Torok

Presentation Skills Training

The Speech Coach For Executives

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Too much information - not enough time

2010-12-14T20:20:00.002-05:00

How to deliver your management report clearly by saying less

You have been asked to present a report to management. You have two hours worth of information but only 20 minutes to speak. What a dilemma! How do you get your message across? How will you decide what to leave out? And will management punish you for leaving something out?

5 to 10 Times Rule
What should you do? If you only have two hours of information then you should only speak for about 12 to 24 minutes. Why? Because if you have two hours of material - then most of it will be irrelevant or boring or both. Follow this rule - you should always have at least 5 to 10 times more information than you present.

If you worked on the project and researched the information, you might easily fall into the trap that everything is important and interesting. After all, you sweated over all the details. And more important to you - you want management to see you as doing a thorough job. You don't want to leave something out because that might make you look as if you don't know everything - or that you didn't do your homework.

Show Your Stuff Without Telling All
How do you appear to know all your 'stuff' without telling all your 'stuff'? How do you make the right impression on management? You might feel that the only way to appear open and honest is to tell everything you know. The reality is that if you tell everything you know - you are wasting their time and you are demonstrating that you can't judge what is important and what isn't. The message that you will convey is that you can't be trusted to think.

Like it or not you must leave some information out. You must decide on what is most relevant to management for this presentation. Learn to do that effectively and you will have more success with your management reports. You will get more support from management and you will be better perceived as management material.

Let's look at the "5 to 10 times" rule. If you know 5 to 10 times what you actually deliver - you will feel more confident while presenting because you will clearly know your stuff. You will give the group your best stuff. And when you get questions - especially the obscure ones - you will handle them skillfully and confidently. Management will see that there is real substance behind the presentation. That will make them feel more confident about your report and you. It does not matter how much information you present - if they don't believe you or feel confident about you. Senior management must believe in you. That is your real bottom line.

So how do you cut? First, decide on your most important message. What is it that you want your listeners to feel, say or do after your presentation? For example, are you asking management for approval, budget, or other resources? Do you want them to feel confident that you are handling things well - and they can leave you alone? Or are you warning them about a problem that they might need to act upon? Be clear about your key message?

Focus On Key Message
Before you start to prepare your presentation - write your key message on a piece of paper and keep that in front of you while preparing your presentation. If you can't do this, then you really don't understand the purpose of your presentation. And people who do things without understanding their true purpose are doomed to fail. Check every exhibit, phrase, and fact against that purpose. If something doesn't help you get your key message across, delete it.

If you sculpt your presentation well enough you might deliver that 20-minute presentation in 17 minutes. And guess what? No one will be unhappy that you did it in less time. In fact, take note of the approving nods and smiles around the room when you finish early.

Several Versions
Take this method one step further. Because you will deliver similar messages over your career, develop different time versions of each message. Be ready to deliver your key messages in a 20-minute, 5-minute and 90-second format. When you can do that you will deliver the right presentation at the right time and be more successful in getting what you want.

What can you do if you really want management to have all the information? Give them the detailed report. But keep your presentation short. The best thing you can do for your business presentations is to make them shorter. Management will reward you.

SC© George Torok is the Speech Coach for Executives. Register for your free presentation skills tips at www.Torok.com Arrange for presentation skills training for your sales team by calling 905-335-1997 Find more free presentation skills tips at www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com Receive regular presentation tips at http://twitter.com/PresentationsGo

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Sales & Marketing Executives versus 12-year-olds

2010-12-05T16:47:00.002-05:00

Who delivered a better presentation and why?

Recently I listened to a group of senior sales and marketing executives speak at a networking meeting. I also served as a judge at a speech contest for 12-year-olds. These two unrelated events prompted me to compare the presentation skills of each group.

1. Guess who was more engaging, attention grabbing and memorable?

2. Guess who was boring, uninspiring and easily forgettable?

The answer to question one is – the 12-year-olds. They were good.

The answer to question two is – the sales & marketing executives. They needed improvement.

Why did 12-year-olds deliver better presentations than senior sales and marketing executives?

Competition
The 12-year olds were competing in a speech contest. Many of their parents were there. Money and prestige were on the line, so they were well rehearsed.

