George Torok

George Torok

Burlington, Ontario, Canada
6K followers 500+ connections

About

My best clients say they appreciate my directness. I tell them the truth about their…

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Articles by George

  • Storytelling lessons for you

    Storytelling lessons for you

    The podcast, Your Intended Message is about how we communicate and how we might do it better - with less stress and…

    6 Comments
  • Workplace Communication- How is it Working?

    Workplace Communication- How is it Working?

    Your Intended Message is the podcast that explores how we communicate and mis-communicate. What might we do to deliver…

    6 Comments
  • Get Your Intended Message Right

    Get Your Intended Message Right

    You know that effective communication is critical to the success of a career, a business and a cause. After decades of…

    6 Comments
  • Guests #11 to 20 on Your Intended Message Podcast

    Guests #11 to 20 on Your Intended Message Podcast

    We've surpassed 50 interviews on Your Intended Message Podcast. Celebrating by showcasing guests who helped make it…

    7 Comments
  • Presentation Tips from Executive Speech Coach

    Presentation Tips from Executive Speech Coach

    Here's a summary of popular posts on the website, "Speech Coach for Executives" You can find valuable presentation and…

    2 Comments
  • Jason Hewlett on Your Intended Message

    Jason Hewlett on Your Intended Message

    What intrigued me about Jason Hewlett was the concept of The Promise to the One and his practice of journaling. These…

    3 Comments
  • Your Intended Message - Where?

    Your Intended Message - Where?

    Your Intended Message is the podcast that explores how we communicate. That might be one to one, one to few or one to…

    2 Comments
  • Invest in Your Well Being. Build Your Relationships. Smile!

    Invest in Your Well Being. Build Your Relationships. Smile!

    Are you in the smile business? What if you defined your business that way? How do you feel when you smile? How do you…

    4 Comments

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Activity

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Experience

  • Speech Coach for Executives Graphic

    Speech Coach for Executives

    Toronto, Canada Area

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    Ontario, Canada

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    Mississauga, Ontario, Canada

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    http://www.torok.com/

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    https://www.speechcoachforexecutives.com/insights/

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    Hamilton

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    Toronto

Education

  • How to Be a Better Presenter

    Activities and Societies: Body Language, Voice, Improv, Humor, Story Telling, Langauge

    How Did I Learn?
    Invested more than 10,000 hours in my presentation skills development.

    Focused on becoming a better speaker. Read dozens of books on public speaking and presentation skills.

    Threw myself into the Toastmasters public speaking program for 10 years.

    Mentored by Canada’s Business Presentation Guru, Peter Urs Bender.

    Received speech coaching from some of the best speech coaches in North America, including; Ron Arden, Patricia Fripp and Lou…

    How Did I Learn?
    Invested more than 10,000 hours in my presentation skills development.

    Focused on becoming a better speaker. Read dozens of books on public speaking and presentation skills.

    Threw myself into the Toastmasters public speaking program for 10 years.

    Mentored by Canada’s Business Presentation Guru, Peter Urs Bender.

    Received speech coaching from some of the best speech coaches in North America, including; Ron Arden, Patricia Fripp and Lou Heckler.

    Attended the 3-day Professional Speakers boot camp with past Chairs of the Global Speakers Federation, Warren Evans and Kit Grant.

    Studied improv at Second City

    Spoke often, kept listening and refining. And more

  • Enrolled in the first year General Science program at McMaster. Graduated into second year Bio-chemistry. Discovered that sanitising test tubes and mating fruit flies was not for me. Transfered to Economics.

Volunteer Experience

  • Public Speaking Trainer

    Future ACES

    - 16 years

    Children

    Teaching public speaking skills to teens and preteens.
    I enjoy working with the students at the Future ACES annual weekend conference. It's both challenging and rewarding speaking with the students. And it keeps me humble as a presenter.

Publications

  • How to Get the Audience Back from Break on Time: 10 Simple Solutions

    Presentation-Guru.com

    For presenters, keeping an audience engaged is of the utmost importance when presenting. However, when giving an all-day presentation, sometimes getting the audience back into full-swing after a break can be difficult. Here, George shares 10 quick tips he’s learned to make sure the next time you’re delivering a message, your audience will stay attentive enough to receive it.

    See publication
  • Open Your Presentation with Pizzazz: How to win the audience at the beginning of your presentation

    George Torok

    Why is the opening so important?

    When you speak to an audience you have seconds to make a good first impression. That first impression must persuade them to listen and believe you. Get it wrong and you lose. You might have an important and valuable presentation prepared but if they’re turned off and tuned out at the beginning, everything you’ve prepared was wasted.

