Your Intended Message

Manage Difficult Conversations & Meetings The 3-step script to calm angry people (ignore words, read feelings, label) Episode 273 (Doug is based in California) In this conversation we explore… * https://dougnoll.com/why decisions are emotional and what that means for leadership credibility * the 92-second reset protocol that calms intense situations fast * a three-step method: ignore words, read emotions, reflect with “you” statements * the brain science behind affect labeling and rapid de-escalation * why “active listening” backfires and how to respond effectively instead * the four relaxation signals that tell you it’s safe to problem-solve * adopting a compassionate mindset to neutralize personal attacks * evidence from prisons to boardrooms proving the method’s transferability * how to prepare for tough meetings with self-labeling and emotion maps * a practical path to mastery in 8–12 weeks with deliberate practice ----- About our guest, Doug Noll: Doug was born with a set of difficult disabilities: nearly visually blind, color blind, two club feet, poor teeth, left-handed, and too smart for his own good. He found his life’s calling at 50 years of age when he left a successful civil trial practice to become a peacemaker, mediator, author, and teacher. Free Offer: Peace Under Pressure Kit The kit consists of my De-Escalate Advisor, which is a ChatGPT agent that will help you work through intense emotions, my 4- week online video course Dealing With Anger and Aggression, and an invitation to my free Stop Arguments Cold Skool Community. Either DM me on LinkedIn or Facebook @douglasnoll on Instagram @douglasenoll with YOUR INTENDED MESSAGE 25. https://dougnoll.com/ [https://dougnoll.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougnoll/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/dougnoll/] https://www.instagram.com/douglasenoll/ [https://www.instagram.com/douglasenoll/] ----- Key learning points: 1. Emotions drive decisions; treat people as emotional beings first. 2. The 92-second reset protocol (ignore words, read emotions, reflect with “you” statements) reliably calms people. 3. Affect labeling interrupts the amygdala and engages executive function. 4. Avoid “active listening” formulas; use plain “you feel…” reflections instead. 5. Wait for the four relaxation cues before problem-solving. 6. Mindset shift: see attacks as emotions, not truth; respond with compassion. 7. Practice builds automaticity; mastery is achievable in ~8–12 weeks. 8. These skills scale from prisons to boardrooms and change behavior system-wide. 9. Self-labeling (silently) stabilizes you during tough meetings. 10. Preparation: pre-name likely emotions—yours and theirs—before you enter the room. ----- ----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://superiorpresentations.net/ [https://superiorpresentations.net/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/] https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills [https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills1]

Build trust in business through authentic storytelling The brand blueprint: how to define values and tell your story Episode 272  (Deevo is based in Charlotte, NC) In this conversation we explore… * how to cut through industry noise with a no-fluff branding approach * why self-discovery is the foundation of personal branding * the role of trust and experience in building client relationships * how authentic storytelling creates emotional connections * why honesty and vulnerability make you relatable * the importance of aligning your values with your business story * why branding is more than visuals—it’s every customer touchpoint * how personal struggles and pain points can strengthen your brand * why your story won’t resonate with everyone (and that’s a good thing) * what qualities make someone an ideal client for branding work ----- About our guest, Deevo Tindal: Unapologetically Bold – he says what others won’t, and it lands. Personal Brand-First – he helps people build brands rooted in identity, not imitation. No Fluff, All Fire – Real-world experience meets razor-sharp insights you can act on. It’s Not Just a Talk – It’s an experience. One that will shake your audience into clarity. Ready to learn more or check out his services? Visit https://www.thebrandstoryteller.com/ [https://www.thebrandstoryteller.com/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/fusionphotog/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/fusionphotog/] https://www.instagram.com/deevothebrandstoryteller/ [https://www.instagram.com/deevothebrandstoryteller/] ----- Key Learning Points * the no-fluff approach means dropping templates and discovering your unique story * personal branding starts with knowing yourself first, not copying others * trust is built through intentional client experiences, not just final products * authentic storytelling connects emotionally and sets you apart * vulnerability and honesty make your brand relatable * your values and problem-solving define the heart of your story * branding is every touchpoint in the customer journey, not just logos or colors * pain points and struggles can strengthen your story if shared with purpose * not everyone will resonate with your brand—and that’s okay * the best clients are purpose-driven, coachable, and ready to share their genius ----- ----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://superiorpresentations.net/ [https://superiorpresentations.net/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/] https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills [https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills1]

