Your Intended Message

Podcast Guest Mistakes That Hurt Your Crediblity Podcast Guesting Tips: Preparation, Presence & Promotion Episode 299 (Noemi is based in Cyprus) In this conversation with Noemi Beres we explore: why podcast guesting builds authority and long-term visibility how evergreen content continues to work for you over time how to identify and target the right podcast audience why podcast interviews are about the host and audience—not the guest how relationships formed through podcasts lead to business opportunities how to repurpose podcast interviews into ongoing content why preparation and clarity outperform improvisation how to craft and condense your story for podcast interviews how authenticity and presence influence audience perception why consistency and persistence are essential for results how smaller podcasts provide practice and niche access how podcast guesting differs from keynote speaking ----- About our guest Noemi Beres: Noemi is a podcast guesting expert and entrepreneur who rebuilt her business to six figures after losing it during the pandemic. She's co-founder of sPodcast Connections, a podcast booking agency that helps thought leaders get booked on the right podcasts. https://www.podcastconnections.co/ ---- Key Lessons from this Conversation with Noemi Beres: podcast guesting builds brand visibility and authority over time podcast appearances create long-term SEO and evergreen content value anyone can find a podcast niche with proper research successful guesting starts with understanding your ideal audience podcast interviews are about serving the host and audience, not self-promotion building relationships with podcast hosts leads to long-term opportunities repurposing podcast content multiplies marketing reach preparation is essential—guests should not “wing it” strong guest storytelling requires clarity and brevity authenticity and presence create stronger audience connection consistency and persistence drive long-term results in podcast guesting smaller podcasts provide valuable practice and targeted audiences ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskill  

How Emotions Shape Every Business Negotiation The Power of Questions in Negotiation Conversations Episode 298 (Fotini is based in Toronto) In this conversation with Fotini Iconomopolous we explore: why the concept of “winning” in negotiation can damage outcomes how conflict is a natural and necessary part of negotiation why emotions—not information—drive most decisions how perception differs from intention in communication the importance of considering how others feel during negotiation the balance between advocating for yourself and serving others how preparation shapes confidence and effectiveness why adapting your approach to the individual matters how asking questions gives you control of the conversation how to respond when budget objections arise the role of silence and restraint in high-stakes conversations how to use language to create alignment and collaboration why value creation is more effective than price reduction how negotiation styles shift across contexts and relationships ----- About our guest, Fotini Iconomopolous: She is author of the book on negotiation "Say Less, Get More" which is available in most book stores. Take the quizz for a free assessment of your natural negotiation style. https://fotiniicon.com/quiz/ ----- Key Lessons from this conversation with Fotini: the word “win” creates a losing dynamic in negotiation negotiation is a form of conflict, but conflict is not inherently negative misalignment in negotiation is driven more by emotion than information removing emotion from negotiation is impossible and counterproductive how you make people feel determines whether they accept your proposal effective negotiation requires balancing three key questions preparation is essential and should never be replaced by “winging it” asking questions early gives you control of the negotiation open-ended questions prevent immediate rejection and invite collaboration objections should trigger exploration, not discounting negotiation requires adapting to the individual, not just the situation silence is a strategic advantage in negotiation talking too much weakens your position and reveals vulnerability value can be created by reframing, not just reducing price trading value creates better outcomes than making concessions ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskill  

Adaptive Leadership Starts with Communication Discipline Three Communication Habits for Every Leader to Practice Episode 297 (Robert is based in Florida) In this conversation with Robert Mixon we explore: the shift from a culture of compliance to a culture of commitment why communication must become a two-way process how lack of clarity leads to repeated mistakes and wasted effort the importance of confirming understanding in leadership communication how fear prevents people from asking questions why vulnerability strengthens leadership credibility the role of discipline and structure in effective communication how adaptive leadership is built on consistent principles the dangers of polarization in modern communication simple communication habits that improve respect and understanding ----- About our guest, Robert M. Mixon: Robert served for 33 years in the United States Army and led Soldiers at every level from Platoon to Division. He worked 7 years in executive leadership in profit and not-for-profit companies before launching his own leadership coman, Level Five Associates, 10 years ago. He's the author of "The Power of Being All In" and "We're All In: The Journey to a Wold=Class Culture". Visit his website at https://www.levelfiveassociates.com Subscribe to his tips at https://robertmixon.substack.com ----- Key Lessons from this conversation with Robert: communication must be deliberate and practiced daily leaders must listen with the intent to understand rather than reply clarity in communication requires discipline and structure confirmation of understanding prevents costly mistakes culture of commitment outperforms culture of compliance fear prevents people from asking questions and seeking clarity vulnerability strengthens leadership authenticity adaptive leadership is built on consistent principles and behaviors polarization weakens communication and collaboration simple habits like pausing before responding improve communication quality ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskill    

