When you don't know what to do, what should you do? Pause and smile. Imagine that you are speaking to a crowded room of eager listeners. Suddenly your mind goes blank - you forget what you just said, and what comes next. If you speak in public this will happen to you. You've seen it happen to others; they stammer and sputter and even apologise.
What should you do? ....read more
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
Presentation Success
How do you know if you've delivered a successful presentation?
When I ask this question of my audience the answers are usually,
“you get applause”
“they ask questions”
“people stay awake”
“you see them taking notes”
“they laugh at your jokes”
However, none of them is a true indicator of a successful presentation.
No one has yet given me the correct answer to this question. That is curious in itself, because that would suggest if presenters don’t know the definition of a successful presentation they ‘ain’t gonna’ give one.
Definition of a successful presentation:
You gave a successful presentation if, after you presented, the audience is doing, thinking or feeling what you want them to do, think or feel.
I suggest that you read that definition a few times to internalize it
Also, if you know what a successful presentation should be, you might start designing and delivering more successful presentations.
Clarity of purpose is everything.
For more tips on delivering successful presentations read Presentation Skills Success.
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
When I ask this question of my audience the answers are usually,
“you get applause”
“they ask questions”
“people stay awake”
“you see them taking notes”
“they laugh at your jokes”
However, none of them is a true indicator of a successful presentation.
No one has yet given me the correct answer to this question. That is curious in itself, because that would suggest if presenters don’t know the definition of a successful presentation they ‘ain’t gonna’ give one.
Definition of a successful presentation:
You gave a successful presentation if, after you presented, the audience is doing, thinking or feeling what you want them to do, think or feel.
I suggest that you read that definition a few times to internalize it
Also, if you know what a successful presentation should be, you might start designing and delivering more successful presentations.
Clarity of purpose is everything.
For more tips on delivering successful presentations read Presentation Skills Success.
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
Be a better Public Speaker
Be a better public speaker
How can you be a more effective public speaker?
Say less.
Say it clearer.
Say it with conviction.
George Torok
Executive Speech Coach
PS: the concept is simple. The difficulty is in doing it.
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
How can you be a more effective public speaker?
Say less.
Say it clearer.
Say it with conviction.
George Torok
Executive Speech Coach
PS: the concept is simple. The difficulty is in doing it.
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
PowerPoint Exposed
If you or someone you care about uses PowerPoint in your presentations then you will find these articles helpful. They might save you some embarrassment, might rescue a big sales presentation and might rejuvenate your career.
Don’t be seduced by the “ease of use” of PowerPoint. Don’t become a PowerPoint body-snatcher. Don’t check your brains at the door because of PowerPoint.
PowerPoint Sins
PowerPoint Sins, errors, and myths you must avoid when presenting with PowerPoint. Giving presentations is a privilege and opportunity - not a right. Please stop sinning while you present. If you must use PowerPoint or other computer projection – learn these sins and avoid them. Read PowerPoint Sins
Presentation Power does not come from PowerPoint
How do you present yourself with power? Don't be fooled by the name. There is no implied power in PowerPoint. Have you noticed how many presenters use PowerPoint and do not have power? That should be your first clue. PowerPoint is easy-to-use software. It seduces you into believing… Read Presentation Power does not come from PowerPoint
10 Power Tips for Presentations with Computer Projection
When was the last time you sat through a terrible presentation using computer projection? When was the last time you gave one? If you want to avoid disaster and give your career a boost then apply these ten tips the next time you... Read 10 Power Tips for Presentations with Computer Projection
PowerPoint is a registered trademark of Microsoft.
Remember, friends don’t let friends present with PowerPoint without reading the above life-saving articles.
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
Don’t be seduced by the “ease of use” of PowerPoint. Don’t become a PowerPoint body-snatcher. Don’t check your brains at the door because of PowerPoint.
PowerPoint Sins
PowerPoint Sins, errors, and myths you must avoid when presenting with PowerPoint. Giving presentations is a privilege and opportunity - not a right. Please stop sinning while you present. If you must use PowerPoint or other computer projection – learn these sins and avoid them. Read PowerPoint Sins
Presentation Power does not come from PowerPoint
How do you present yourself with power? Don't be fooled by the name. There is no implied power in PowerPoint. Have you noticed how many presenters use PowerPoint and do not have power? That should be your first clue. PowerPoint is easy-to-use software. It seduces you into believing… Read Presentation Power does not come from PowerPoint
10 Power Tips for Presentations with Computer Projection
When was the last time you sat through a terrible presentation using computer projection? When was the last time you gave one? If you want to avoid disaster and give your career a boost then apply these ten tips the next time you... Read 10 Power Tips for Presentations with Computer Projection
PowerPoint is a registered trademark of Microsoft.
