This Annoys Intelligent People

Do NOT start your presentation with this trashy opening, “How is EVERYBODY today?” After the audience responds the speaker yells, “I can’t HEAR you!”

It’s insincere, manipulative and offensive.

The old “motivational speakers” used to do this (some still do) and it was corny then. It’s even more offensive today.

If you want to connect with your audience treat them with respect. Just imagine having coffee with a friend. He asks, “How are you today?” After you answer he prods you with, “IS THAT THE BEST YOU CAN DO?”

Join the US Marines and they demand that you yell everything – “YES SIR”

If you want to connect with people – treat them like equals – not marine recruits for your drill sergeant.

Presentation Tips on Twitter Presentation Skills Club on Facebook Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives

How to deliver superior presentations - public seminar notice

Discover how you can deliver a superior presentation – every time



Next Public Seminar in Toronto - March 28, 2012. More Details here.


When you speak:


You are competing with all the other thoughts, questions, and concerns in the minds of your audience.

Your message is competing with all the other presenters that have spoken before you and those who will speak after you.


Your intended message is competing with all the unintended messages that you might be sending.


In this intensive one-day seminar you will learn how to:


• Project more confidence
• Open with more pizzazz
• Close with finality
• Establish lightning fast rapport with your audience
• Prepare more effectively in less time
• Master the question and answer session
• Handle interruptions and failures with ease



Book now to claim the early bird discount.

The bottom line is that you will be a more effective presenter starting with your next presentation. That means that you will win more deals, lead more effectively and enjoy more success.

Presentation Skills training seminar in Toronto - Click now to reserve your seat!

Attend this presentation skills public seminar to work with "The Speech Coach for Executives" - George Torok - directly.


Questions? Call George Torok directly at 905-335-1997



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

Presentation Tip #52 - Open with a Success Story

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.
Presentation Tips on Twitter Presentation Skills Club on Facebook Executive Speech Coach, Business presentation tips from George Torok, the Speech Coach for Executives

Presentation Training: How to Select Your Presentation Skills Trainer

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.

Effective Presentation Skills is Not Talent

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

Register for free Power Presentation tips

Read articles about presentation skills

Attend the Superior Presentation Skills Seminar on May 17

Register for the Presentation Skills Coaching Clinic on May 18



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

Superior Presentations Seminar: Video feedback

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.

Poll on What you remembered about the last speaker

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

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

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.

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

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 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

Presentation Training & Coaching in Toronto, Jan 25,26

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

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.

Like, you know, awesome, not - video

Are you speaking with authority?






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

Yadda, yadda, yadda and more annoying phrases

What annoying phrases from popular culture are speakers over-using in their presentations?
For example: I heard one speaker say "yadda, yadda, yadda" three times 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 disagree 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

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

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.

How not to start your speech: 10 Roads to Disaster

Preparing a speech can be like sculpting. You keep removing the excess clay until you have your work of art. If you want to start your presentation with a bang instead of a bust avoid these ten mistakes. These tips will show you how not to start your speech.


1. You like me, you really like me
Sally Fields did this when she accepted her academy award. Her gushing outburst was mocked because it seemed unprofessional. We all want to be liked but Sally pushed our puke button with her act. If they are giving you the award don’t insult them by pretending that you don’t deserve it.


2. Tell a joke
If you have an ancient book on public speaking that tells you to start with a joke – burn it and purge anything you read from your memory. That is a terrible way to start your speech. It’s difficult to tell a joke well in front of an audience. It usually fails – a bad way to start your speech. Don’t tell jokes.


3. How is everybody today?
You have probably seen the “motivational speaker” wannabe start his presentation with this question. Then he repeats the question only louder as if that means your first response was too weak. It looks, sounds and feels phony and it ticks people off – a very bad way to start your presentation.


4. I don’t know why I have been asked to speak
Imagine the thoughts that go through the minds of your audience when you start with this phrase. If you don’t know – why are you speaking? This is going to be a dreadful presentation. Why did I attend? How do I escape?


5. I’m really nervous
It’s okay to admit imperfection. But don’t tell your audience that you are a lousy presenter, this is your first time or that you are very nervous. That conveys lack of confidence. Often they can’t tell the state of your nerves so keep it to yourself. If you are a lousy presenter they will decide on their own soon enough. Don’t foretell your own presentation disaster.


6. I’m really not prepared
How would you feel when the speaker says this at the beginning of his speech? You might think about leaving the room, checking your email or tuning out at the least. As the presenter you want to build interest and anticipation when you start your presentation. You want your audience to perk up and think, “This could be good.”


7. I’m sorry
Don’t start your presentation with an apology. I’m sorry for starting late. I’m sorry that the coffee was cold. I’m sorry that the real speaker couldn’t be here. What a depressing way to start a speech.


8. I’m perfect you’re not
Your introduction said flattering things about you to build your credibility with the audience. But you must not start your presentation appearing to be perfect. You need to build rapport and one way to do that is by revealing a human flaw, admitting an embarrassing mistake or voicing your own dilemma.