The Four Communication Skills Every Leader Must Master The Communication Skills That Separate Leaders from Managers Episode 296 (Michael is based in Las Vegas) In this conversation we explore: why many executives fail because of communication breakdowns rather than lack of expertise how leaders get promoted based on technical skills but must later rely on communication ability what happens when organizations promote high performers without leadership training how leaders shift from doing the work to getting results through others the four communication skills leaders use most often: presentations, coaching conversations, meetings, and business writing why presentation skills help leaders communicate vision and direction how one-on-one coaching conversations strengthen individual performance the importance of managing meetings to encourage participation and discussion how written communication becomes critical during change or important announcements why maintaining humor and perspective helps leaders navigate pressure situations ----- About our guest, Michael de Lisser: Michael's has been focussed on leadership development and executive coching. He is the author of Leadership Accelerators: High Impact Communication Skills that Strenghten Rrelationships And Drive Results. ----- Key Lessons from this conversation with Michael: many executives lose their roles because of weaknesses in communication skills rather than technical expertise technical ability often leads to promotion, but leadership success requires stronger communication skills organizations frequently promote high performers without providing leadership communication development leaders succeed by learning how to get results through others rather than relying on personal expertise senior leaders communicate through four primary channels: presentations, one-on-one coaching, meetings, and business writing presentation skills allow leaders to convey vision and direction to groups one-on-one coaching helps leaders bring out the best in individuals during critical moments meeting management creates an environment where team members contribute ideas and discuss differences openly business writing becomes especially important during change and important organizational moments humor and perspective can help leaders handle pressure situations more effectively ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskill  

Clear Messaging in a Noisy Marketplace From Threat to Oppoutunity: Turn AI Disruption into Business Growth Episode 295 (Wes is based in Australia) In this conversation with Wes Towers, we explore: how the rise of AI forced a digital agency founder to rethink his business strategy why niching into trades and construction improved messaging and positioning how specialization makes marketing communication clearer and more compelling the role of podcasts in building industry knowledge and relationships why websites today help attract employees as well as customers how businesses can differentiate themselves instead of competing on price the role of case studies and real stories in building online credibility how AI can streamline processes while reinforcing human messaging how search behaviour is changing as people ask AI tools for recommendations why human connection and communication are becoming more valuable in an automated world ----- About our guest, Wes Towers: Wes is founder of Uplift 360, a digital marketing agency in Australia tht specilizes in the trades and construction industry. https://uplift360.com.au/ Wes is host of the podcast, Build, Trusted, Chosen https://builttrustedchosen.buzzsprout.com/ ----- Key Lessons from this Conversation with Wes Towers: clarity in messaging becomes even more important as AI increases the volume of online content niching your market makes communication clearer and helps businesses stand out the best future clients often resemble your best current clients specialization allows you to understand the language, needs, and challenges of a specific industry industry events and conferences become more valuable when you serve a narrow niche hosting a podcast can deepen industry knowledge and strengthen relationships websites today must communicate values and culture to attract both customers and employees businesses must highlight distinctions beyond price to avoid competing only on cost AI works best as a tool that supports human messaging rather than replacing it original stories and case studies help businesses appear in search results and AI recommendations human connection and communication become more valuable as automation increases the message should guide the design of a website, including text, visuals, and video ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskill  

