Your Intended Message

By George TorokBusiness Education Self-Improvement How To Marketing

Your Intended Message episodes

February 26Right Speaker, Right Audience, Right Time: Martin Perelmuter
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
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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/
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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
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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
34 min
February 20From Disney to Design Thinking: Creating Fresh Thinking for Big Ideas: Lee Kitchen
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
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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/
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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
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----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
34 min
February 12Logic vs Emotion in Marketing: Brian Kurtz Breaks it Down
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
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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
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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
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----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
48 min
February 05Why People Don't Hear What You Meant to Say?
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
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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/
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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
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----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
21 min
January 31Hollywood Storytelling Secrets: Michael Hauge
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
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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/
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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
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----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
44 min
January 22Build Trust Fast: Lessons from a War Zone Spy: JJ Brun
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
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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 [email protected]
Learn more about JJ Brun and his services at the website TheRetiredSpy.com
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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
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----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
43 min
January 17Storytelling for Business Leaders: Graham Brown
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
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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/
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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
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----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
35 min
January 09Servant Leadership in Business: Jim Hardwick
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
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About our guest:
Jim welcomes your questions about sales. Enjoy a no-charge conversation with him.
Call him - 623-451-1080
Email - [email protected]
Jim Hardwick on Linkedin
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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
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----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
29 min
January 0512 Communication Lessons from David Copperfield
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.
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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
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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
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----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 min
January 01Listening vs Hearing, The Leadership Advantage: Julian Treasure
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
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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
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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
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----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
42 min