    The opening to your presentation is critical to your success. You shouldn’t be surprised that poor speakers have poor…

    Why is the opening so important?

    When you speak to an audience you have seconds to make a good first impression. That first impression must persuade them to listen and believe you. Get it wrong and you lose. You might have an important and valuable presentation prepared but if they’re turned off and tuned out at the beginning, everything you’ve prepared was wasted.

    The opening to your presentation is critical to your success. You shouldn’t be surprised that poor speakers have poor openings. When you speak, you can recover from many mistakes during your presentations – but a weak opening isn’t one of them.


    Questions that this book will answer for you

    What can you say and do to grab the attention of your audience, build rapport and convince them to believe you?

    How can you write a powerful opening faster?

    How can you create one of the most engaging openings – a story?

    What common mistakes should you avoid?

    What is the three-part ADR formula that helps you focus your opening?

    What are the five keys that foretell a successful opening?

    What are the non-verbal actions you need to employ before you speak?

    What magic words and phrases can you use to have them with your first words?


    Follow the guidelines, use the tips, examine the examples and play with the templates offered to write, prepare and deliver your opening with pizzazz.

    See publication
  • Turn Presentation Disasters into Presentation Success

    Superior Presentations

    How to Handle Things That Go Wrong in your Presentation

    In this special report you will discover how to:

    Avoid the common presentation disruptors
    Confidently manage when things go wrong.
    Mitigate the damage from the turbulence
    Leverage bad things to your benefit
    Defend your presentation against Murphy

    Download this free ebook now.
    http://www.speechcoachforexecutives.com/PresentationDisasters.pdf

    See publication
  • Bad Opening Lines to your Speech: 10 Mistakes to Avoid

    CIM: The Toronto Manager

    You had me at hello. Imagine if you could deliver an opening to your presentation that was that effective. You can grab your audience with “hello” lines. But first you need to banish these disaster lines from the opening of your speech. Avoid these opening line blunders in your presentation.

  • Presentation Skills Tips videos

    YouTube

    Presentation skills videos from George Torok - instructional tips, excerpts from training programs and participant feedback.

    Watch these videos to improve your presentations and learn how George Torok can help you with your presentations.
    http://www.youtube.com/presentationskills1

    See publication
  • Public Speaking Need Not Be An Ordeal

    Canadian Business Magazine

    Preparation, organization and the personal touch work. Trying to imitate Steve Jobs? Not so much.

    George Torok, a business speaker based in Burlington, Ont., suggests beginning with a brief, attention–grabbing anecdote about the item or service. "Many sales presentations begin with the 'who are we' speech, complete with the story of the founder," he says. "That's crap that people don't care about yet. They should start with why the audience should listen. Starting with a success story…

    Preparation, organization and the personal touch work. Trying to imitate Steve Jobs? Not so much.

    George Torok, a business speaker based in Burlington, Ont., suggests beginning with a brief, attention–grabbing anecdote about the item or service. "Many sales presentations begin with the 'who are we' speech, complete with the story of the founder," he says. "That's crap that people don't care about yet. They should start with why the audience should listen. Starting with a success story will cause possible clients to perk up and think, 'That's interesting. I wonder if that would work for us?'"

    Other authors
    • Jacqueline Nelson
  • How to Structure a Winning Presentation

    Investment Executive

    The key is to connect with your audience, not recite

    A strong seminar presentation can help strengthen your client relationships and build credibility with prospects.

    Having the ability to connect with an audience and properly communicate your message will set you apart from your competition, says George Torok, owner of speechcoachforexecutives.com in Burlington, Ont.

    Here are some tips on how to structure your next presentation:

    Other authors
    • Fiona Collie
  • Seven Steps to More Compelling Presentations

    Investment Executive

    An engaging seminar presentation can be a powerful tool for building relationships with clients and prospects.

    Speak up
    Make sure you’re speaking at the right volume.

    Most people speak too softly when they’re presenting, says George Torok, owner of speechcoachforexecutives.com in Burlington, Ont. Project your voice so you can be heard by the entire group. Just be careful not to yell.

    Take your time
    Slow down and give the audience time to hear your…

    An engaging seminar presentation can be a powerful tool for building relationships with clients and prospects.

    Speak up
    Make sure you’re speaking at the right volume.

    Most people speak too softly when they’re presenting, says George Torok, owner of speechcoachforexecutives.com in Burlington, Ont. Project your voice so you can be heard by the entire group. Just be careful not to yell.

    Take your time
    Slow down and give the audience time to hear your words.

