Put the audience in your story with the word “you”.
As a runner I was reluctant to tell my marathon story because I was afraid of alienating people. But once I started using phrases like “you are at the starting line”, “you start having these inner conversations”… people who were not even runners could relate and comment on the story lesson.
When you tell your story find ways that you can change “I did this” or “I was this’ to “You were thinking…” or ‘Imagine if you ...”
“You” is the magic word of audience engagement.
Review your personal stories and find ways to change the word “I” or “me” to “you” or “your”
George Torok
Your Executive Speech Coach
Your Keynote Speaker
Presentation Tip - Speaking to the seven dwarfs
Presentation Tip – Speaking to the seven dwarfs
Every member of your audience is different. You can’t treat them the same and expect the same reaction from all of them.
You must be prepared to connect on different levels and receive different reactions to your presentation.
Consider this challenge. Imagine that you are presenting to the seven dwarfs. You might be tempted to think that they are all the same because they are all dwarfs and all working in the same industry. Think again.
Consider these possible very different reactions to your presentation.
Dopey - the youngest, sweetest, and silliest of the seven
Dopey will like you no matter what you do or say – even though he does not understand you. He might ask silly questions or make silly jokes to suggest that he supports you. But he doesn’t have a clue.
Grumpy - the grouchiest and most curmudgeonly of the group
It’s just his way. He is still devoted to the group and the cause but he feels that it is his responsibility to point out the down side of things. He is not going to let you make an easy sale. He will test you and challenge you. No malice intended. It’s the principle.
Doc – he wears glasses (so presumably the most intellectual)
He will listen for the logic of your content. He will not be impressed by your jokes or entertainment. Will listen intently and make some notes. Might even ask some probing questions.
Happy - the most rotund of the dwarfs
He is happy to be anywhere with a group. He will smile, laugh and applaud. Will take few notes. For him this is a gathering and gatherings are to be enjoyed.
Bashful - evokes his bashful nature through a classic pose of shyness (hands clasped behind back, shoulders slightly raised, eyes upturned)
Does not want to be engaged – “Don’t pick me”. He feels safe when in the group but not in front of it. Won’t ask questions, won’t volunteer and prefers not to be centered out.
Sneezy – often sneezing or preparing to do so
Health or allergies causes him to be coughing or sneezing – always at the wrong times. It’s not intentional. It just is.
Sleepy - he wears a perpetually sleepy look
Was he up too late or is he ill. Did he just work a double shift? It doesn’t matter because he is yawning or dozing during your presentation. You might feel insulted by his obvious lack of interest.
So you are presenting and not everyone loves or even likes you. Get over it - you could be presenting to the seven dwarfs.
George Torok
Executive Speech Coach
Presentation Skills Training
Corporate Spokesperson
Every member of your audience is different. You can’t treat them the same and expect the same reaction from all of them.
You must be prepared to connect on different levels and receive different reactions to your presentation.
Consider this challenge. Imagine that you are presenting to the seven dwarfs. You might be tempted to think that they are all the same because they are all dwarfs and all working in the same industry. Think again.
Consider these possible very different reactions to your presentation.
Dopey - the youngest, sweetest, and silliest of the seven
Dopey will like you no matter what you do or say – even though he does not understand you. He might ask silly questions or make silly jokes to suggest that he supports you. But he doesn’t have a clue.
Grumpy - the grouchiest and most curmudgeonly of the group
It’s just his way. He is still devoted to the group and the cause but he feels that it is his responsibility to point out the down side of things. He is not going to let you make an easy sale. He will test you and challenge you. No malice intended. It’s the principle.
Doc – he wears glasses (so presumably the most intellectual)
He will listen for the logic of your content. He will not be impressed by your jokes or entertainment. Will listen intently and make some notes. Might even ask some probing questions.
Happy - the most rotund of the dwarfs
He is happy to be anywhere with a group. He will smile, laugh and applaud. Will take few notes. For him this is a gathering and gatherings are to be enjoyed.
Bashful - evokes his bashful nature through a classic pose of shyness (hands clasped behind back, shoulders slightly raised, eyes upturned)
Does not want to be engaged – “Don’t pick me”. He feels safe when in the group but not in front of it. Won’t ask questions, won’t volunteer and prefers not to be centered out.
Sneezy – often sneezing or preparing to do so
Health or allergies causes him to be coughing or sneezing – always at the wrong times. It’s not intentional. It just is.
