Your Intended Message

Help Your Audience Listen Better Why Curiosity Is the Key to Connection and Leadership Episode 263 (Meaghan is based in Chicago) In this conversation with Meaghan Benjamin we explore: * The difference between credibility and rapport — and why both matter in leadership. * How communication habits are formed and the importance of adapting them. *   * What it means to practice agile communication in today’s digital world. * How curiosity fosters connection, learning, and innovation. * Why tone, gestures, and delivery shape how others receive your message. * How to use the Know–Feel–Do framework to craft more persuasive messages. * Ways to build fast rapport in emotionally or professionally high-stakes settings. * The four levels of listening and how to move conversations to a deeper level. * How to help your audience become better listeners by how you speak. * The challenge and opportunity of virtual communication for modern professionals. ----- About our guest, Meaghan Kane Benjamin: Meaghan holds a master’s in Speech and Hearing Science and Psychology from THE Ohio State University   She’s the CEO and Co-Founder of Studio Reinvent, where she co-developed the Agile Communication™ methodology which brings science of communication and the art of showing up  to transform how leaders connect, influence, and inspire.   You can learn more about her program at https://www.studioreinvent.com/ [https://www.studioreinvent.com/] ----- Key Lessons from this conversation: * Credibility vs Rapport * Rapport creates emotional connection; credibility is built by consistent follow-through. * Communication as Habit + Adaptability * Effective communication adapts to the context and people involved. * Agile Communication Framework * A methodology based on science, systems thinking, and storytelling. * The Power of Curiosity * Authentic curiosity drives rapport, empathy, and innovation. * Tone Is More Than Words * Tone, gestures, and expression shape how your message is received. * The Know-Feel-Do Framework * Define what you want the audience to know, feel, and do. Let the "feel" and "do" guide your messaging. * Build Rapport Fast in High-Stakes Moments * Especially in healthcare and business pitches, rapport often matters more than content volume. * Listening as a Shared Responsibility * It's not just about being a better speaker — help others become better listeners too. * Four Levels of Listening * From small talk (Level 1) to generative collaboration (Level 4). * Virtual Communication Challenges * With screens reducing non-verbal cues, intentional delivery matters more than ever. ----- ----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 [http://www.speechcoachforexecutives.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/] https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills [https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills1] https://www.instagram.com/georgetorok/ [https://www.instagram.com/georgetorok/]

How to Ask Better Questions Without Saying "Why?" Stakeholder Whispering: Secret to Better Communication Episode 262 (Bill is based in New Mexico) In this conversation with Bill Shander we explore: * How to uncover what your stakeholders really need—beyond what they ask for * Why your first idea is often just an automated response * How to apply the Socratic method to guide people toward their own insight * Why asking “why” directly can feel hostile, and what to say instead * The power of “chunky segmentation” to clarify vague communication * How to balance divergent and convergent questions to get to the truth * What aporia means—and why a little confusion leads to breakthrough thinking * Why your visuals must reflect meaning, not just style * When and how AI can support visual storytelling and insight * Why it’s crucial to practice stakeholder whispering on yourself first ----- About our guest, Bill Shander: Bill has been teaching data storytelling and visualization for about 10 years for clients around the world and on on Linkedin Learning. He is the author of "Stakeholder Whispering: Uncover What People Need Before Doing What they Ask" You can find his book here: Stakeholder Whispering [https://www.amazon.com/Stakeholder-Whisperer-Uncovering-People-Before/dp/1394289529/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3PXU4RCPGX4B&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.d-9Arj1RUIjKe7gYRM8StdAoY2oSqfsmOCg24f9q2N4.pQxFMhEkllkp-wd7_BEmxo16WiMxmlmr-pm--o1hnbM&dib_tag=se&keywords=Bill+Shander&qid=1743946662&s=books&sprefix=bill+shander%2Cstripbooks%2C133&sr=1-1] ----- Key lessons from this conversation: 1. Most stakeholders don’t know what they really need. * Insight: Stakeholder requests are often surface-level assumptions, not true needs. Your job is to dig deeper. 2. Your first idea is usually just an automated response. * Insight: Pause before acting. The first idea might be convenient, but often lacks strategic depth. 3. Use Socratic questioning to help people uncover their own truth. * Insight: Ask layered questions to lead stakeholders into self-awareness rather than handing them answers. 4. Avoid hostile “why” questions—ask with curiosity instead. * Insight: Reframe your language: say “Tell me more about…” instead of “Why did you do that?” 5. Translate ambiguous requests using “chunky segmentation.” * Insight: Break vague statements (e.g., “We do masterclasses”) into discrete elements to clarify meaning. 6. Push stakeholders into a state of puzzlement (aporia). * Insight: Confusion can be a productive step toward clarity—help stakeholders get there. 7. Visuals are communication tools—not just decoration. * Insight: Choose visuals based on the real message, not just what’s easy to draw. 8. AI is a helpful partner, but only if you know your message. * Insight: Tools like AI are only effective after you’ve clarified your intent and message. 9. Leaders should hire people who push back. * Insight: Order-takers may be efficient, but real innovation comes from collaborators who challenge assumptions. 10. Practice stakeholder whispering on yourself first. * Insight: Self-questioning sharpens your ability to lead others through discovery and insight. ----- ----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 [http://www.speechcoachforexecutives.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/] https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills [https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills1] https://www.instagram.com/georgetorok/ [https://www.instagram.com/georgetorok/]