Remember, friends don’t let friends present with PowerPoint without reading the above life-saving articles.
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
AIESEC
The international platform for young people to discover and develop their potential.
What they said about George Torok:
“Truly eye-opening and entertaining. A great way to see the clear relevance of effective executive speaking and understand easy, specific ways to improve your own style.”
Carolyn Rush, Regional Vice President Ontario
AIESEC Canada
“George makes everyone feel comfortable together as a group, yet pushes each individual outside of their public speaking comfort zone. Just through watching George present, I am motivated to improve my speaking skills.”
John Kelly, Region Vice President West & Atlantic
AIESEC Canada
“George has an amazing ability to take the mundane and creating it into something engaging yet simple enough to remember and put into practice. Over the years, I have taken classes and read many books on effective speaking; however, George’s class had the most impact on my development. I saw improvement in participating for only 4 hours of his session.”
Messalina Tiro, Vice President Corporate Development
AIESEC Canada
“George is not only a fantastic presenter he is also extremely effective with his time and content delivery. In a couple of hours he delivered several simple tips and techniques that will make me a much better presenter. Attending the “Effective Executive Speaking” course was certainly a great investment in my professional and personal development.”
Talicia Correa, Director of Alumni Relations
AIESEC Canada
“A truly motivating and inspirational presenter. This is my second time to receive training from George and I learn something new every time. The skills and techniques from this course help me every day both personally and professionally. Given the opportunity, I would certainly take a course from George again.”
Juan Panlilio, Director of National Accounts
AIESEC Canada
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
What they said about George Torok:
“Truly eye-opening and entertaining. A great way to see the clear relevance of effective executive speaking and understand easy, specific ways to improve your own style.”
Carolyn Rush, Regional Vice President Ontario
AIESEC Canada
“George makes everyone feel comfortable together as a group, yet pushes each individual outside of their public speaking comfort zone. Just through watching George present, I am motivated to improve my speaking skills.”
John Kelly, Region Vice President West & Atlantic
AIESEC Canada
“George has an amazing ability to take the mundane and creating it into something engaging yet simple enough to remember and put into practice. Over the years, I have taken classes and read many books on effective speaking; however, George’s class had the most impact on my development. I saw improvement in participating for only 4 hours of his session.”
Messalina Tiro, Vice President Corporate Development
AIESEC Canada
“George is not only a fantastic presenter he is also extremely effective with his time and content delivery. In a couple of hours he delivered several simple tips and techniques that will make me a much better presenter. Attending the “Effective Executive Speaking” course was certainly a great investment in my professional and personal development.”
Talicia Correa, Director of Alumni Relations
AIESEC Canada
“A truly motivating and inspirational presenter. This is my second time to receive training from George and I learn something new every time. The skills and techniques from this course help me every day both personally and professionally. Given the opportunity, I would certainly take a course from George again.”
Juan Panlilio, Director of National Accounts
AIESEC Canada
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
Build Trust When You Speak
Build trust when you speak
How can you build more trust when you speak?
Talk slower. It allows listeners to hear and understand you better.
Pause often. It allows people to think about what you said and it demonstrates your confidence in your message.
Look every member of your audience in the eye at some point. We trust you more when you appear to be looking at us. Don’t stare at your notes, the screen, the back wall or the boardroom table. We don't trust a speaker who won't look at us.
Make sure we can see your face clearly. Stand in the light. Don’t obstruct your eyes or mouth. Such actions destroy trust.
Let your audience see your hands. That builds trust. Hiding your hands is a sign of deceit.
And the number one way to build more trust with more people is to smile. A smiling face makes you look more friendly, confident and trustworthy.
The next time you watch a speaker – notice the things she does to build trust or destroy trust.
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
Who Trusts You in Your Business?
How can you build more trust when you speak?
Talk slower. It allows listeners to hear and understand you better.
Pause often. It allows people to think about what you said and it demonstrates your confidence in your message.
Look every member of your audience in the eye at some point. We trust you more when you appear to be looking at us. Don’t stare at your notes, the screen, the back wall or the boardroom table. We don't trust a speaker who won't look at us.
Make sure we can see your face clearly. Stand in the light. Don’t obstruct your eyes or mouth. Such actions destroy trust.
Let your audience see your hands. That builds trust. Hiding your hands is a sign of deceit.
And the number one way to build more trust with more people is to smile. A smiling face makes you look more friendly, confident and trustworthy.
The next time you watch a speaker – notice the things she does to build trust or destroy trust.
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
Who Trusts You in Your Business?