Sleepy - he wears a perpetually sleepy look
Was he up too late or is he ill. Did he just work a double shift? It doesn’t matter because he is yawning or dozing during your presentation. You might feel insulted by his obvious lack of interest.
So you are presenting and not everyone loves or even likes you. Get over it - you could be presenting to the seven dwarfs.
George Torok
Executive Speech Coach
Presentation Skills Training
Corporate Spokesperson
Presentation Tip - Ignore Grumpy
Presentation Tip - Ignore Grumpy
Don’t get hung up over the one person whose body language suggests that he hates you. You don’t know what is troubling them. When speaking to one group I was pleased that the audience laughed and seemed to be enjoying my presentation. All except one person who sat with arms crossed and a grumpy face. Each time I looked at him my gut tightened. After the presentation he approached me and said with the same grump face, “You were the best speaker we have ever had.” Some people just look grumpy on the outside.
Don't focus on Grumpy. Instead speak to the 80% of the audience with which you have a chance to connect.
George Torok
Corporate Spokesperson
Executive Speech Coach
Presentation Skills Training
Don’t get hung up over the one person whose body language suggests that he hates you. You don’t know what is troubling them. When speaking to one group I was pleased that the audience laughed and seemed to be enjoying my presentation. All except one person who sat with arms crossed and a grumpy face. Each time I looked at him my gut tightened. After the presentation he approached me and said with the same grump face, “You were the best speaker we have ever had.” Some people just look grumpy on the outside.
Don't focus on Grumpy. Instead speak to the 80% of the audience with which you have a chance to connect.
George Torok
Corporate Spokesperson
Executive Speech Coach
Presentation Skills Training
Presentation Insights from George Torok
Presentation Insights from George Torok
Enjoy these pithy presentation insights from George Torok. Use the ideas that resonate well with you. If you reprint these insights or quote them – be sure to credit George Torok as your source.
George Torok is a presentation specialist who simplifies powerful presentation principles and shows you how to be a more effective presenter.
If you like what you read and would like to work directly with George Torok contact him at 905-335-1997.
The more we see you speak in public – the more we believe you to be a leader.
If you attempt to present yourself as perfect – we will not believe you and we will hate you. We like you when we see that you are imperfect like we are.
We love to hear stories. We don’t need another lecture. Just ask your kids.
Your audience will remember how they felt about you. They will forget your name and your message.
Smile when you start, when you finish and when you say something important.
Do not attempt to think on your feet. Instead be prepared with a menu of options. Then you only need to select. Thinking on your feet is too dangerous. Your feet are for running – not for thinking.
PowerPoint! Yuk! No one changes minds, leads people or makes the sale because of PowerPoint. But a lot of presenters annoyed their audiences with their PowerPoint.
For more presentation insights from George Torok read his articles on this website, read Secrets of Power Presentations or call him to work with him directly. 905-335-1997
Contact George Torok
George Torok in the Media
Read Presentation Articles
Register for Free Presentation Tips
Enjoy these pithy presentation insights from George Torok. Use the ideas that resonate well with you. If you reprint these insights or quote them – be sure to credit George Torok as your source.
George Torok is a presentation specialist who simplifies powerful presentation principles and shows you how to be a more effective presenter.
If you like what you read and would like to work directly with George Torok contact him at 905-335-1997.
The more we see you speak in public – the more we believe you to be a leader.
If you attempt to present yourself as perfect – we will not believe you and we will hate you. We like you when we see that you are imperfect like we are.
We love to hear stories. We don’t need another lecture. Just ask your kids.
Your audience will remember how they felt about you. They will forget your name and your message.
Smile when you start, when you finish and when you say something important.
Do not attempt to think on your feet. Instead be prepared with a menu of options. Then you only need to select. Thinking on your feet is too dangerous. Your feet are for running – not for thinking.
PowerPoint! Yuk! No one changes minds, leads people or makes the sale because of PowerPoint. But a lot of presenters annoyed their audiences with their PowerPoint.
For more presentation insights from George Torok read his articles on this website, read Secrets of Power Presentations or call him to work with him directly. 905-335-1997
Contact George Torok
George Torok in the Media
Read Presentation Articles
Register for Free Presentation Tips
AIESEC Canada - comments
George Torok spoke to AIESEC Canada about presentation skills. Here is what they said.
“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
Presention Skills Training
Executive Speech Coaching
“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
Presention Skills Training
Executive Speech Coaching
You don't have a presentation
You don’t have a presentation
As I prepared to deliver my presentation I told the AV guy that he could turn off the computer projector – that I would not use PowerPoint.