How Video Builds Trust and Your Bottom Line How CEOs can Build Authentic Person Brands that Attract Opportunity Episode 261 (Alan is based in Oakville, Ontario) In this conversation with Alan McClaren we explore: * the power of authentic personal branding for CEOs and business leaders * how a Brand DNA session transforms fear into clarity and confidence * why video is the most scalable and trustworthy communication tool today * how personal stories build trust and eliminate competition * the mindset shift from curated perfection to authentic communication * why executives have a responsibility to share their insights publicly * the step-by-step process of personal branding through content strategy * how leaders can batch-create video content efficiently * the real ROI of personal branding: leads, partnerships, and visibility * how to avoid the trap of hiding behind a logo and start showing up online ----- About our guest, Alan McClaren: Alan is a personal branding expert and co-founder of STRATA Originals. He was CEO of marketing agency - InfinityComm. He's a long time member and officer of Young Presidents' Organization, YPO. Learn more about STRATA Originals at: https://strataoriginals.com/ [https://strataoriginals.com/] Get your free worksheet to clarify your personal brand: https://strataoriginals.com/elevate-your-brand-1 [https://strataoriginals.com/elevate-your-brand-1] Connect with Alan on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanmclaren/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanmclaren/] ----- Key Lessons from this Conversation with Alan McClaren: * Everyone Has a Personal Brand—Most Just Aren’t Leveraging It * Brand DNA Is the First Step to Unlocking Personal Clarity * Video Is the Most Authentic and Scalable Communication Medium * Personal Branding Is About Giving, Not Performing * Executives Have a Responsibility to Share Their Wisdom Publicly * Your Story Is Your Protection—No One Can Argue With Lived Experience * Posting Video Content Builds Trust Before the First Conversation * You Can Batch Video to Make It Easier and More Efficient * You Don't Need to Be Perfect—You Need to Be You * Leaders Who Share Their Perspective Attract More Opportunity ----- ----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 [http://www.speechcoachforexecutives.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/] https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills [https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills1] https://www.instagram.com/georgetorok/ [https://www.instagram.com/georgetorok/]