Focus
Each presenter had a focused message. Their presentation was designed to deliver that message. Some were deep and serious while others were light and whimsical. In all cases the message was clear and easy to summarize.

Relate
The presenters spoke to the interests of the audience. The topics ranged from “the influence of the media”, “tourism in third world countries”, “the family van”, “peculiarities of the English language”, and “homework”. Yet each speaker related the topic to the listener.

Stories
Each speaker told colorful stories. That sparked images in my mind. Many said things that were funny and made me laugh. Some statements challenged my opinion. I was impressed by the carefully selected words and phrasing. All were simple and understandable.

Passion
Each speaker conveyed passion for their message. Each radiated that they were happy to be speaking to us.

Bold
These speakers were bold. They stood before the audience, looked people in the eye, delivered their statements and performed.

What did the Sales & Marketing Executives (SME) do poorly?

Winging it
The SME seemed to be winging it – even though they were competing for attention, memorability and jobs. These SME were between jobs but seemed reluctant to compete and rehearse. Yet, clearly a lot of money was on the line. If their family had attended, would they have prepared better?

Vague
There was no focus or purpose evident. It almost seemed that they first were reciting their resume and then what they had for breakfast. Okay, I’m exaggerating the breakfast part – but it seemed as boring as porridge.

Pain
Each speaker seemed to be caught in their own self-centered world. Most didn’t relate to me or how they might fix my pain or that of my contacts. How could I help them if I didn’t know what they were offering? Stating “who you worked for” tells me little. They needed to speak of pain and solutions.

Blah
Facts, history and blah, blah, blah. Some related recent experiences but none that were worth remembering. Many used filler, self-sabotaging and jargon words. I was bored, confused and unimpressed.

Passion?
I didn’t feel it. The emotion that I felt was remorse. “Why am I here?”

Timid
You might think that Sales & Marketing Executives would be anything but humble. You might think that Sales & Marketing Executives would grasp the difference between benefits and features. I thought so too.

All of the SME sat while speaking, crunched in their chairs some with an arm draped over the back of the chair. It was as if this was a family picnic instead of a possible career defining meeting. I found it curious that none of the men wore a tie. Did they want to be taken seriously? Or was this just a social club?

Presentation Skills Contest Results
What’s the score? 12-year olds -1. Sales & Marketing Executives - 0.

Some of you might think that I’m too hard on the Sales & Marketing Executives. That I’m expecting too much from them. Maybe – but I bet that I’m not the only one.

© George Torok is the Speech Coach for Executives. He coaches business leaders to deliver deal-closing presentations. Find more free presentation tips at http://www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com Find more tips and ideas for your presentations at http://www.facebook.com/PresentationSkillsClub To arrange for training for your team call 905-335-1997

http://www.speechcoachforexecutives.com/article_26.html

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Absolutely: Are you feeling queasy yet?

2010-11-22T18:45:00.002-05:00

Words drive thoughts. Thoughts drive emotions. Emotions drive decisions.

The use of the right words can move your listeners in the right direction and the use of the wrong words can move them in the wrong direction. Right, meaning in the direction that you want them to go and wrong meaning the opposite.

It’s not just the choice of words that lead to your success or failure but the abuse of words.

When you present you want your audience to remember the most important words that reinforce your message. You don’t want them to remember words that detract from your message.

The speaker was talking about coaching. So you would think that the words that the audience should remember the most would be about coaching – the process and the results.

Instead, the word that I remember most from this presentation was “absolutely”.

I heard it so many times that I started to feel sick when I heard it. Sometimes it was uttered three times within two minutes.

Absolutely, Absolutely, Absolutely.

The speaker was using the word, “Absolutely” instead of “yes”. I did not hear the speaker say “yes”. Curious, what was she hiding?

Superior speakers use shorter words and short sentences to get their message across. Absolutely is four syllables while yes is one syllable. Which do you think is the better word to use?

If you mean yes – say yes.

Job interviewers and police interrogators will tell you that the more words a person uses to answer a simple yes or no question – the least likely that the answer is true.

Did you complete your degree? Absolutely
Did you kill John Doe? Absolutely not.

Do you love me? Absolutely.
Did you have sex with that person? Absolutely not.

Did you mean yes or no?

If you mean no – say no.

Why would a speaker say absolutely when they mean yes?