9. Criticize
Maybe the introducer messed up your introduction. Perhaps the conference appeared badly organized. Maybe the venue screwed up the registration and the meal. The speaker before you might have chewed into your presentation time. Don’t criticize. If you do that, the audience will tune you out. If any of those things happened you must capture their attention by taking the higher road. Offer them hope. Show them your insights to a better way.


10. Kissing up
You are the most beautiful audience to which I have ever spoken to. Yuk! You can compliment your audience but make it appropriate, sincere and factual. False flattery stinks of snake oil.

Improve the start of your presentation by avoiding these 10 errors so you can start your speech in the right direction. You and your audience will be amazed at the difference.

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© George Torok delivers inspirational keynotes and practical seminars. He trains managers and sales professionals how to present million-dollar presentations. Arrange for George to work with your people by calling 800-304-1861.Register for your free presentation tips at http://www.torok.com/ For presentation skills training or individual speech coaching visit http://www.speechcoachforexecutives.com/.

How not to start your speech

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

Why are Conference Speakers So Bad?

It was horrible. I watched the speakers at the conference. Their presentations were bad, very bad. They were boring, annoying and insulting. I left the room several times because I couldn’t stand it.

As the closing keynote speaker I wanted to hear as much as possible from the other speakers so I could tie things together in my presentation. So I forced myself to watch and listen. Cleary these weren’t professional speakers.

I spoke with most of the other speakers before or after their presentation. They each thought that they were very good. One claimed to be a long time college instructor. Another told me that normally he was a very good presenter but the topic that he was asked to present was boring – so it wasn’t his fault.

The conference speakers didn’t seem to be aware of the pain that they were inflicting on the audience. They were all at the first stage of learning – the unconscious incompetent. They didn’t know what they didn’t know. Some people never leave that stage. They die incompetent and ignorant. You can skip that stage by reading about these presentation horrors.


What mistakes did these speakers make?

Here is a menu of mistakes that the speakers made. Some mistakes were made by several speakers and all speakers made more than one mistake.

Time
Speakers ignored the schedule. They didn’t seem to be concerned about finishing on time or getting the conference back on schedule. They seemed more concerned with covering their material instead of respecting their audience. Speakers that were clearly running late even kept begging the audience to ask more questions.

PowerPoint
All presenters used PowerPoint. Most used slides that the audience couldn’t read but the speaker clearly needed to read. I know you can’t read this – that’s why I’m going to read it to you.

None of the speakers used a remote controlled mouse to advance their PowerPoint slides. Instead they conversed with, chastised and directed the person at the laptop to change slides – ahead or back. Even if the conference organizer didn’t arrange for a remote the speakers could have brought their own. If you present with PowerPoint get your own remote mouse.

The presenters shuffled around aimlessly while reading their PowerPoint slides. Sometimes the presenter moved in front of the projector blocking the screen and creating a splash of light on themselves.

Microphone
Speakers didn’t know how to properly use the hand held microphone. The volume was set too high. There didn’t seem to be an AV technician in the room to adjust the volume. The simple ways to adjust is to hold the microphone farther away and speak softer. Most were way too loud because they held the microphone too close and/or spoke too loudly.

One speaker, who I had warned about the loud volume, held the microphone well and spoke well but coughed frequently into the microphone. We didn’t want to hear your coughs amplified over the speakers.

Who Cares?
Speakers didn’t know what information to leave out of their presentations. Good writers have great editors. “The policy changed in 1967” Who cares? Good speakers also need to edit their material. Present only the information to your audience that is relevant to them.

Real
Speakers were not in the moment. They became automated robots delivering a presentation that perhaps was prepared by someone else. The presenters displayed no connection with the material. One speaker was introduced by the MC and then she said her name again. Why? She probably didn’t expect to be introduced and couldn’t adapt.

Introductions
On the topic of introductions, none of the speakers had a prepared introduction. That should be a 30-second printed introduction that clarifies their expertise that the MC can read. So they only received a lame introduction, “Here’s Bob Smith.”

Wasted Words
There was the usual serving of useless, vague and self-sabotaging words. We heard “that sort of thing”. One speaker used the word “Okay” as a statement-ending hammer. One speaker even introduced one portion of his talk with “I don’t know if you have any interest in this but…” Then he talked about the topic that he had just diminished.

Ending
All things must end and these presentations did end, but not well. Most of the speakers did not have a prepared close. The most common close was, “I think that’s it. Thank you.”


Now that you know some of the mistakes that bad presenters make you can skip the unconscious incompetent stage. You’re on your way to becoming a better presenter.


© George Torok is the Speech Coach for Executives. He helps business leaders deliver million dollar presentations. Discover more free presentation tips at www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com Arrange for speech coaching and presentation training at www.Torok.com To speak directly to George Torok call 905-335-1997

Why are Conference Speakers so Bad?

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

Volunteers, Charities and NPOs Get a Break on Public Speaking Skills

News Release: For Immediate Use

Volunteers, Charities and NPOs Get a Break on Public Speaking Skills

Burlington, ON – September 16, 2010:
People volunteer for many reasons. One of those is to develop new skills. The problem is that Non-Profit Organizations (NPOs) have little or no budget for training.