Build Innovation Teams That Thrive in Ambiguity Human Ingenuity: Clever, Inventive and Fearless Thinking Episode 271 (Ken is based in the Greater Toronto Area) In this conversation we explore… * why innovation often stalls in organizations * the difference between innovation, entrepreneurship, and ingenuity * how to measure and manage openness to ambiguity * why diversity of thought and background is essential for innovation * how leadership roles should rotate during the innovation cycle * why bias is the greatest barrier to new thinking * the role of students and external control groups in innovation * the difference between simple, complex, and wicked challenges * why human ingenuity requires clever, inventive, and fearless thinking * how the 90% Rule honors the past while pushing toward the future ----- About our guest, Ken Tencer: Ken is a long time entrepreneur, author and global speaker. He is completing a doctorate in human ingenuity - clever, inventive an fearless thinking in the faces of wicked challenges (incomplete information, ambiguity, and uncertainty) Ken works with organizations to help them identify and resolve their wicked challenges, (strategy, team development and tactics). Learn more and contact him at:   https://sayhitothefuture.ca/ [https://sayhitothefuture.ca/] ----- Key Learning Points 1. Innovation requires three dimensions: innovation (process), entrepreneurship (team), and ingenuity (thinking). 2. Ambiguity is a core skill: successful innovation teams must measure and embrace tolerance for ambiguity. 3. Diversity fuels innovation: variety in backgrounds, perspectives, and disciplines prevents groupthink. 4. Leadership should rotate: the right leader shifts depending on the stage of the innovation cycle. 5. Bias is the biggest barrier: more than money or time, it blocks new thinking. 6. External voices help: student or alumni “control groups” bring fresh, unbiased perspectives. 7. Understand the three challenge types: simple, complex, and wicked — each requires different approaches. 8. Human ingenuity demands fearlessness: decisions must be made even without certainty. 9. The 90% Rule: honor the past while pushing forward to the next 10%. 10. Future readiness means “saying hi to the future”: embracing macro trends, empathy, and new thinking tools. ----- ----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://superiorpresentations.net/ [https://superiorpresentations.net/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/] https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills [https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills1]

High-Stakes Communication: Lessons for Leaders From Crisis to Product Launch: Mastering High-Stakes Messaging Episode 270 (Angela is based in Massachusetts) In this conversation we explore… * why every business needs a crisis communication plan * how to identify vulnerabilities and prepare for unexpected risks * why proactive preparation is a positive mindset * how to communicate with honesty, transparency, and values * why “no comment” often damages credibility * how high-stakes opportunities like product launches mirror crises * the importance of aligning launches with brand and values * authentic ways to show gratitude to your “stunt team” * how stories help explain, justify, and inspire in high-stakes situations * why customer service and communication plans drive launch success ----- About our guest: Angela Betancourt: Angela is a strategic communications expert with over 20 years of experience across five continents helping business, nonprofits, political leaders and startups clarify and amplify their messages - especially when the stakes are high. As founder of Betancourt Group she works with purpose-driven organizations that are tackling today's urgent issues. Learn more about Angela and her services at: https://groupbetancourt.com/ [https://groupbetancourt.com/] ----- Key Learning Points * prepare a crisis communication plan before you need it * understand your organization’s unique risks and vulnerabilities * proactive preparation is positive thinking, not negative * avoid “no comment” and lean into honesty and transparency * high-stakes opportunities require the same planning as crises * align product launches with your brand and values * celebrate wins and show authentic gratitude to your “stunt team” * storytelling makes complex or high-stakes messages relatable * origin stories and narratives reinforce purpose and intention * communication plans must include both strategy and customer service ----- ----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://superiorpresentations.net/ [https://superiorpresentations.net/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/] https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills [https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills1]

Cold Calling in 2025: Strategies That Still Work Combining Emotional Intelligence with Artificial Intelligence Episode 269 (Ashely is based in Indianapolis, Indiana) In this conversation we explore: * how AI can serve as a no-cost, personalized sales coach * why combining emotional intelligence with artificial intelligence strengthens selling skills * the importance of reviewing your own sales calls to identify scarcity language and missed questions * how to match your outreach method to the customer’s preferred communication style * why cold calling still works when it’s targeted and respectful * the fastest way to build trust in the first 30 seconds of a call * how to sustain energy and focus during repetitive outreach * the strengths introverts and extroverts each bring to sales * ways to confidently discuss money by knowing your value * why mindset, abundance, and intent matter more than scripts or tools ----- About our guest, Ashely Beck Cuellar: Ashely worked for 17 years selling to car dealers. She believes that natural curiosity is one of the greatest strengths any seller can have. Learn more about Ashley and the sales workshops at  https://salessparkcoaching.com/ [https://salessparkcoaching.com/] The next 6-month sales coaching programs launches in Oct 2025. ----- Key Learning Points 1. AI can be a personal sales coach 2. Analyze your conversations for missed opportunities 3. Match your communication channel to the client’s preference 4. Cold calling is still effective when done thoughtfully 5. Build trust quickly with honesty 6. Energy and resilience are critical in high-volume outreach 7. Introverts and extroverts bring different strengths to sales 8. Confidently discuss pricing by knowing your value 9. Clients often need guidance to make the best decision 10. Mindset shapes sales performance more than tools ----- ----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://superiorpresentations.net/ [https://superiorpresentations.net/] https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgetorokpresentations/] https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills [https://www.youtube.com/user/presentationskills1]