Perhaps they think that “absolutely” sounds sexy, modern or intelligent. In each of those cases they are talking insincere.

Perhaps they are uncertain about their information or position. “Yes” would sound much more certain.

Perhaps they are mimicking a word that they just heard which suggests that they are not thinking about what they say or how it might affect their message.

Do you want your listeners to remember your key message or do you want them to remember an annoying word like absolutely?

George Torok

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Dealing with a Hostile Audience

2010-11-16T17:26:00.004-05:00

The best example of taming a hostile audience is Marc Anthony’s eulogy for Julius Caesar after the murder of the emperor. Following is Marc Anthony’s speech from Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar.

ANTONY. Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears! I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.

He addresses the listeners as equals just as many US presidents start their speeches with “fellow Americans.” And he puts them at ease by offering only to bury Caesar not praise him.

The evil that men do lives after them,
The good is oft interred with their bones;
So let it be with Caesar. The noble Brutus
Hath told you Caesar was ambitious;
If it were so, it was a grievous fault,
And grievously hath Caesar answer'd it.

He starts to play with their minds by suggesting that it is easy to forget about the good deeds and only remember the bad. This plants some doubt in the minds of the listeners, maybe even some guilt for already forgetting of the good deeds. He reminds them that the greatest crime according to the murderer of Caesar was that he was ambitions. Then he points out that Caesar has paid the price for that crime.

Here, under leave of Brutus and the rest-
For Brutus is an honorable man;
So are they all, all honorable men-

He speaks well of the murderers. He casts no stones.

Come I to speak in Caesar's funeral.
He was my friend, faithful and just to me;

He talks about his friend. An emotional appeal.

But Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.

Notice how he repeats this refrain. It is effective because it anchors the crime of which Caesar was accused and executed for. And the message about Brutus being a honorable man starts to rub listeners as untrue.

He hath brought many captives home to Rome,
Whose ransoms did the general coffers fill.
Did this in Caesar seem ambitious?
When that the poor have cried, Caesar hath wept;
Ambition should be made of sterner stuff:
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And Brutus is an honorable man.
You all did see that on the Lupercal
I thrice presented him a kingly crown,
Which he did thrice refuse. Was this ambition?
Yet Brutus says he was ambitious,
And sure he is an honorable man. Reminder of the good things that Caesar did while reminding them of the now weak crime of ambition.
I speak not to disprove what Brutus spoke,

In fact he does. The use of the word, “but” in the next line is a clear indicator of disagreement.

But here I am to speak what I do know.
You all did love him once, not without cause;
What cause withholds you then to mourn for him?
O judgement, thou art fled to brutish beasts,
And men have lost their reason. Bear with me;
My heart is in the coffin there with Caesar,
And I must pause till it come back to me.

An emotional tug at their guilt and the setup for a pause on his part to allow the listeners to think and speak amongst themselves.

FIRST CITIZEN. Methinks there is much reason in his sayings.

SECOND CITIZEN. If thou consider rightly of the matter, Caesar has had great wrong.

THIRD CITIZEN. Has he, masters? I fear there will a worse come in his place.

FOURTH CITIZEN. Mark'd ye his words? He would not take the crown; Therefore 'tis certain he was not ambitious.

FIRST CITIZEN. If it be found so, some will dear abide it.

SECOND CITIZEN. Poor soul, his eyes are red as fire with weeping.

THIRD CITIZEN. There's not a nobler man in Rome than Antony.

FOURTH CITIZEN. Now mark him, he begins again to speak.

It worked. The audience is now listening more intently to Marc Anthony and they are rethinking their original position about the validity of killing Caesar. Mark Anthony has turned the audience. And they are ready for his next push.

ANTONY. But yesterday the word of Caesar might
Have stood against the world. Now lies he there,
And none so poor to do him reverence.
O masters! If I were disposed to stir
Your hearts and minds to mutiny and rage,
I should do Brutus wrong and Cassius wrong,
Who, you all know, are honorable men.
I will not do them wrong; I rather choose
To wrong the dead, to wrong myself and you,
Than I will wrong such honorable men.
But here's a parchment with the seal of Caesar;
I found it in his closet, 'tis his will.
Let but the commons hear this testament-
Which, pardon me, I do not mean to read-
And they would go and kiss dead Caesar's wounds
And dip their napkins in his sacred blood,
Yea, beg a hair of him for memory,
And, dying, mention it within their wills,
Bequeathing it as a rich legacy
Unto their issue.