His response was, “Oh you don’t have a presentation.”
I grinned at him and said, as I pointed at my head, “Oh yes I do, and it is all in here.”
Isn’t it funny how some people equate presentation with PowerPoint. I guess that congratulations are due to Microsoft on the power of their marketing. Microsoft has trained a generation of managers that believe that presentation = PowerPoint. Poor managers and especially poor presentation prisoners.
Many PowerPoint presentations are so bad. It is often just the speaker’s notes on the screen. Sometimes the PowerPoint is the speaker’s presentation – word for word.
A good presentation is about connecting with your audience, about delivering stories and about moving them to action. PowerPoint does none of those things. I’m sure that if George Orwell imagined the possibility of PowerPoint he would have included it in his novel of Big Brother’s torture “1984”. Dante’s Inferno would have surely included a gate in hell marked “PowerPoint”. You belong there if you commit the PowerPoint Sins.
My question to you – do you have a presentation or do you have a PowerPoint?
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
Presentation Skills Training
Motivational Speaker
As I prepared to deliver my presentation I told the AV guy that he could turn off the computer projector – that I would not use PowerPoint.
His response was, “Oh you don’t have a presentation.”
I grinned at him and said, as I pointed at my head, “Oh yes I do, and it is all in here.”
Isn’t it funny how some people equate presentation with PowerPoint. I guess that congratulations are due to Microsoft on the power of their marketing. Microsoft has trained a generation of managers that believe that presentation = PowerPoint. Poor managers and especially poor presentation prisoners.
Many PowerPoint presentations are so bad. It is often just the speaker’s notes on the screen. Sometimes the PowerPoint is the speaker’s presentation – word for word.
A good presentation is about connecting with your audience, about delivering stories and about moving them to action. PowerPoint does none of those things. I’m sure that if George Orwell imagined the possibility of PowerPoint he would have included it in his novel of Big Brother’s torture “1984”. Dante’s Inferno would have surely included a gate in hell marked “PowerPoint”. You belong there if you commit the PowerPoint Sins.
My question to you – do you have a presentation or do you have a PowerPoint?
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
Presentation Skills Training
Motivational Speaker
Presentation Stories: The Night Before Christmas
THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS
by Clement Clarke Moore
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
by Clement Clarke Moore
'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;The stockings were hung by the chimney with care, In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds, While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads; And mamma in her 'kerchief, and I in my cap, Had just settled down for a long winter's nap, When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter. Away to the window I flew like a flash, Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.
The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below, When, what to my wondering eyes should appear, But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer, With a little old driver, so lively and quick, I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick. More rapid than eagles his coursers they came, And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name;"Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!On, Comet! on Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen! To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall! Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"
As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly, When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky, So up to the house-top the coursers they flew, With the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too. And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof The prancing and pawing of each little hoof. As I drew in my hand, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound. He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot, And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot; A bundle of toys he had flung on his back, And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack. His eyes -- how they twinkled! his dimples how merry! His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry! His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow, And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow; The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth, And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath; He had a broad face and a little round belly, That shook, when he laughed like a bowlful of jelly. He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself; A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread; He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose; He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle. But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."
Presentation: Telling Stories
Telling Stories
Tell stories. Paint word pictures that create images in the listeners’ minds. If they can see it they are more likely to understand and remember your message. The best public speakers are storytellers Use stories and anecdotes to illustrate and reinforce the main points of your presentation. Learn to master the skill of storytelling. Listen to newscasters, entertainers and other speakers.
The best stories are personal. Because they are yours - they are easier to remember and they make your presentation unique. We listen to stories. We hate lectures. If you forgot that lesson - just ask your kids. The way to find personal stories that can be used in your presentations is to write them down. Make a list of significant things that happened to you and those around you; the first time… the best, the worst, the biggest mistake, the best break, the greatest ah-ha, the funniest moment, the most frustrating incident, the dumbest thing you did, the most embarrassing moment…
The things that hurt you the most make the best stories to tell in your presentations. Rehearse your stories to edit them down into a short story that is easy to listen to. The hardest thing for you might be to leave out details. The hardest thing for your audience is listening to you describe unnecessary details. Just make the point.
The above is an excerpt from Secrets of Power Presentations by Peter Urs Bender.