Instead of Call-to-Action Do this Inside-Out vs. Outside-In Marketing Episode 260 (James is based in California) In this conversation with James Hipkin we explore: * The difference between inside-out and outside-in marketing—and why it matters. * Why empathy is a marketer’s most powerful asset. * How to design a website that confirms, not converts. * The fatal flaw in “call to action” and what to say instead. * How to create “people like you” pathways for segmented audiences. * The power of micro-transactions to build trust and drive decisions. * The six elements your homepage must deliver in under six seconds. * How to leverage testimonials and trust signals effectively. * The real value of SEO: understanding search intent. * How AI can build customer avatars and journey maps affordably. * Why many marketing efforts fail due to lack of clear strategy and measurement. ----- About out guest, James Hipkin: James has worked in marketing and advertising for over 40 years. His clients included Sprint, Apple, Nestle, Toyota and Wells Fargo online bank. Since 2010 James has helped his client build business with digital marketing. He's the author of "Journey to Success: Digital Marketing for Small Business Owners" You can take arrange for your website audit at sixsecondsorless.com [https://inn8ly.com/six-second-website-audit/] Learn more about his marketing services at https://inn8ly.com/ [https://inn8ly.com/] ----- Key lessons from this conversation with James: 1. Empathy is the Core of Great Marketing * Learning Point: Effective marketers must understand their audience’s emotions, struggles, and perspective 2. Marketing Should Be Outside-In, Not Inside-Out * Learning Point: Focus on the customer’s needs, not your own accolades. 3. Websites Are for Confirmation, Not Just Conversion * Learning Point: A visitor comes to confirm if you understand their problem—not to be sold instantly. 4. Replace 'Call to Action' with 'People Like You Pathways' * Learning Point: Invite users into their own journey instead of shouting instructions 5. Design Websites Around Micro-Transactions * Learning Point: Every click, visual, and copy element should build trust incrementally. 6. Your Hero Section Must Do Five Things in Six Seconds * Learning Point: In 6 seconds or less, your website must confirm identity, state benefit, show credibility, offer clear navigation, and deliver easy-to-consume content. 7. Testimonials and Credibility Should Be Visible Upfront * Learning Point: Place a compelling testimonial or credibility bar near the top of the page. 8. SEO is Not Dead — It’s Misunderstood * Learning Point: SEO helps you understand search intent more than rank your site. 9. Use AI to Build Customer Avatars and Journey Maps * Learning Point: AI can help generate data-driven insights at a fraction of traditional research costs. 10. Measure What You Do — Or You’re Just Guessing * Learning Point: Without strategy, planning, and measurement, marketing efforts collapse. ----- ----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 [http://www.speechcoachforexecutives.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/] https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills [https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills1] https://www.instagram.com/georgetorok/ [https://www.instagram.com/georgetorok/]

Networking for Introverts: Break the Ice Confidently Transform your Networking Mindset from Sales to Service Episode 259 (Michael is based near Atlanta) In this conversation we explore: 1. Why networking should focus on giving rather than receiving. 2. How to build trust through active listening. 3. The FORM method to start conversations naturally. 4. How to practice introductions and grow more confident. 5. Why handwritten thank you notes boost your response rates. 6. How to prepare yourself mentally for networking events. 7. How to use your CRM to build real relationships. 8. How to politely redirect a conversation when someone won’t stop talking. 9. How Michael’s military experience shaped his leadership and networking approach. 10. How to empower employees and turn them into networking ambassadors. ----- About our guest Michael A. Forman: Author of the book, Networking Unleashed: Mastering the art of Networking and host of the podcast by the same name. He's a veteran of the US Air Force and served in Desert Storm. Learn more about his book and take his digital course at  https://www.michaelaforman.com/ [https://www.michaelaforman.com/] ----- 📌 Key Learning Points 1. Networking is about giving, not just receiving. Michael emphasizes a servant’s heart approach—helping others first without immediate expectations. 2. Active listening builds trust. Listening means not planning your reply but really hearing the other person. 3. Memorable introductions create connection. Practice making introductions personal and genuine—mention something specific about each person. 4. Use the FORM method for conversations. FORM = Family, Occupation, Recreation, Message—it’s a reliable framework to get others talking comfortably. 5. Handwritten thank you notes have huge impact. They significantly increase response rates compared to just an email follow-up. 6. Networking is a skill that requires practice. Confidence and memory improve over time by consistently introducing others and engaging actively. 7. Keep track of contacts and conversations. Use a CRM and note key details from conversations to build real relationships. 8. How you prepare matters. Practice conversation openers in front of a mirror, use compliments to start conversations, and smile—even if it’s a “fake” smile at first! 9. Know when to politely interrupt. If someone won’t stop talking, find a respectful way to redirect or pause the conversation. 10. Military experience shaped Michael’s leadership and networking style. Building trust and respect in the military laid the foundation for his networking skills. ----- ----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 [http://www.speechcoachforexecutives.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/] https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills [https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills1] https://www.instagram.com/georgetorok/ [https://www.instagram.com/georgetorok/]