FOURTH CITIZEN. We'll hear the will. Read it, Mark Antony.

ALL. The will, the will! We will hear Caesar's will.

ANTONY. Have patience, gentle friends, I must not read it;
It is not meet you know how Caesar loved you.
You are not wood, you are not stones, but men;
And, being men, hearing the will of Caesar,
It will inflame you, it will make you mad.
'Tis good you know not that you are his heirs,
For if you should, O, what would come of it!

FOURTH CITIZEN. Read the will; we'll hear it, Antony.
You shall read us the will, Caesar's will.

ANTONY. Will you be patient? Will you stay awhile?
I have o'ershot myself to tell you of it.
I fear I wrong the honorable men
Whose daggers have stabb'd Caesar; I do fear it.

FOURTH CITIZEN. They were traitors. Honorable men! ALL. The will! The testament!

SECOND CITIZEN. They were villains, murtherers. The will!
Read the will!

ANTONY. You will compel me then to read the will?
Then make a ring about the corse of Caesar,
And let me show you him that made the will.
Shall I descend? And will you give me leave?

ALL. Come down.

SECOND CITIZEN. Descend.
He comes down from the pulpit.

THIRD CITIZEN. You shall have leave.

FOURTH CITIZEN. A ring, stand round.

FIRST CITIZEN. Stand from the hearse, stand from the body.

SECOND CITIZEN. Room for Antony, most noble Antony.

ANTONY. Nay, press not so upon me, stand far off.

ALL. Stand back; room, bear back!

ANTONY. If you have tears, prepare to shed them now.
You all do know this mantle. I remember
The first time ever Caesar put it on;
'Twas on a summer's evening, in his tent,
That day he overcame the Nervii.
Look, in this place ran Cassius' dagger through;
See what a rent the envious Casca made;
Through this the well-beloved Brutus stabb'd;
And as he pluck'd his cursed steel away,
Mark how the blood of Caesar follow'd it,
As rushing out of doors, to be resolved
If Brutus so unkindly knock'd, or no;
For Brutus, as you know, was Caesar's angel.
Judge, O you gods, how dearly Caesar loved him!
This was the most unkindest cut of all;
For when the noble Caesar saw him stab,
Ingratitude, more strong than traitors' arms,
Quite vanquish'd him. Then burst his mighty heart,
And, in his mantle muffling up his face,
Even at the base of Pompey's statue,
Which all the while ran blood, great Caesar fell.
O, what a fall was there, my countrymen!
Then I, and you, and all of us fell down,
Whilst bloody treason flourish'd over us.
O, now you weep, and I perceive you feel
The dint of pity. These are gracious drops.
Kind souls, what weep you when you but behold
Our Caesar's vesture wounded? Look you here,
Here is himself, marr'd, as you see, with traitors.

FIRST CITIZEN. O piteous spectacle!

SECOND CITIZEN. O noble Caesar!

THIRD CITIZEN. O woeful day!

FOURTH CITIZEN. O traitors villains!

FIRST CITIZEN. O most bloody sight!

SECOND CITIZEN. We will be revenged.

ALL. Revenge! About! Seek! Burn! Fire! Kill!
Slay! Let not a traitor live!

ANTONY. Stay, countrymen.

FIRST CITIZEN. Peace there! Hear the noble Antony.

SECOND CITIZEN. We'll hear him, we'll follow him, we'll die with him.

ANTONY. Good friends, sweet friends, let me not stir you up
To such a sudden flood of mutiny.
They that have done this deed are honorable.
What private griefs they have, alas, I know not,
That made them do it. They are wise and honorable,
And will, no doubt, with reasons answer you.
I come not, friends, to steal away your hearts.
I am no orator, as Brutus is;
But, as you know me all, a plain blunt man,
That love my friend, and that they know full well
That gave me public leave to speak of him.
For I have neither wit, nor words, nor worth,
Action, nor utterance, nor the power of speech,
To stir men's blood. I only speak right on;
I tell you that which you yourselves do know;
Show you sweet Caesar's wounds, poor dumb mouths,
And bid them speak for me. But were I Brutus,
And Brutus Antony, there were an Antony
Would ruffle up your spirits and put a tongue
In every wound of Caesar that should move
The stones of Rome to rise and mutiny.