George Torok
The Speech Coach for Executives
Presentation Skills Training
Tell stories. Paint word pictures that create images in the listeners’ minds. If they can see it they are more likely to understand and remember your message. The best public speakers are storytellers Use stories and anecdotes to illustrate and reinforce the main points of your presentation. Learn to master the skill of storytelling. Listen to newscasters, entertainers and other speakers.
The best stories are personal. Because they are yours - they are easier to remember and they make your presentation unique. We listen to stories. We hate lectures. If you forgot that lesson - just ask your kids. The way to find personal stories that can be used in your presentations is to write them down. Make a list of significant things that happened to you and those around you; the first time… the best, the worst, the biggest mistake, the best break, the greatest ah-ha, the funniest moment, the most frustrating incident, the dumbest thing you did, the most embarrassing moment…
The things that hurt you the most make the best stories to tell in your presentations. Rehearse your stories to edit them down into a short story that is easy to listen to. The hardest thing for you might be to leave out details. The hardest thing for your audience is listening to you describe unnecessary details. Just make the point.
The above is an excerpt from Secrets of Power Presentations by Peter Urs Bender.
George Torok
The Speech Coach for Executives
Presentation Skills Training
Delivering your Presentation
Delivering your Presentation
Last minute details before you begin speaking
Get into the room before your audience arrives to check the setup and get the feel of the room. This helps to make it your room. Walk around the room and sit in a few different chairs to take in the feel of your room and how your audience will see you. Check your equipment and put on your busiest slide to check for readability. Drink one or two glasses of warm water to both lubricate your vocal cords and hydrate yourself. Public speaking dehydrates you.
Emergency preparation
Check the exit doors and paths from the building. If an emergency occurs the audience will look to you, the speaker, for leadership and maybe their lives. Be prepared to tell people how to leave the room and building. If it becomes necessary - do it in a calm, commanding and confident voice. Public speaking carries the responsibility of leadership. Everything you do while speaking will be better if you prepare the skills to deliver.
Your confederate
Always have at least one confederate. This is a simple yet important secret to presentation success. Your confederate should sit near the back of the room so they can survey the room, help late arrivers and do things without disturbing the audience. They will take care of the lights, handouts, ushering people to their seats and even asking a planted question. It is their job to head off problems before they erupt. They should know how to work the lights and who to call when problems arise.
Eye Contact
Talk directly to people. The best presentation is delivered as a conversation to every person in your audience one person at a time. If you want to be believed – talk to every individual – looking him or her in the eye. Don’t make the big mistake committed by many novice public speakers - staring at the spot on the back wall. This one technique is a powerful element of successful presentation skills.
Emphasizing key points
If you want people to remember something – repeat it at least three times during your speech. The first time they might hear it. The second time they might mull it over. The third time it might stick. “I have a dream”. Do you know how many times Martin Luthur King repeated that phrase in his famous speech?
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
Last minute details before you begin speaking
Get into the room before your audience arrives to check the setup and get the feel of the room. This helps to make it your room. Walk around the room and sit in a few different chairs to take in the feel of your room and how your audience will see you. Check your equipment and put on your busiest slide to check for readability. Drink one or two glasses of warm water to both lubricate your vocal cords and hydrate yourself. Public speaking dehydrates you.
Emergency preparation
Check the exit doors and paths from the building. If an emergency occurs the audience will look to you, the speaker, for leadership and maybe their lives. Be prepared to tell people how to leave the room and building. If it becomes necessary - do it in a calm, commanding and confident voice. Public speaking carries the responsibility of leadership. Everything you do while speaking will be better if you prepare the skills to deliver.
Your confederate
Always have at least one confederate. This is a simple yet important secret to presentation success. Your confederate should sit near the back of the room so they can survey the room, help late arrivers and do things without disturbing the audience. They will take care of the lights, handouts, ushering people to their seats and even asking a planted question. It is their job to head off problems before they erupt. They should know how to work the lights and who to call when problems arise.
Eye Contact
Talk directly to people. The best presentation is delivered as a conversation to every person in your audience one person at a time. If you want to be believed – talk to every individual – looking him or her in the eye. Don’t make the big mistake committed by many novice public speakers - staring at the spot on the back wall. This one technique is a powerful element of successful presentation skills.
Emphasizing key points
If you want people to remember something – repeat it at least three times during your speech. The first time they might hear it. The second time they might mull it over. The third time it might stick. “I have a dream”. Do you know how many times Martin Luthur King repeated that phrase in his famous speech?
George Torok
Speech Coach for Executives
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)