    Remember, the audience doesn’t know your speech the way you do. Give them time to absorb the information and follow your presentation.

    Says Torok: “Your listeners have to hear the words, digest the words and think about them.”

    Other authors
    • Fiona Collie
  • Famous Lasting Words: Great Canadian Quotations

    Douglas & McIntyre

    A sampling of the quotes from George Torok included in Colombo’s latest book;

    “As my grandfather used to say, ‘You can do anything you want but you can’t do everything you want.”

    “Mountain climbers will scale a mountain because ‘it is there’. Why don’t teenagers clean the mess in their room for the same reason?”

    “Anyone can manage when things go right. It takes a leader to take charge when things go wrong.”

    “There are three types of meetings – boring, complete…

    A sampling of the quotes from George Torok included in Colombo’s latest book;

    “As my grandfather used to say, ‘You can do anything you want but you can’t do everything you want.”

    “Mountain climbers will scale a mountain because ‘it is there’. Why don’t teenagers clean the mess in their room for the same reason?”

    “Anyone can manage when things go right. It takes a leader to take charge when things go wrong.”

    “There are three types of meetings – boring, complete waste of time and postponed.”

    Other authors
    • John Robert Colombo
    See publication
  • 10 Power Tips for Presentations with Computer Projection

    Presentations Magazine

    When was the last time you sat through a terrible presentation using computer projection? When was the last time you gave one? If you want to avoid disaster and give your career a boost then apply these ten tips the next time you present with the computer projector. And if you want to do a friend a favour then slide them a copy of these tips before their next presentation.

  • Fire Alarm Rings During Your Presentation

    George Torok Presentation Skills Articles

    What do you do when the fire alarm rings during your presentation?

    I've witnessed this disaster happen to two other speakers and this week it was my turn. It's a lot easier to think logically about it after it is over. It might never happen to you - but perhaps you should be prepared for the fire alarm to ring during your presentation.

    About eight minutes into my breakfast presentation to the local chamber of commerce at a fancy restaurant the fire alarm rang. The alarm was…

    What do you do when the fire alarm rings during your presentation?

    I've witnessed this disaster happen to two other speakers and this week it was my turn. It's a lot easier to think logically about it after it is over. It might never happen to you - but perhaps you should be prepared for the fire alarm to ring during your presentation.

    About eight minutes into my breakfast presentation to the local chamber of commerce at a fancy restaurant the fire alarm rang. The alarm was annoyingly loud so naturally I stopped speaking and forced a smile.

    You can imagine my first thoughts. They were angry selfish thoughts. Why now? Why me? However I did not convey those thoughts on my face.

    See publication
  • Handling Questions with Authority

    Power Presentations

    At some point in your presentation you will be expected to answer questions from your audience. They might have some burning questions that need to be answered before they buy into your message. Handling their questions with authority can make the difference for you between a successful presentation and a waste of time. This is the opportunity for the audience to test your knowledge on the topic and commitment to your message.

  • How to Answer Questions from Your Audience: The Seven Step Formula

    Speech Coach for Executives

    Answering questions from your audience can help you be more effective as a presenter. The question and answer session can portray you as confident, reveal your depth of knowledge and enhance the rapport between you and your audience - if you handle it well.

  • How to Introduce Your Guest Speaker

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    "H - e - r - e - 's Johnny! There was something special about the way Ed McMahon introduced Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show. The audience always knew what was coming yet they still cheered and applauded heartily. Sure, the applause signs helped, but Ed was good. He knew how to introduce the host.

    When was the last time you introduced the guest speaker? Would you like to do better the next time? You may need to introduce a guest speaker for your company, trade show or association…

    "H - e - r - e - 's Johnny! There was something special about the way Ed McMahon introduced Johnny Carson on the Tonight Show. The audience always knew what was coming yet they still cheered and applauded heartily. Sure, the applause signs helped, but Ed was good. He knew how to introduce the host.

    When was the last time you introduced the guest speaker? Would you like to do better the next time? You may need to introduce a guest speaker for your company, trade show or association event. Here are some tips and techniques to help you handle the job like a pro.

  • Is a 12 Year Old a Better Presenter than a Sales and Marketing Executive?

    Speech Coach for Executives

    Who delivers a better presentation and why?

    Recently I listened to a group of senior sales and marketing executives speak at a networking meeting. I also served as a judge at a speech contest for 12-year-olds. These two unrelated events prompted me to compare the presentation skills of each group.

    1. Guess who was more engaging, attention grabbing and memorable?

    2. Guess who was boring, uninspiring and easily forgettable?

    The answer to question one is - the…

    Who delivers a better presentation and why?