ALL. We'll mutiny.

FIRST CITIZEN. We'll burn the house of Brutus.

THIRD CITIZEN. Away, then! Come, seek the conspirators.

ANTONY. Yet hear me, countrymen; yet hear me speak.

ALL. Peace, ho! Hear Antony, most noble Antony!

ANTONY. Why, friends, you go to do you know not what.
Wherein hath Caesar thus deserved your loves?
Alas, you know not; I must tell you then.
You have forgot the will I told you of.

ALL. Most true, the will! Let's stay and hear the will.

ANTONY. Here is the will, and under Caesar's seal.
To every Roman citizen he gives,
To every several man, seventy-five drachmas.

SECOND CITIZEN. Most noble Caesar! We'll revenge his death.

THIRD CITIZEN. O royal Caesar!

ANTONY. Hear me with patience.

ALL. Peace, ho!

ANTONY. Moreover, he hath left you all his walks,
His private arbors, and new-planted orchards,
On this side Tiber; he hath left them you,
And to your heirs forever- common pleasures,
To walk abroad and recreate yourselves.
Here was a Caesar! When comes such another?

FIRST CITIZEN. Never, never. Come, away, away!
We'll burn his body in the holy place
And with the brands fire the traitors' houses.
Take up the body.

SECOND CITIZEN. Go fetch fire.

THIRD CITIZEN. Pluck down benches.

FOURTH CITIZEN. Pluck down forms, windows, anything.

Exeunt Citizens with the body.

ANTONY. Now let it work. Mischief, thou art afoot,
Take thou what course thou wilt.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

4 Questions You Need to Answer in Your Presentation

2010-11-10T18:08:00.004-05:00

Everytime you speak you must answer four questions for your audience.

Why?
This addresses the question of purpose and relevance.

What?
This addresses the question of direction.

How?
This addresses the question of detail.

What if?
This addressess the question of wilde cards.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Sales & Marketing Executives versus 12-year-olds

2010-11-09T18:14:00.002-05:00

Who delivers a better presentation and why?

Recently I listened to a group of senior sales and marketing executives speak at a networking meeting. I also served as a judge at a speech contest for 12-year-olds. These two unrelated events prompted me to compare the presentation skills of each group.

1. Guess who was more engaging, attention grabbing and memorable?

2. Guess who was boring, uninspiring and easily forgettable?

The answer to question one is – the 12-year-olds. They were good.

The answer to question two is – the sales & marketing executives. They needed improvement.

Why did 12-year-olds deliver better presentations than senior sales and marketing executives?

Competition
The 12-year olds were competing in a speech contest. Many of their parents were there. Money and prestige were on the line, so they were well rehearsed.

Focus
Each presenter had a focused message. Their presentation was designed to deliver that message. Some were deep and serious while others were light and whimsical. In all cases the message was clear and easy to summarize.

Relate
The presenters spoke to the interests of the audience. The topics ranged from “the influence of the media”, “tourism in third world countries”, “the family van”, “peculiarities of the English language”, and “homework”. Yet each speaker related the topic to the listener.

Stories
Each speaker told colorful stories. That sparked images in my mind. Many said things that were funny and made me laugh. Some statements challenged my opinion. I was impressed by the carefully selected words and phrasing. All were simple and understandable.

Passion
Each speaker conveyed passion for their message. Each radiated that they were happy to be speaking to us.

Bold
These speakers were bold. They stood before the audience, looked people in the eye, delivered their statements and performed.

What did the Sales & Marketing Executives (SME) do poorly?

Winging it
The SME seemed to be winging it – even though they were competing for attention, memorability and jobs. These SME were between jobs but seemed reluctant to compete and rehearse. Yet, clearly a lot of money was on the line. If their family had attended, would they have prepared better?

Vague
There was no focus or purpose evident. It almost seemed that they first were reciting their resume and then what they had for breakfast. Okay, I’m exaggerating the breakfast part – but it seemed as boring as porridge.

Pain
Each speaker seemed to be caught in their own self-centered world. Most didn’t relate to me or how they might fix my pain or that of my contacts. How could I help them if I didn’t know what they were offering? Stating “who you worked for” tells me little. They needed to speak of pain and solutions.

