strong communication skills are essential for everyone, regardless of role or profession
one of the biggest communication failures is lack of preparation; too many people try to “wing it”
the fastest and most effective way to improve any skill—especially communication—is by working with a skilled coach
a good coach understands both how to teach communication and how to deliver messages effectively
effective presentations focus on moving the audience—deciding where you want them to go and guiding them there
successful communication is about getting the audience to act with the least amount of effort or confusion
speakers should communicate from the audience’s point of view, giving them exactly what they need—and nothing extra
coaching focuses on understanding how the message is perceived, not just what is said
communication includes the entire message: words, structure, slides, body language, voice, and overall presence
authenticity matters more than sounding polished or slick; being “real” connects better than being perfect
technique becomes natural only through repetition and practice
small refinements—editing language, adjusting movement, improving vocal delivery—create big improvements
many professionals (CEOs, engineers, accountants, scientists) must communicate critical ideas but were hired for technical expertise, not communication skill
the best clients are already competent communicators who want to sharpen and refine their effectiveness
meaningful improvement comes from learning subtle nuances, not dramatic overhauls
effective coaching builds on a person’s existing strengths rather than trying to make them imitate someone else
the ultimate goal is to help people continue improving long after the coaching relationship ends
improving communication is an investment in what may be the most important skill in one’s career
the closing question challenges the viewer to consider the value of being better—and why they wouldn’t pursue it
most speakers undermine themselves by starting to talk immediately instead of claiming the room
beginning a presentation with a deliberate three-to-five-second pause signals calm, confidence, and authority
a pause shows the audience that you own the space and have their full attention
communication skills only become optional if you never need to work with other people
for anyone who builds teams, sells ideas, grows a career, or grows a business, communication is essential
communication may be the most important skill influencing long-term professional success
even highly successful leaders can lose effectiveness when they become stale, sloppy, or overconfident
strong presenters still need preparation to stay sharp and competitive
a client who built a company to $50 million in revenue began losing deals due to weakened presentations
closing major deals depended on the quality of the final presentation
focused coaching over several days helped refine and strengthen an already solid presentation
preparation—not reinvention—was the key to restoring performance
a single improved presentation resulted in a $10 million deal that ultimately grew to $17 million
effective communication directly influences business outcomes and revenue
the most rewarding part of coaching is seeing clients apply skills long after the engagement ends
lasting communication skills transfer beyond business into everyday life
teaching someone how to prepare and present well creates a ripple effect, even influencing how they guide others
true success in communication coaching is measured by sustained use, not short-term performance
Enjoy this 10 minute interview with George Torok on the CEO Global Network podcas with host, John Wilson.
——————————————————–
George Torok is an instructor in the CEO Global Network Leadership Training program. Listen here as he promotes the program and highlights the benefits for attendees.