Head & Heart: The Formula for Audience Connection Motivation vs. Information: What Makes a Great Speaker? Episode 294 (Martin is based in Toronto) In this conversation with Martin Peremuter we explore: how evergreen topics like leadership and trust continue to anchor conferences why AI dominates current conference agendas what an audience can realistically apply from a one-hour keynote the balance between information and motivation why sleeping audiences don’t learn how cultural differences affect speaking styles and expectations the strategic value of the pre-event call why the gig starts before stepping on stage how integrity off stage affects booking success how to connect with both analytical and emotional audience members why audience interaction must be earned how conference organizers should define purpose and desired behavior change ----- About our guest, Martin Permuter: Martin is the president and co-founder of Speaker's Spotlight, a speaker booking agency.  He has personally booked over 9,000 speaking engagements in the past 30 years. He served on the board of governors of the International Association of Speakers Bureaus, (IASB) for the past three years and was president last year. IASB's membership is made up of speakers' bureaus, lecture agencies, and speaker management companies from around the world.  Learn more about Martin and Speaker's Spotlight at https://www.speakers.ca/ ----- Key lessons from this conversation with Martin Perelmuter: leadership, communication, trust, and teamwork remain evergreen topics AI is currently in demand, while trends like social media rise and fade an audience realistically applies one or two ideas from an hour keynote speakers must balance valuable content with engagement sleeping audiences don’t learn cultural expectations influence how speakers are received the pre-event call is critical to customizing the message the gig starts before the speaker steps on stage speakers are judged on integrity both on and off stage the best speakers connect with both head and heart audience trust must be earned before asking for interaction conference organizers must start with why and define the desired behavior change ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskill      

Scoping, Empathy, Ideation: A Structured Process for Innovation Innovation Catalyst: How to Help Your Team Come Up With the Ideas Episode 293 (Lee Kitchen is based in south-west Ontario, Repeat of episode 54) In this conversation we explore: the role of an innovation catalyst in helping teams think differently the importance of scoping before solving walking in the end user’s shoes through empathy defining a clear human truth separating expansive thinking from reductive thinking creating environments that encourage ideation mixing diverse perspectives to break river thinking building ownership so ideas gain adoption practicing fresh thinking through exposure to new concepts extending your intended message consistently across experience ----- About out guest, Lee Kitchen: Lee worked at Disney for 32 years. His journey started in Operations and Guest Relations. then moved through Special Events, PR, Marketing and Advertising. Currently offering his experience as an Innovation Catalyst via his company, Magical Dude Consulting. Visit his website here https://www.magicaldude.com/ ----- Key Lessons from this conversation with Lee Kitchen: how an innovation catalyst helps teams come up with ideas rather than supplying the answer why empathy and “human truth” must precede ideation the structured steps of design thinking: scoping, empathy, ideation, idea development, prototyping, execution why expansive and reductive mindsets must stay separate how collaboration builds ownership and advocacy the value of bringing diverse and unbiased ideators into the room how environment influences creativity why fresh thinking requires exposure to different concepts and disciplines the importance of consistency between intended message and actual experience how authentic leadership encourages creative thinking ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskill  

Direct Mail Discipline in the Age of Email Marketing Over Deliver: Building a Business for a Lifetime Episode 292 (Repeat of espisode 24, Brian is based in Connecticut) In this conversation with Brian Kurtz we explored: why intention must guide every marketing action how list selection often matters more than copywriting brilliance why segmentation allows deeper audience connection how direct mail discipline sharpens email marketing the danger of damaging trust with incongruent offers how to mix content and selling without losing loyalty the balance between logic and emotion in B2B marketing why relationship capital compounds over time what it means to be a “serial direct marketer” how to build an online family instead of just an email database ----- About our guest, Brian Kurtz: Brian, a serial direct marketer offers marketing insights from the lessons of direct mail that can help you become a better email or online marketer. He is responsible for the distribution of over 2 billion pieces of promotion copy in his career. He is author of the book, Overdeliver. Learn more about the book, Overdeliver Visit his website BrianKurtz.net ----- Key lessons from this conversation with Brian Kurtz: intention drives effective marketing and communication the list (audience) matters more than the creative segmentation allows you to speak to people, not just names discipline from direct mail improves digital marketing every message must accomplish something—revenue or relationship congruence protects trust with your audience selling works best when it aligns with identity and values logic measures results, but emotion builds loyalty relationships compound value beyond direct ROI playing the long game builds a business that lasts ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskill  