Blah
Facts, history and blah, blah, blah. Some related recent experiences but none that were worth remembering. Many used filler, self-sabotaging and jargon words. I was bored, confused and unimpressed.

Passion?
I didn’t feel it. The emotion that I felt was remorse. “Why am I here?”

Timid
You might think that Sales & Marketing Executives would be anything but humble. You might think that Sales & Marketing Executives would grasp the difference between benefits and features. I thought so too.

All of the SME sat while speaking, crunched in their chairs some with an arm draped over the back of the chair. It was as if this was a family picnic instead of a possible career defining meeting. I found it curious that none of the men wore a tie. Did they want to be taken seriously? Or was this just a social club?

Presentation Skills Contest Results
What’s the score? 12-year olds -1. Sales & Marketing Executives - 0.

Some of you might think that I’m too hard on the Sales & Marketing Executives. That I’m expecting too much from them. Maybe – but I bet that I’m not the only one.

© George Torok is the Speech Coach for Executives. He coaches business leaders to deliver deal-closing presentations. Find more free presentation tips at http://www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com Find more tips and ideas for your presentations at http://www.facebook.com/PresentationSkillsClub To arrange for training for your team call 905-335-1997

Sales & Marketing Executives versus 12-year olds

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Comments & Questions from Audio Class: Confidence

2010-11-03T18:45:00.004-04:00

How to Radiate More Confidence than you feel when speaking - feedback

If you listened to the live broadcast or the recording, this is the place to add your comments, suggestions and questions about this program and topic.

Comments
What ideas were helpful to you? How helpful did you find this program? How has this program made a difference for you?

Suggestions
What topics do you suggest for future audio classess or email tips.

Thank you for your feedback

George Torok
The Speech Coach for Executives
Author of Power Presentation Tips

PS: Watch for more free audio classes on presentation skills

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Radiate More Confidence than You Feel - free audio class

2010-11-02T18:27:00.004-04:00

Listen by phone to this free audio class on Thursday November 2 at 2:00 pm EDT. If you can't make that time you can still listen to the recording - but you need to register here http://presentation-skills-seminars.com/

Topics and question to be addressed include:

Why should your audience feel confident?

5 Confidence boosters before you speak

5 Techniques as you start

How does your audience decide if you are confident?

First aid for when the nerves strike

The dirty dozen red flags of non-confidence

If you are not yet registered and you want to appear more confident when you speak register now.
http://presentation-skills-seminars.com/

George Torok

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Power Presentations Tip 45: Spice Up Your Presentation with Quotations

2010-10-28T17:11:00.002-04:00

The Right Quotation Can Spice Up Your Presentation

Add one or a few quotations to your presentation to make it more entertaining and insightful. Your quotation might spur your listeners to think or laugh. Sprinkle lightly like pepper. Use a quotation that emphasizes or clarifies your message.

Here are three sources you can search for quotations:

Quote a Famous Person

This is the most common method. Be sure to quote from a person who is well known and well liked by your audience. That ensures that the quotation lends more weight to your message.

Name the person who said it. Don't pretend to be the source of that phrase and don't make your audience guess. An appropriate quotation helps you tap into the credibility of the person who first spoke that piece of wisdom. The right quotation can sound as if Einstein agrees with you.

Avoid the overused quotes. Instead, search for a quotation that is not well known.

"I went to the gym on the days that I felt like it and I went to the gym on the days that I didn't feel like it." Muhammad Ali

Quote a Client, Colleague or Industry Expert

Another source of valuable quotations could be your clients - especially if you are talking to your staff or company colleagues. You could use praise or complaints.

The company or association founder can be a source of colorful insights. A little research can lead you to simple words from the guy on the loading dock.

"We hurry to ship it out and it comes back on the next truck. Why not get it right the first time?" Truck Driver

The Twist

A third variation is to take a common phrase or quotation and twist it. This technique can add an engaging element of surprise and humor to what might have been a dull presentation

"He who laughs - lasts."

Children will offer you useful twists as they rephrase the words they hear and describe the world as they see it.

