Your Intended Message

Why Poor Writing Skills Cost Companies Billions Critical Thinking & Communication are Inseparable Episode 305 (Jim is based in Long Island New York) This is a repeat of the popular episode 233. In this coversation with Jim Rowe we explore: why writing is one of the strongest tools for improving critical thinking how weak communication skills reduce workplace productivity why many graduates are unprepared for executive communication demands the relationship between writing, thinking and leadership how structured communication improves decision making why one-page communication creates greater clarity the importance of defining audience and purpose before communicating how editing sharpens ideas and improves persuasion why reading communication aloud improves tone and delivery how executives waste time fixing unclear communication from staff why communication should be treated as a professional craft the value of teaching critical thinking alongside writing skills how communication frameworks improve meetings and presentations why communication skills remain essential despite advances in technology how organizations can create more disciplined communication habits ----- About our guest Jim Rowe: Jim is author of the two-book series, "Get Your Ducks in a Rowe". It's a fable that helps executives address the skills gap or their new employees. https://www.getyourducksinarowe.com/ ----- Key Lessons from this conversation with Jim Rowe: writing is an active thinking process, not simply a communication task many graduates overestimate their communication and writing abilities corporations lose productivity when leaders must rewrite unclear communication structured thinking improves communication clarity executives value employees who can solve problems and communicate clearly identifying the audience and desired action is the starting point of effective communication concise one-page communication forces sharper thinking editing is a critical part of strong communication reading writing aloud helps improve tone, clarity and flow communication and critical thinking are inseparably connected organizations benefit when meetings and communication follow a clear structure communication skills improve through continual practice and refinement writing training should include critical thinking, not only grammar and syntax clear communication saves organizations time and money effective communication requires awareness of audience, purpose and context ----- ----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

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

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

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

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

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

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