Founder, president and owner of George Torok Seminars a business providing expertise in marketing and communications via training, coaching and keynote speaking.
FMM: You were a shy and introverted student who learned how to become a powerful public speaker. Share a pivotal moment in your life.
In high school I wanted to be popular especially with the girls. I noticed that the president of the school council was popular and well known. I decided that I would become high school president in 11th grade. The way to get there was to deliver a great speech in the school auditorium. So, I created a fabulous speech, It would be the best speech in the history of the school. It was funny, realistic, story telling, speaking to their interests and would end with the school band playing the school song. I could arrange that because I played trombone in the band.
The greatest speech ever, never happened because I kept it all in my head. I could dream it and experience it in my mind. But I was too afraid to even try. No one knew of my ambition or plan.
The summer before university I had a good paying summer job at a local factory. Yet, I was attracted to an ad for Disc jockeys for weekend work (playing records at dances, weddings and other parties).
The ad read “No experience necessary. Need to know music and have a car”. I met all the criteria. I didn’t need a second job but was intrigued and wanted to challenge myself. I had nothing to lose.
I had to stand in front of people every weekend and talk on the microphone. I was initially petrified yet grew to love the attention and sense of control in entertaining people with my words and selection of songs. I kept that job for six years because I loved it.
FMM: Tell us about Speech Coach for Executives. Why are executives coming to you today?
CEOs and presidents most often ask for my help with three situations:
- Fund raising for a start-up
- Polishing their presentation for a critical client or when breaking into a new market
- Enhancing their leadership communication skills with staff and the marketplace
Executives and rising star executives ask for my help to improve their presentation and communication skills to improve their success and enhance their career growth.
Executives ask me to help their team of technical experts present more effectively so the audience trusts then and understands the message.
FMM: “Orchestrate the first and last impressions of your presentations.” Explain
Too many speakers are unaware of the power of the opening and closing to your presentation.
Imagine how you perk up when you hear the first few notes of a favorite song? That’s the way you want to grab people when you open your presentation. The purpose of the closing is to reinforce the key message and encourage next steps.
Approach your presentation as a performance because your message will be judged by the performance.
We tend to remember firsts and lasts more strongly, hence the need to plan, rehearse and deliver the opening and closing with the attention of an orchestra conductor.
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FMM: What programs do you offer?
Individual coaching delivered virtually or in person. Each program is tailored to their challenges and circumstances.
You might use coaching to prepare a specific presentation, upgrade your presentation skills or improve your conversations and communication with your team.
Group workshops to train your team delivered virtually or in person. Each workshop is designed to address the challenges of the team and your expectations. Duration varies from 90 minutes to two days.
On-call support. When you or your team is experiencing a period of intense challenge or opportunity related to presentation/communication, you can arrange for my support when and as needed. Email, text or call me for immediate advice.
These programs typically run three to six months.
FMM: Tell us about some of the benefits.
You don’t know what you don’t know. I explain the principles of communication, persuasion and behavior.
Learn subtle techniques to enhance the intended message while avoiding the distractions.
Feel and convey more confidence while projecting leadership presence.
Become aware of and avoid the common mistakes that sabotage your message
FMM: Share a recent client success story.
The president of the company was losing deals. His company worked on multimillion dollar projects. It was a two-stage bidding process. In the first stage they submitted their written proposal containing all the detail of the bid. In the second stage, the president presented to the selection committee. They consistently passed the first stage.
The president had won projects for years and then he started losing deals at the presentation stage. His presentations got stale or maybe the competition got better.
He was preparing a presentation for a $10 M project and called me to help him prepare. I helped him recreate the presentation and polish his delivery.
He won the deal. The $10 M grew to $17 M. More importantly he started a new winning streak.
FMM: “Your Intended Message” podcast is packed with helpful tools and advice.
What can we expect in the upcoming shows?
The podcast explores communication from various perspectives.
Recent shows have examined sales presentations, story telling, networking, speaking on panels, challenging conversations, marketing, social media, team building, thought leadership and positive self talk.
Upcoming shows will explore leveraging your voice, media relations, communicating in the hybrid workplace, story branding, capitalizing on your uniqueness, self leadership and taming the fear of public speaking.
FMM: Why do executives need a Speech Coach?
Many executives think nothing of hiring a golf coach but hesitate to hire a speech coach. Which is more critical to your success?
Speaking, presenting, communicating – these are crucial success skills that can be and must be learned and honed. You succeed by influencing others. That might include your team, customers, suppliers and community.
Many successful executives have benefited from the help of advisors, mentors and coaches in various areas of their life and career.
Communicating, presenting, speaking – just one more piece to your success as an executive. Why wing it when you can get expert advice and help to achieve your goals faster?
www.SpeechCoachforExecutives.com