"And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us some email." 4 year old girl

How to Deliver the Quotation

Pause just before you deliver the line and just after. While you are stating the quotation, shift your stance so you look slightly different and alter your voice a bit. All those changes help to position the quotation as originating from someone else. Then resume your previous stance and voice to demonstrate that you are back to your own words.

One or a few powerful quotations can make your presentation more engaging, insightful and memorable.

"All we have to fear - is being boring."

George Torok

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Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Picture Your Audience in Their Underwear

2010-10-21T11:25:00.002-04:00

If you were ever nervous about public speaking, you might have heard that piece of tired advice. It’s bad advice. Ignore it.

Do you really want to be imagining your boss, clients or colleagues in their underwear while you are speaking? Depending on your imagination and familiarity with your audience that might make you giggle uncontrollably. Or you might become so distracted that you forget your speech.

That advice is probably based on one aspect of the fear of public speaking. That is the fear that the audience can see you naked. In this case the naked doesn’t mean without clothes. The fear is that the audience can see your thoughts – especially your fears, doubts and faults. That implies that your audience is more powerful than you – that they have superhuman powers like x-ray vision and mind reading.

The reality is that no one can read your mind. If we could there would be far less miscommunication between people. The problem with communication is that we can’t read minds. Instead we attempt to interpret the words, sounds and images that we observe.

Therein lies your answer. The better that you manage the words, sounds and images that your audience observes the more control you will have over your presentations results. That control starts with your perspective.

Don’t picture your audience in their underwear. And don’t picture them naked. That’s another old snake oil remedy. Can you imagine your convulsive laughter or primal urges destroying your presentation?

That’s not the way to tame the fear of public speaking or deliver an effective presentation.

Instead, picture your audience as equals. You are good at what you do and they are good at what they do. You offer value and so do they. It’s not about who has or makes more money. It’s not about job titles, age or corporate hierarchy. It’s about you having a conversation with a room full of equals. That’s one of the secrets of overcoming speech anxiety – make it feel like a conversation.

Seeing and treating people like equals is an important fundamental shift in your perspective as an effective public speaker. Don’t look down or up to your audience. They aren’t better than you and you aren’t better than they are. You are simply taking your turn as an equal to offer your message. They can’t see you naked and you don’t want to imagine them that way.

Don’t fear your audience. Don’t see them with superhuman powers. And don’t imagine them in their underwear or less. Effective public speaking is not about undressing anyone. Deliver your presentation as a conversation with a group of equals.

© George Torok helps public speakers overcome the fear of public speaking and convey convincing confidence. Get your free presentation skills tips at http://SpeechCoachforExecutives.com Learn about the upcoming teleseminars and public seminars at http://presentation-skills-seminars.com To arrange private speech coaching call 905-335-1997

Listen to the free Audio Class on
“How to Radiate More Confidence than You Feel”

It's on November 4, 2010. If you can't listen live you can download the recording for free. But you must reigister to get the download. Click here for details and free registration.

Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Power Presentations Tip 44: Your Body Leaks Messages

2010-10-19T10:46:00.007-04:00

Body Language Speaks Louder Than Words

Body language is important to your presentation because your audience tends to put more belief in what they see versus what they hear - especially when there is a conflict between the two.

If you want your message to be believed then ensure that your body language is supporting your words.

The message of your body language is in the minds of your audience. It is based on their cultural norms and interpretations. That means that everybody might not see you the same way. You need to understand the cultural norms of your audience.

Body language is easier to notice when it's not working.

Imagine if you:

•Tell someone special that you love them with a scowl on your face.
•Tell an audience to vote for you while you are slouched over.
•Tell a client that they can trust you while you back away from them.

Notice the inconsistencies. Your audience will believe what they see and ignore the words.

The 3 main factors of body language

Face

Your audience spends most of the time looking at your face. Why? Because that is the body part that is most interesting and conveys the most emotion. The two most important points of attention are your eyes and lips.

Your audience wants to see your face. Ensure that they can clearly see it. Stand in the light. Stand where your face can be seen. Don't let hair block your eyes.

Hands

Show your hands and we will trust you more. If you hide them we might question your intentions. Don't hide your hands behind your back or in your pockets. Our brain will wonder what you might be hiding from us.

Movement

How you move says a lot about your state of mind. If you are agitated or nervous you will move rapidly and erratically.

Move slowly and purposefully to convey more confidence.