The Static in Your Message How Unintended Signals Sabotage Communication Episode 291 (Solo show with your host, George Torok) In this episode, we explore: how intended and unintended messages travel together why clarity starts before you speak, not while you speak the filters that distort messages before they are accepted how beliefs, experience, and emotions block understanding why credibility disappears when messages feel inconsistent how unintended messages act like static the silent influence of vocabulary, grammar, and tone why body language often overrides words how missing information hijacks attention what leaders can do to reduce unintended noise ----- Your Host George Torok coaches senior executives to deliver their intended message for greater success. He helps you speak to be clear, consise and confident. Learn more about the coaching programs at https://speechcoachforexecutives.com/ ----- Key learning points from this episode: your message is always a blend of intended and unintended signals lack of clarity before speaking is a primary cause of miscommunication audiences filter messages through beliefs, experience, emotions, and recent events misunderstanding doesn’t always mean disagreement—it often means confusion credibility collapses quickly when listeners detect inconsistency or untruths unintended messages act like static that makes the message fuzzy word choice and grammar quietly shape how you are judged body language often overrides spoken words when there is conflict voice inflection and pace can undermine confidence and trust what you leave unsaid can distract listeners more than what you say engagement level determines whether your message survives distraction ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskill  

Why Facts Don’t Persuade: Stories Do How to Tell Business Stories That Create Emotion and Action Episode 290 (Michael is based in California) Repeat of episode #34 In this conversation with Michael Hague we explore: why stories persuade more effectively than facts and data how emotional connection drives audience engagement and action the role of empathy in powerful storytelling why conflict is essential to creating emotional impact how everyday experiences make the best business stories the difference between narration and storytelling the importance of a visible, clearly defined goal how transformation makes stories memorable the six-step story structure used in Hollywood films how business leaders can apply storytelling without exaggeration ----- About our Guest: Michael Hauge is a renowned Hollywood script consultant and story expert. He helps Hollywood tell more powerful stories. Imagine how you might use your stories to be more persuasive. To learn more about his storytelling services, visit the website https://storymastery.com/ ----- Key Lessons from this conversation: stories persuade because they create an emotional experience, not because they present information audiences identify with the hero of a story and experience the journey emotionally effective stories require a clear hero, a visible goal, and meaningful conflict emotion is generated through obstacles, not through desire alone powerful stories show transformation, not just events everyday people and ordinary experiences make the most relatable stories business stories work best when the audience subconsciously becomes the hero narration alone is not storytelling structure matters more than style when telling stories the aftermath of a story shows why the journey mattered ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills  

Communication Techniques from a Retired Spy Why Deception Fails: The Rule for Rapport Episode 289 (JJ is based in Ottawa) Repeat of episode #79 In this conversation with JJ Brun, we explore: how a contact handler succeeds without “shooting your way out” why names act as a fast track to trust why deception breaks rapport and authenticity restores it how to listen and observe so you earn better information how to create a safe environment for someone’s real story what to say when you can’t promise outcomes but want cooperation how to adapt your message to different communication styles how to “complete” interactions by finding common ground ----- About our guest JJ Brun: JJ Brun was a "Contact Handler" in a war zone in Bosnia Herzegovina. His official title was Director General Intelligence Strategic Debriefing Officer. He was there to collect information from the people. He survived and succeeded in his role of building a large intelligence network of local people. Get your free copy of "The 10 Most Effective Ice-Breaking Feel-Good Questions" by sending an email to hello@TheRetiredSpy.com Learn more about JJ Brun and his services at the website TheRetiredSpy.com ----- Key lessons from this converation with JJ Brun: mentally prepare for high-stakes conversations when you can’t “force” an outcome treat names as a trust signal—get them right avoid deception because trust is fragile and hard to rebuild build influence through listening and observing, not talking create safety so people will tell you the truth they’re holding back use specific phrases that encourage openness and follow-up conversations adapt your approach by recognizing personality/communication styles complete the interaction by finding a shared link, like, or love ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills  