One of the most important skills that people in any line of work (profit or non-profit) need to develop is communication skills in general and public speaking (presentation skills) in particular. These skills are important to both individual and organization success. Once learned, these skills stick and can be transferred to other work.

How can volunteers transform their presentation skills?
Volunteers, executives and staff of NPOs are invited to attend this free Presentation Skills Clinic sponsored by Bay Gardens and featuring local presentation skills expert, George Torok.

Details:
Who: Volunteers and staff of local charities and non-profit organizations
What: Special 89-Minute Presentation Skills Clinic
When: Monday September 27, 2010 – 8:31am to 10:00am
Where: Bay Gardens, 1010 Botanical Drive, Burlington, ON
Cost: No Charge
To Register: Contact Gisela Zehmer Gisela@BayGardens.ca or 905-574-0405

Like any good presentation – we will start and finish on time.

George Torok is the Speech Coach for Executives. He helps business and community leaders deliver million-dollar presentations. A bestselling author, radio show host and motivational speaker he explains and demonstrates practical techniques to be a more effective presenter. Through his training, coaching and writing he has helped thousands of people improve their presentations.

“You (George Torok) provided valuable content, entertained us, and demonstrated both a clear understanding and humility for the science and art of presentation skills.”
Paul Bates, Dean, DeGroote School of Business

Bay Gardens opened the newest funeral homes in Burlington and Hamilton. They made a half-million dollar commitment to supporting community groups and non-profit organizations with modern meeting facilities and special programs at no charge.

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For more information please contact

Gisela Zehmer: 905-574-0405
www.BayGardens.ca

George Torok: 905-335-1997
www.Torok.com

Why Do We Fear Public Speaking?

Public speaking is often rated as the greatest fear that adults have. Yet speaking by itself is not threatening to most. It’s the public in public speaking that frightens people. Why is this?

Perhaps it’s the way that you learned to speak in public. Most of us started speaking when we were around 1 year old. Our first words were enthusiastically cultivated and celebrated by our parents. Out first public speaking was what we did on the phone to our grand-parents.

Those were the good old days. Every word and sound you made (other than crying) was met with smiles and attention from the adults.

Our next opportunity to experience public speaking was in the grocery store. You learned that our favorite cereal, candy or treat could be ours if we made enough of a public spectacle to embarrass our parent. Yes, this public speaking thing seemed like a good thing – until we got home. Perhaps we were sent to our room. This was sending us mixed messages about public speaking.

Then you went to school. For a budding public speaker this was a gift – a classroom full of an eager audience. Boy, were we wrong. It turned out that every other student wanted to speak at the same time. Why didn’t they realize that your thoughts and words were more important than theirs.

Your years at school brought more opportunities to speak in public. Yet they often seemed like walking through a mine field. You never knew when you might say something dumb or give the wrong answer. The teacher would give you that look and your audience might snicker. And that was just the day-to-day grind of school days. You learned that the public could be very fickle and unappreciative about your speaking.

Public speaking in class was either to ask the teacher a question or to answer the teacher’s questions. Ask a dumb question or give the wrong answer and you might be on the receiving end of the teacher’s ire. Even if you asked good questions and gave the right answers – you only pleased the teacher and raised the distain of your fellow students. This public speaking thing seemed to be a no win situation. Most days it seemed better to avoid it. Keep your hand down and avoid eye contact.

The boldest public speaker was the class clown who seemed to have a natural talent for making jokes, entertaining the audience and annoying the teacher. The teacher was the one who did the most public speaking in class and that was often boring. Neither was a good role model for a future public speaker.

There was the school play. Perhaps you volunteered or were volunteered and you had a few lines to deliver. You rehearsed the lines before and after breakfast and on the way to school. Maybe you were coached by your parents who didn’t have a clue about public speaking or the pressure that you felt. The day of the play you delivered your lines. Perhaps you hated the experience. “Ain’t gonna do that again” – you vowed

So why is there a mystery that so many adults fear public speaking?

Maybe it’s because they have been conditioned that way most of their lives. If you want to be a better public speaker you might need some serious reconditioning.


© George Torok, The Public Speaking Pro, is a Toronto based Public Speaking Trainer. He helps business speakers deliver million dollar presentations. Discover more free public speaking tips at http://www.Public-Speaking-Pro.biz Follow daily public speaking tips at http://twitter.com/presentationsgo For training or coaching call 905-335-1997

For a better understanding of how to handle the fear of public speaking click here

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

Speaker Boot Camp in the UK

Are you in the UK?

Are you a professional or advanced speaker that wants to fine tune your presentations skills even more?

This Speaker Boot Camp is not for novice speakers.

In this program a maximun of six speakers will receive direct and intense coaching from Warren Evans CSP.

You will receive help with structure, content and delivery from a no-nonsence master of presenting.

Click here to learn more about this unique opportunity.

This Speaker Boot Camp will run October 22-24.

Discover more information here.


PS: I attended this program in Toronto two years ago. I was already a very good speaker and wondered if I would get a good return on my money. I expected more than a few silly tricks. I still am happy with the results that I got from from this Speaker Boot Camp. I was able to put the lessons into action at my next presentation.

George Torok

Speech Coach for Executives




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