Your body is always leaking messages. Are you clear on what it is saying? Are you in control?

George Torok
PS: Watch for the free telesminars.

Power Presentations News

Free Teleseminar - Nov 4
How to Radiate Confidence When You Speak
Watch for details and how to register

Facebook Page NEW
Presentation Skills Club

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For more frequent short tips follow me on Twitter
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Power Presentation Resources

Forward this tip to your colleagues who want to be more effective presenters.

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Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives.

Presentation Tips for Political Candidates

2010-10-12T14:34:00.003-04:00

Are you running for election? Congratulations to you on your initiative.

As a candidate for political office you need to do your homework and prepare. Learn the issues, take a position and build a network. One more thing – learn how to present your message well. And do it better than the competition.

The mayoral candidates spoke at a community meeting. Four of the five candidates attended. They were each allowed an opening and closing statement. In between they were asked to answer several written questions from the audience. The candidates were allowed up to 90 seconds for each answer.

As a professional speaker and executive speech coach I was under impressed by the candidates. But I was not surprised by the lack of presentation prowess. It would be so easy for political candidates to improve their presentations skills. Why do they neglect such a powerful tool of persuasion and success?

Let’s be clear. The purpose of these community meetings is to demonstrate that the candidates understand the key issues of the audience and that they can do something about it.

Here are my presentation tips for these mayoral candidates in particular and all political hopefuls in general.

Learn How to Use Microphones
The first speaker tested his microphone by blowing on it before he spoke. That is both annoying and unprofessional. The best way to test a microphone is to speak. Don’t say “TEST, TEST” or “Is this thing on?” Just speak normally.

First be Human
Only one speaker (the incumbent) thanked the organizers and complimented the other candidates in the room. That’s a sign of experience, confidence and compassion.

Talk to the Audience, Not your Notes
One speaker seemed to read everything he said – his opening and closing and even the answers to questions. In between he was busily scribbling notes while the other speakers spoke. He clearly was not in the room. He might be a good back room researcher and thinker but not a leader.

Don’t Look Angry
One candidate displayed his anger a few times. He also complained that current council had been divisive. He promised to correct that by forcing them to be more efficient. How? By getting angry at them?

Focus on What’s Relevant
This same angry candidate included a rant about federal politics – on a totally unrelated issue. He went so far as to encourage the audience to contact a local MP about his pet federal issue. What does that have to do with this municipal election? Do you want to be mayor or do you just want to rant?

Conclude
Ninety seconds might sound like a short time to speak but successful politicians need to speak in sound bytes which can be 5 to 30 seconds. For this program they received signals from the timer at 60, 30 and 10 seconds – yet they missed the opportunity to conclude. Most of the time the speakers trailed off and sometimes they ended so meekly that we wondered if they were done speaking. Conclude every mini speech and end strong.

Smile
A smile indicates confidence, warmth and trust. Why didn’t these candidates smile more? Every mini speech should have ended with a smile and steady gaze at the audience. Instead they frowned, looked down and glanced sideways at the MC. No one looked happy with their message. The sound in the room was bad. Just imagine that no one understood the words spoken and saw only the speaker. If you looked up at the speaker at the end of their mini speech you would have felt like it was another disappointing answer.

Make me Laugh
The surest way to connect with anyone is to make them laugh. So why didn’t you make us laugh? There were a couple of weak attempts from two of the candidates during the 90-minute torture session. We don’t expect you to be Seinfeld. However, a chuckle goes a long way.

Repeat or Reframe the Question
By the time we heard from the third speaker the audience might have forgotten the original question. Some questions were long and multipart and some of the speakers went off on tangents. Repeating or reframing the question will remind the audience of the question and help you stay on track.

Be Prepared
Some of the candidates seemed to be winging it at times. It looked as if they had never thought about or considered the questions before. Yet, none of the questions were surprises.

Yes, I know that substance counts as well as style. But when there seems to be little difference in substance we gravitate to style. Unfortunately we don’t ask our political candidates to write an exam. So we need to judge them on style because that’s all we can see.

© George Torok is the Speech Coach for Executives. He helps business leaders deliver million dollar presentations. Claim your free Power Presentation tips at www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com To arrange for private presentation coaching call 905-335-1997 To arrange for presentation skills training for your team visit www.Torok.com

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