The Three-Box Storytelling Framework The Hidden Psychology Behind Stories that Change Behavior Episode 288 (Graham is based in Singapore) This is a repeat of episode #68. In this conversation with Graham Brown, we explore: how the three-box storytelling model simplifies complex ideas why backstory builds trust before persuasion begins how fear of the unknown blocks decision-making why analogies help audiences understand faster how familiar stories lower resistance to change why emotion outlasts facts in memory how storytelling increases confidence over time why selling is really about guiding people through uncertainty ----- Graham Brown is the founder of Pikkal & Co, an award winning podcast agency based in Singapore. He has the experience of hosting over 400 episodes on his podcast.  Podcast Guesting Pro is a dedicated Podcast Booking Agency that works with B2B thought leaders. They help you reach new audiences and build your authority by booking you on podcasts to showcase your expertise and spread your message. Learn more here... https://www.podcastguesting.pro/ ----- Key Lessons from this conversation with Graham Brown: Effective business storytelling follows a simple three-scene structure: past, present, and future Audiences connect with backstory before they care about solutions Selling is about reducing fear of the unknown, not proving superiority Familiar stories make unfamiliar ideas easier to accept Analogies act as short-form stories that speed understanding Trust is built through shared experiences and common ground Change happens when staying the same feels riskier than moving forward Emotion—not facts—is what people remember after a presentation Confidence comes from practiced storytelling, not natural talent Every presentation improves through testing, feedback, and refinement ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills    

When You Serve First, Business Follows How a Servant’s Heart Builds Trust, Teams, and Sustainable Sales Episode 287 (Jim is based in Arizona) In this conversation with Jim Hardwick we explore: why serving others builds trust faster than traditional selling how servant leadership strengthens teams without weakening authority the role of vulnerability in effective leadership why intentional service creates long-term business growth how listening to employees improves motivation and retention the difference between serving from obligation versus passion why giving time and advice often returns greater value than money how service creates personal fulfillment beyond financial success the connection between trust, sales, and sustainable growth practical ways leaders can serve locally without grand gestures ----- About our guest: Jim welcomes your questions about sales. Enjoy a no-charge conversation with him.  Call him - 623-451-1080 Email - jhardwick@salesxceleration.com Jim Hardwick on Linkedin ----- Key lessons from this podcast: serving others builds trust, which is the foundation of sustainable business growth a servant’s heart shifts leadership from taking to giving without weakening authority intentional service creates stronger relationships with employees, clients, and communities vulnerability from leaders encourages honesty, loyalty, and higher engagement serving employees’ personal goals increases motivation and performance trust grows when leaders focus on helping rather than selling service must come from genuine passion, not obligation giving time, advice, or attention often creates greater long-term value than money servant leadership improves sales by focusing on solving real problems meaningful service creates personal fulfillment beyond financial success ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills  

How David Copperfield Creates Belief What a Master Illustionist Taught Me about Communication and Leadership This wasn't an intterview. It was me live on stage with David Copperfield at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. I had no idea that I would learn so much from this experience as a volunteer in his magic act. ----- Key Lessons from this experience: there is no magic, only mastery perception matters more than reality people believe what they want to believe the audience (customer) is always right preparation and rehearsal create confidence calm response beats visible stress great teams move in harmony hope is a powerful motivator fun strengthens connection vulnerability builds trust technology must support the message, not replace it self-investment is the real secret ----- In this live stage performance we explored: why mastery beats magic every time how perception shapes belief influencing belief without controlling people respecting the audience while guiding outcomes the role of rehearsal in consistent performance responding calmly when things go wrong building teams that move in sync using hope as a leadership force making professionalism fun why vulnerability strengthens credibility keeping technology in its proper place investing in yourself as the ultimate advantage ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills    

The Missing Leadership Skill: How to listen for Real Results Listening for Oppportunity, Danger and Challenge  Episode 285 (Julian is based in the Orkney archipelago northeast of Scotland) In this conversation with Julian Tresure we explore: why listening is a learnable skill rather than a personality trait the difference between hearing and conscious listening how personal filters shape what people hear why senior leaders often struggle most with listening how validation changes difficult conversations the impact of poor listening on organizational culture why diversity of opinion matters more than agreement how listening supports better decision-making in times of change ----- About our guest Julian Treasure: Julian Treasure is an author and international speaker on sound and communication skills. His five TED talks have been viewed over 150 million times and his book “How To Be Heard” won both Audie and SOVAS awards for best business audiobook. His company The Sound Agency has been helping major global brands to improve their sound since 2003. Learn more about Julian and his programs at  https://www.juliantreasure.com/ Books by Julian Treasure https://www.juliantreasure.com/books ----- Key learning points listening is a learnable skill, not a natural talent most people significantly overestimate how well they listen listening is the foundation of effective communication every person listens through unique filters shaped by experience and emotion strong emotions reduce the ability to listen well listening becomes more difficult as people gain seniority and authority organizations suffer when leaders avoid listening to bad news validation is essential for productive dialogue and healthy relationships diversity of opinion strengthens decision-making and resilience listening helps leaders detect opportunity, danger, and challenge ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills  