Body Language
Your body language might embarrass you
Your body language might be sabotaging you
Your body language might be confusing your audience
What is your body language saying about you?
Your body language might be saying that you are:
Confident
Truthful
Comfortable
Friendly
Passionate
Or...your body language might be transmitting that you are:
Nervous
Lying
Impatient
Antagonistic
Uninterested
Your body leaks messages
What is it saying about you?
Do you know the signals?
Do you know how to send the right messages with your body?
George Torok
The Speech Coach for Executives
Your body language might be sabotaging you
Your body language might be confusing your audience
What is your body language saying about you?
Your body language might be saying that you are:
Confident
Truthful
Comfortable
Friendly
Passionate
Or...your body language might be transmitting that you are:
Nervous
Lying
Impatient
Antagonistic
Uninterested
Your body leaks messages
What is it saying about you?
Do you know the signals?
Do you know how to send the right messages with your body?
George Torok
The Speech Coach for Executives
Exhibits International
Dear George,
As an international leading provider of exhibits for Tradeshows, Museums and Special Events, Exhibits International was recently short-listed for a major US museum project. A complex venture, securing this project was pivotal to the reputation, growth and future success of our company.
I wanted to make certain that through the next stage of the bidding process (in-person presentations), the EI management team could present and project their competencies to the best of their abilities.
Right or wrong, people form a perception about how competent you are by how you present yourself when you stand and speak. They also form perceptions about the company you represent based on your performance. A person who can stand in front of a group, with poise and confidence, can immediately create the perception of expertise and experience.
Your professional and personal approach was designed to impact our senior management team with an implementation method that proves its worth at every stage. You advised us to narrow down our topic, focus on a few key points and speak with confidence.
As you suggested I kept my presentation short, and narrowed it down to only 12 minutes, something I would never have done before working with you. My Production VP, Tom, conveyed both his technical expertise and personality in his brief section of the presentation, just as you coached him. I was impressed, and so was the committee.
In the end, the numbers speak. You demonstrated to us how to cut a 60-minute rambling presentation, into a 12-minute clear, concise and focused presentation that helped us secure a $10 million project. My team now has the knowledge, skill and attitude to present professionally.
George, “Thank You”. I appreciate your expertise, your professionalism and of course, your sense of humour which lead us through some grueling sessions.
Sincerely,
Sam Kohn,
President
Exhibits International
George Torok
The Speech Coach for Executives
As an international leading provider of exhibits for Tradeshows, Museums and Special Events, Exhibits International was recently short-listed for a major US museum project. A complex venture, securing this project was pivotal to the reputation, growth and future success of our company.
I wanted to make certain that through the next stage of the bidding process (in-person presentations), the EI management team could present and project their competencies to the best of their abilities.
Right or wrong, people form a perception about how competent you are by how you present yourself when you stand and speak. They also form perceptions about the company you represent based on your performance. A person who can stand in front of a group, with poise and confidence, can immediately create the perception of expertise and experience.
Your professional and personal approach was designed to impact our senior management team with an implementation method that proves its worth at every stage. You advised us to narrow down our topic, focus on a few key points and speak with confidence.
As you suggested I kept my presentation short, and narrowed it down to only 12 minutes, something I would never have done before working with you. My Production VP, Tom, conveyed both his technical expertise and personality in his brief section of the presentation, just as you coached him. I was impressed, and so was the committee.
In the end, the numbers speak. You demonstrated to us how to cut a 60-minute rambling presentation, into a 12-minute clear, concise and focused presentation that helped us secure a $10 million project. My team now has the knowledge, skill and attitude to present professionally.
George, “Thank You”. I appreciate your expertise, your professionalism and of course, your sense of humour which lead us through some grueling sessions.
Sincerely,
Sam Kohn,
President
Exhibits International
George Torok
The Speech Coach for Executives
Win in the Boardroom with Donald Trump
Never interrupt the Donald.
When Donald Trump tells you to shut up - shut up.
Never suggest that you are like the Donald. But it's okay to suggest that you would like to be.
If your competition is getting dumped on – shut up.
Don’t even hint about Donald Trump’s hair or wives.
Don’t start your pitch with the word “honestly”.
Don’t plead, beg or cry to Mr. Trump.
Don’t fight with anyone in the boardroom. Do that before you arrive.
Confirm your alliances before you enter the boardroom.
Be prepared to address your worst question.
Don’t be glib or sarcastic.
Pause, breathe and smile before answering any question.
Turn every negative question into a positive one.
Relate details to the bigger picture.
Admit your mistakes and shortcomings.
Don’t sling mud. Make candid observations.
George Torok
The Speech Coach for Executives
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