    Recently I listened to a group of senior sales and marketing executives speak at a networking meeting. I also served as a judge at a speech contest for 12-year-olds. These two unrelated events prompted me to compare the presentation skills of each group.

    1. Guess who was more engaging, attention grabbing and memorable?

    2. Guess who was boring, uninspiring and easily forgettable?

    The answer to question one is - the 12-year-olds. They were good.

    The answer to question two is - the sales & marketing executives. They needed improvement.

    See publication
  • Nine Presentation Sins

    George Torok

    Presenting can be a sin. Presenting can be passable. Or, presenting could be powerful. How do you transform yourself from presentation sinner to powerful presenter? By recognizing the sins, avoiding them and mastering the skills of powerful presenters. Study the nine presentation sins listed below. Be aware of them – and learn how to avoid these presentation sins. And you will be more powerful and successful with your presentations. Start delivering more powerful presentations now – by avoiding…

    Presenting can be a sin. Presenting can be passable. Or, presenting could be powerful. How do you transform yourself from presentation sinner to powerful presenter? By recognizing the sins, avoiding them and mastering the skills of powerful presenters. Study the nine presentation sins listed below. Be aware of them – and learn how to avoid these presentation sins. And you will be more powerful and successful with your presentations. Start delivering more powerful presentations now – by avoiding these nine presentation sins.

  • Open Your Presentation with Pizzaz: How to Win Your Audience at the Beginning of Your Presentation

    Amazon Kindle

    Why is the opening so important?

    When you speak to an audience you have seconds to make a good first impression. That first impression must persuade them to listen and believe you. Get it wrong and you lose. You might have an important and valuable presentation prepared but if they’re turned off and tuned out at the beginning, everything you’ve prepared was wasted.

    The opening to your presentation is critical to your success. You shouldn’t be surprised that poor speakers have poor…

    Why is the opening so important?

    When you speak to an audience you have seconds to make a good first impression. That first impression must persuade them to listen and believe you. Get it wrong and you lose. You might have an important and valuable presentation prepared but if they’re turned off and tuned out at the beginning, everything you’ve prepared was wasted.

    The opening to your presentation is critical to your success. You shouldn’t be surprised that poor speakers have poor openings. When you speak, you can recover from many mistakes during your presentations – but a weak opening isn’t one of them.


    Questions that this book will answer for you

    What can you say and do to grab the attention of your audience, build rapport and convince them to believe you?

    How can you write a powerful opening faster?

    How can you create one of the most engaging openings – a story?

    What common mistakes should you avoid?

    What is the three-part ADR formula that helps you focus your opening?

    What are the five keys that foretell a successful opening?

    What are the non-verbal actions you need to employ before you speak?

    See publication
  • Opening Your Speech

    Speech Coach for Executives

    Imagine yourself at mission control; 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 - Speak!

    When the space shuttle blasts off - those first few seconds of lift are critical. It comprises a small portion of the total journey, yet if someone errors - they crash and burn. The beginning of your speech is much the same. If you error in the opening your speech will crash and burn.

    See publication
  • Presentation Crisis: How a Quote, Cartoon and Story Could Save Your Career

    Toastmaster Magazine

    Props provide a powerful way of enhancing presentations. Verbal arguments aren't enough to convince people of your message. Try using visuals such as charts or cartoons, or physical props such as products or tools. Verbal props come in several forms: quotations from famous people, anecdotes, plays, poems or even questions.

    See publication
  • Presentation Skills Success

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    Strategy and tips for you to prepare, write, rehearse and deliver your next presentation – based on the experience of the “Speech Coach for Executives” – George Torok. You can speak with confidence, clarity and conviction when you polish your presentation skills. The power of public speaking is a key leadership skill. Your ability to communicate will take you farther than any other skill set. Communicate well. Communicate effectively and communicate your message so that others listen…

    Strategy and tips for you to prepare, write, rehearse and deliver your next presentation – based on the experience of the “Speech Coach for Executives” – George Torok. You can speak with confidence, clarity and conviction when you polish your presentation skills. The power of public speaking is a key leadership skill. Your ability to communicate will take you farther than any other skill set. Communicate well. Communicate effectively and communicate your message so that others listen, understand and act. This article can be a career enhancing opportunity for you. Study this article and watch your presentation skills achieve greater success. You will be amazed at what you can do when you polish your presentation skills to deliver your message with impact.

    See publication
  • Top Ten Tips for Presenting Your Key Points

    SlideShare Presentation Coach

    How can you ensure that your key message gets heard and remembered? Use these 10 tips to register your key words.

    See publication

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