Communication, Recovery, and Massive Action Massive Success Requires Massive Action Episode 285 (David spends his time between Floirda and Puerto Rico) In this conversation with David Price we explore: how a destructive inner narrative keeps people stuck and how to rewrite it why massive change requires massive action how relocating or disrupting routine can break old patterns how listening to successful people accelerates learning and results how emotional truth drives better communication and better sales how to uncover the client’s real fears and desires through deeper questions why vulnerability and honesty strengthen client trust how to succeed in selling the most intangible product—life insurance why heart and resilience matter more than experience in entrepreneurship how refusing to quit transforms long-term outcomes and personal identity ----- About our guest, David Price: David spent nearly 20 years battling addiction and has been clean and sober for 12 years. He entered the insurance industry in 2018 and became one of the fastest to reach millionaire status. In 2004 he walked away from a $2 million annual income to rebuild on his own term after challenging how agents were being treated. Learn more about David and working with him in the life insurance business at: https://tpglife.com/ ----- Key lessons from this conversation with David Price: change demands massive action, not minor adjustments listen to people who demonstrate results, not those who speak the loudest emotional self-talk shapes choices, progress, and setbacks drastic change in environment can break destructive patterns selling begins with uncovering the client’s emotional reason for buying effective communication requires truth, clarity, and genuine listening emotional sales outperform logical sales, especially for intangible products success in entrepreneurship depends on showing up consistently heart, resilience, and coachability matter more than experience momentum grows when you refuse to quit and commit daily to action ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills    

The Donkey Leadership Mindset Every Leader Needs From "I Don't Know: to Great Leadership Episode 284 (Gary is based in California) In this conversation with Gary Ridge we explore: how humility accelerates learning and strengthens leadership why saying “I don’t know” unlocks collective intelligence what servant leadership looks like in practice inside WD-40 how leaders shift from managing to coaching why culture requires consistency, not charisma what it means to lead from the “stinky locker room” how clarity about “what an A looks like” transforms performance why purpose matters more than product how to protect culture by removing toxins early how great leaders help people step into the best version of themselves ----- About Our Guest, Gary Ridge: Garry has 25 years of experience as Chairman and CEO of WD-40 Company. He is also an adjunct professor at the University of San Diego, where he teaches the principles and practices of corporate culture in the Master of Science in Executive Leadership program. He’s the USA Today Bestselling Author of Any Dumb Ass Can Do It and co-author of Helping People Win at Work with Ken Blanchard. Learn more about Gary Ridge and his services at https://thelearningmoment.net/ Follow Gary on Linkedin    https://www.linkedin.com/in/garryridge/ ----- Key Points from this Conversation with Gary Ridge: Leadership begins with humility and the willingness to say “I don’t know.” Great leaders embrace the role of forever learner and forever teacher. Coaching, not managing, is the true work of effective leadership. Trust is built in the “stinky locker room,” not the corner office. Culture requires values, behavior, and consistency — not quick fixes. Purpose gives meaning beyond the product and unites people around impact. Clarity about “what an A looks like” prevents conflict and accelerates performance. Leaders must remove cultural toxins early, even when performance is high. Ego destroys leadership; empathy and awareness enable it. Leadership is not about the leader — it is about helping people step into the best version of themselves. ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills  

12 Words and Phrases That Sabotage Your Communication Communication Tips from George Torok Episode 283 In this episode we explore: why vague words prevent listeners from seeing what you mean how double negatives create confusion and weaken your intent where emotional trigger words derail your message how insulting phrases show unintended arrogance why self-diminishing language lowers your authority how dishonest openers destroy trust why clichés signal lazy thinking when jargon works and when it alienates people how slang phrases degrade the message why absolutes distort meaning how weak adverbs dilute clarity how filler words clutter your message and add noise ----- George Torok is known as The Speech Coach for Executives. He helps business leaders speak with more confidence, clarity and consiness. Learn more about communication coaching with George at https://speechcoachforexecutives.com/ Arrange for weekly presentations tips at https://toroktips.com/ ----- Key Learning Points from George eliminate vague words like “stuff” and “things” because they communicate nothing avoid double negatives which confuse listeners and weaken your intent beware emotional trigger words that create unintended reactions drop insulting phrases that imply superiority over your audience stop using self-diminishing phrases that reduce your credibility remove dishonest or insincere qualifiers that signal lack of authenticity avoid clichés that show lazy thinking and add no value use technical jargon only with those who understand it remove slang terms that degrade your message and your audience limit absolutes, which are usually inaccurate exaggerations avoid weak adverbs like “very,” “really,” and “pretty” eliminate filler words that clutter your message and reduce clarity ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills    

Fear, AI & Leadership: How to Stay Human in a Digital World The Truth About Executive Presence Episode 282 (Roz is based in Florida) In this coversation with Roz Usheroff we explore: how authenticity shapes executive presence why emotional intelligence matters more than polish how leaders can support people through AI-driven uncertainty the rise of “quiet cracking” and what it signals why psychological safety fuels innovation where charisma comes from and how it works the power of host behavior in building trust how leaders can read the room and adjust why embracing imperfections increases credibility how to seek useful feedback without creating defensiveness ----- About our guest Roz Usheroff: Roz is the founder of the Usherfoll Institute whose core mission is to help people discover and understand their unique talens and embrace their leadership capabilities that lead to both personal and corporate profitability. She is host of The Roz Usheroff Podcast that is designed for professionals who want to enhace their leadership presence, personal brand and career trajectory by developing executive presence. Learn more about Roz and her services at https://usheroff.com/ ----- Key Lessons from this conversation with Roz Usheroff: authenticity is the foundation of executive presence and differentiation emotional intelligence is more important than polish or perfection leaders must help people navigate fear, uncertainty and AI disruption psychological safety drives innovation and engagement charisma is not extroversion; it is the ability to connect and make people feel seen host behavior builds trust, approachability and stronger leadership presence leaders must read the room, adapt and adjust based on emotional cues perfection erodes connection; humanity strengthens credibility feedback must be sought strategically through third-party questions avoid being an “advice monster”; ask deeper questions before offering solutions ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills  

Why Top-Down Change Fails and how leaders can fix it How to lead change without burning out or losing your team Episode 281 (Jeff is based in Maine) In this conversation with Jeff Wetherhold we explore: why 88% of change initiatives fail and what leaders consistently overlook how treating change as a communication challenge shifts results how ambivalence, not resistance, explains employee behaviour how motivational interviewing helps leaders reduce resistance why reflections help people reveal their own motivations why benefits must be discovered rather than declared how top-down directives undermine trust and buy-in how leaders can engage skeptics without burning out why individual conversations drive organizational change how leaders can begin using these tools immediately ----- About our guest, Jeff Wetherfold: Jeff has 20+ years understanding what helps or hinders change for people and organizations. He is a former behvioral science researcher who has learned and worked extensively in the fields of change management, process improvement, motivational interviewing and leadership communication. Learn more about Jeff and hisspeaking, training and coaching services at https://www.jeffwetherhold.com/ ----- Key lessons from this conversation with Jeff: in this conversation we explore why 88% of organizational change fails and what leaders overlook in this conversation we explore why change is primarily a communication challenge, not a technical one in this conversation we explore how leaders mistakenly assume employees hold fixed attitudes toward change in this conversation we explore the concept of ambivalence and why every person has reasons both for and against change in this conversation we explore why top-down change efforts almost always fail in this conversation we explore how motivational interviewing helps leaders move people toward change in this conversation we explore why leaders need more reflections and fewer questions in this conversation we explore how to identify and amplify employees’ intrinsic motivations in this conversation we explore why benefits must be defined by employees, not assumed by leaders in this conversation we explore why organizational change succeeds only when individuals choose to change ----- ----more---- Your Intended Message is the podcast about how you can boost your career and business success by honing your communication skills. We’ll examine the aspects of how we communicate one-to-one, one to few and one to many – plus that important conversation, one to self. In these interviews we will explore presentation skills, public speaking, conversation, persuasion, negotiation, sales conversations, marketing, team meetings, social media, branding, self talk and more.   Your host is George Torok George is a specialist in communication skills. Especially presentation. He’s fascinated by the links between communication and influencing behaviors. He delivers training and coaching programs to help leaders and promising professionals deliver the intended message for greater success.   Connect with George www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com https://superiorpresentations.net/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills