Your Intended Message

What You Say is Not What They Hear

What is the Difference Between Your Intended and Unintend Message?

Episode 313 (Solo show featuring George Torok)

In this episode we explore:

• why your whole message includes more than the words you intend to send
• four reasons your intended message might not get through
• why clarity in your head does not guarantee clarity for the listener
• how beliefs and past experiences filter what people hear
• how emotional state changes the meaning people receive
• why setting and delivery method influence interpretation
• how recent events can reshape audience receptiveness
• why unintended messages act like static around your main point
• how vocabulary and grammar influence credibility
• how body language can contradict spoken words
• how pace, pitch and inflection alter meaning
• why missing information can distract listeners
• how audience engagement strengthens communication
• how to reduce unintended messages before they sabotage your intended message

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Your Host, George Torok:

Is known as the Speech Coach for Executives because he’s been coaching executive leaders to convey their messages with more confidence and success for 30 years.

For 19 years, he hosted the radio show, Business in Motion, interviewing over 600 business and community leaders. As host of the podcast, Your Intended Message, he has interviewed communication specialists from 16 countries.

George is co-author of the national bestseller, Secrets of Power Marketing, and contributed to 12 other books. His articles have been featured in magazines around the world, and he’s written over 2,000 blog posts.

An adventurer, he’s visited over 30 countries on five continents and has run 12 marathons.

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Key Lessons from this episode:

• Your whole message includes both the message you intend to send and the unintended messages that travel with it.
• Clarify your message before you speak. A message that feels clear in your head might become confusing when converted into words.
• Your intended message can fail because people were not listening, did not understand you or did not believe you.
• Communication requires several translations: from the thoughts in your head, into words, through the listener’s filters and finally into meaning in their mind.
• Your audience filters your message through beliefs, past experiences, emotional state, setting, perspective and recent events.
• Recent experiences can influence how people receive your next message. An unresolved issue might block acceptance of a new idea.
• Unintended messages create communication static that can blur, weaken or contradict what you meant to convey.
• Vocabulary and grammar send messages about clarity, credibility and professionalism beyond the literal meaning of your words.
• Body language and voice can support your intended message or create doubt when they conflict with your words.
• The method of delivery matters. Email, phone, video, coffee conversation and boardroom discussion each shape how a message is received.
• Missing information can distract listeners when you raise a question but fail to answer it.
• Audience engagement strengthens the message. Reading slides or text can weaken connection and reduce attention.
• Distractions exist in the room, on the screen and inside the listener’s mind.
• Effective communicators pay attention not only to what they intend to say, but also to the unintended messages attached to their delivery.

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Culture Isn't an HR Program—It's Leadership in Action

How to Build an Intentional Workplace Culture

Episode 312 (Michael is based in Ontario, Canada, repeat of #162)

In this conversation with Michael Grochmal we explore:

• why every organization already has a culture
• the difference between intentional and accidental culture
• how everyday behaviors define organizational values
• building customer service into company culture
• recognizing employees in meaningful ways
• creating belonging for remote employees
• using handwritten notes to strengthen relationships
• learning from other successful organizations
• why leaders should experience their own customer journey
• how culture books reinforce organizational identity
• creating accountability through agreement
• why people need to understand the purpose behind expectations
• building a learning organization
• making culture part of everyday leadership

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About our guest Michael Grochmal:

Michael is Director of Culture for CEO Global Network. He's been a member for 14 years. 

Before selling the company. he was President of AtlasCare for 12 years.

Learn more about CEO Global Network 

https://ceoglobalnetwork.com/

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Key points from this conversation:

• Company culture exists whether you intentionally create it or not.
• Culture is simply an agreed set of behaviors and expectations.
• Leaders should build culture by design rather than by accident.
• Every action communicates a message to employees, customers and suppliers.
• Small, consistent behaviors reinforce organizational values.
• Employee recognition becomes meaningful when it is personal.
• Leaders should regularly experience their business as customers.
• Culture grows stronger when people understand the "why" behind expectations.
• Remote employees require intentional efforts to feel connected.
• Learning organizations create stronger leaders and stronger cultures.
• Company culture belongs to everyone, not only the CEO.
• Celebrating success reminds people that their work matters.
• Accountability begins with shared agreement rather than imposed control.
• Great cultures continuously evolve through observation, learning and refinement.

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Stop Sending Emails You'll Regret

How to Avoid Toxic Emails and Proptect Your Reputation

Episode 311 (repeat of #134, Liz is based in L.A.)

In this conversation with Liz Danziger we explore:

• why writing begins with thinking
• defining your purpose before writing
• identifying the reader's priorities
• choosing the right communication medium
• avoiding emotional emails
• writing persuasive business messages
• reducing email length
• placing your request where readers see it
• improving credibility through grammar
• using appreciation to increase response rates
• editing before sending
• the three Ps: purpose, person and point

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About our guest, Liz Danziger:

Liz is the author of four books published by major publishers including the business writing guide, "Get To The Point".

She has decades of experience in helping teams to write clearly and confidently.

Follow her on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabethdanziger/

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Key Learning Points:

• Most writing problems begin before the first word is written.
• Define your purpose before you begin writing.
• Know your main point before you start typing.
• Always write with the reader in mind.
• Business writing serves three primary purposes: inform, request or persuade.
• Keep emails short and focused.
• Place your main request near the beginning of the email.
• Repeat the request at the end of the email.
• Match your writing style to your reader's preferences.
• Avoid emotional emails whenever possible.
• Read every important email aloud before sending it.
• Apply the "You Idiot Rule" to test the tone of an email.
• Grammar mistakes reduce credibility.
• Long emails are rarely read.
• Separate detailed information into attachments when appropriate.
• Thanking people increases the likelihood of a positive response.
• Purpose, Person and Point provide a practical framework for better communication.
• Shorter sentences improve readability.
• Reread every message before sending.
• For important messages, wait before editing whenever possible.

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What Greek Mythology Teaches About Leadership

Charisma, Ethics and Influence: Lessons from Ancient Greece

Episode 310 (Scott is based in New York City)

In this conversation with Scott Mason we explored:

• how charisma can be developed rather than inherited
• why Greek mythology still offers practical leadership lessons
• using mythological avatars as personal development tools
• the connection between ethics and influence
• how leaders shape organizations through personal identity
• the difference between charisma and entertainment
• creating curiosity as a communication strategy
• the four foundational elements of charisma
• why meaningful messages attract and repel people
• discovering and developing your charismatic strengths
• self-actualization and leadership growth
• communicating with purpose and authenticity

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About our guest, Scott Mason:

Scott is a graduate of Columbia Law School and worked as legal counsel & a senior executive with government and nonprofit organizations for a quarter of a century.

Scott's insights on Greek mythology and business success have appeared in book compilations and online magazines and blogs; he additionally was the founding host of the Greater New York City area's official podcast for Toastmasters International, the world's largest public speaking organization.

Connect or follow Scott:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/themythslayer/

https://www.myfreedomrocks.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@Myth_Slayer

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Key Lessons from this conversation with Scott Mason:

• Charisma is a learnable skill, not a trait reserved for a gifted few.
• Effective communicators develop charisma in ways that fit their personality and circumstances.
• Greek mythology provides powerful metaphors for leadership, resilience and personal growth.
• A personal mythological avatar can serve as a guide for decision-making and self-development.
• Leadership begins with understanding the stories and identities we assign to ourselves.
• Businesses often reflect the beliefs and self-image of their leaders.
• Entertainment and charisma are not the same thing.
• Strong communication combines presence with a clear message.
• Curiosity is a powerful communication tool that keeps audiences engaged.
• Ethical influence creates stronger and more sustainable leadership.
• Charisma often attracts supporters while also creating resistance.
• Growth requires moving beyond easy challenges and confronting meaningful obstacles.
• Leaders should focus on developing their strengths rather than obsessing over weaknesses.
• Every person possesses unique "charismatic gemstones" that can become their greatest communication assets.
• Self-awareness and authenticity are essential foundations of lasting influence.

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Trust Your Gut? What Neuroscience Reveals About Intuition

The Four Types of Intuition Every Leader Should Understand

Episode 309 (Sunil is based in London, Ontario)

In this conversation with Sunil Godse we explored:

• the science behind intuition and decision-making
• how intuition operates through the subconscious mind
• why trust is essential for business success
• the connection between intuition and leadership
• recognizing personal intuitive signals
• positive and negative intuition cues
• experiential intuition and learning from experience
• relational intuition and building trust
• situational intuition and reading environments
• creative intuition and taking calculated risks
• balancing intuition with logic and data
• why entrepreneurs often ignore intuitive warnings
• identifying intuition through past decisions
• overcoming fear to act on intuitive insights
• the opportunity cost of ignoring intuition
• strengthening intuition through deliberate reflection

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About our guest, Sunil Godse:

Sunil's intuitive branding services helped a struggling $400,000 company earn $3.5 million in just over 2 years.

He is the author of two books, "Gut: What it is. How to trust it. How to use it." and "Fail Fast. Succeed Faster".

Learn about about his intuitive branding services at https://sunilgodse.com/

Buy his books https://sunilgodse.com/books/

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Key  points from this conversation with Sunil:

• Intuition is not mystical; neuroscience research suggests it operates through the subconscious mind.
• Intuitive processing can begin within milliseconds before conscious awareness.
• Trust is built through intuition and plays a major role in business success.
• Every person receives intuitive signals, but those signals are unique to the individual.
• Positive intuitive signals encourage action, while negative signals warn against potential problems.
• Intuition draws upon a lifetime of experiences stored in the subconscious.
• Four forms of intuition influence decision-making: experiential, relational, situational, and creative intuition.
• Experiential intuition relies on accumulated knowledge and past experiences.
• Relational intuition helps determine whom to trust and collaborate with.
• Situational intuition evaluates the environment and circumstances around a decision.
• Creative intuition encourages people to pursue opportunities that may appear risky to others.
• Many business failures occur when leaders ignore their intuitive warnings.
• Trust within organizations increases engagement, productivity, and loyalty.
• Employees become stronger contributors when they feel trusted and respected.
• Effective leaders balance intuition, emotion, and rational analysis.
• Reviewing past successes and failures helps identify personal intuitive signals.
• Intuition grows stronger when people consciously reflect on their experiences.
• Acting on intuition often requires courage because the path forward may be uncertain.
• Fear frequently prevents people from following intuitive guidance.
• Successful entrepreneurs often combine data with intuition rather than relying exclusively on either.

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Get Sales and Marketing on the Same Page

The Hidden Cost of Sales and Marketing Silos

Episode 308 (Gary is based in Florida)

In this converation with Gary Garth we explored:

• why sales and marketing frequently become disconnected
• the danger of measuring different goals within the same company
• how shared revenue targets improve collaboration
• the value of placing sales and marketing teams closer together
• using customer objections to strengthen marketing content
• creating effective sales enablement materials
• building feedback loops that improve lead quality
• measuring what matters throughout the sales funnel
• integrating sales and marketing technology platforms
• understanding customer motivations and buying behavior
• evaluating customer lifetime value
• mapping the customer journey to uncover growth opportunities

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About our guest, Gary Garth:

Gary is a serial entrepreneur, founder and CEO of https://elev8.io/

He's authored the zero to 100 million sales blueprint book, and the Goals Grit and Greatness Planner.

He's been featured in Inc, Forbes, Success and many other prominent publications as a serial entrepreneurs since 2002.

Gary has started and successfully exited six companies, including large outbound sales, call centres, radio advertising networks, and an award winning eight figure, digital marketing agency.

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Key points from this conversation with Gary:

• sales and marketing often operate with different priorities, language, and measurements
• leadership must create alignment by focusing both departments on revenue outcomes
• shared KPIs reduce finger-pointing and encourage collaboration
• regular communication between sales and marketing improves performance
• sales teams provide valuable customer intelligence that marketing can use
• marketing content becomes more effective when it addresses real customer objections
• understanding the customer journey requires input from both sales and marketing
• measuring the entire funnel reveals where opportunities and problems exist
• feedback loops improve lead quality and marketing effectiveness
• customer lifetime value provides a better perspective than focusing only on lead volume
• technology systems should be integrated to improve visibility and collaboration
• mapping the customer journey exposes opportunities for growth, upselling, and referrals

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The Power of Empathy in Leadership Communication

Communicating Complex Ideas so Everyone Understands

Episode 307 (Hasan is based in Munich, Germany) Repeat of the popular episode 146

In this conversation with Hasan Ibne Akram we explore:

• why technical experts often struggle to communicate with executives and investors
• the concept of the T-shaped engineer and why it is rare
• how storytelling simplifies complex technical ideas
• using analogies to help audiences quickly understand unfamiliar concepts
• why precision matters in engineering communication
• adapting communication style based on the listener’s mindset
• how empathy improves leadership and communication effectiveness
• the difference between sympathy and tactical empathy
• learning to understand emotions without agreeing with the viewpoint
• why asking precise questions produces better answers
• how executives can become more approachable to employees
• the role of vulnerability and authenticity in leadership
• why curiosity helps people connect across differences
• how perspective shapes workplace relationships
• the importance of mission alignment inside organizations
• the difference between assigning tasks and leading people
• how meditation and alpha brain training support high performance

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About our guest, Dr. Hasan Akram:

Dr. Hasan is a serial entrepreneur. He is a computer scientist working in the domain of Autonomous Vehicle Safety. He is passionate about high performance.

He is the author of The Million Dollar Monk, which examines high performance.

Train your brain to overcome brain burn-out and leverage more of your brain's power with the use of science-based training programs.

https://brainvincible.com/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/hasan-ibne-akram-phd-75332b4/

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Key Lessons from this conversation with Hasan Akram:

• technical experts often lose their audience by explaining too much detail instead of focusing on meaning and relevance
• T-shaped professionals combine deep expertise with the ability to communicate at a high level
• storytelling helps people understand complex ideas faster than technical jargon
• analogies bridge the gap between technical language and everyday understanding
• precision matters in communication, especially for engineers and scientists
• empathy requires understanding another person’s perspective without necessarily agreeing with them
• tactical empathy focuses on understanding emotions during difficult conversations
• asking better questions leads to better answers and stronger communication
• leaders need to adjust their communication level depending on the audience
• authenticity increases trust and strengthens communication effectiveness
• vulnerability can help leaders appear more human and approachable
• employees often filter communication through fear and uncertainty about their role or security
• people respond differently when they genuinely feel understood
• curiosity about others helps reduce barriers and improve communication
• changing your perspective can transform difficult workplace relationships
• leaders should communicate mission and vision, not simply assign tasks
• aligning organizational goals with personal purpose strengthens engagement
• meditation and brain training can improve focus and performance by reducing mental noise

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Career Success Through Networking, Connecting and Giving

Why Giving First Creates Better Professional Relationships

Episode 306 (Larry is based in Chicago) This is a repeat of the poplular episode 131.

In this conversation with Larry Kaufman, we explore:

• networking beyond exchanging business cards
• how networking, connecting and giving work together
• the difference between inner-circle and outer-circle relationships
• why giving can include time, knowledge and expertise
• how philanthropy expands both purpose and relationships
• why professionals need to build relationships before they need help
• recognizing the warning signs of takers
• why curiosity builds stronger relationships than self-promotion
• how professionals in transition can reshape networking conversations
• the role of becoming an indispensable resource
• setting personal NCG goals
• creating stronger relationships through intentional giving

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About our Guest, Larry Kaufman:

Larry is the author of the best-selling book, The NCG Factor - a Formula for Building Life-Changing Relationships from College to Retirement.

He is a connector, giver and rainmaker who lives his life to help others.

Learn more about Larry at the website www.Kaufman-Larry.com

Follow or connect on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/larrykaufmanlinkedinspeaker/

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Key Lessons from this conversation with Larry Kaufman:

• networking is more than exchanging business cards; it begins with authentic relationships
• connecting people can create value even when you are not the expert
• giving may involve time, expertise, introductions, mentoring, or philanthropy
• an inner circle consists of people you trust and can depend upon
• strong relationships provide support beyond career needs
• build relationships before you need them
• networking continues throughout a career and beyond retirement
• helping others often creates unexpected opportunities
• philanthropy can expand relationships while serving a larger purpose
• not every connection should become part of your inner circle
• takers often reveal themselves by focusing only on their own needs
• people in career transition benefit from leading with curiosity instead of urgency
• asking questions creates stronger conversations than presenting a resume
• becoming indispensable requires helping beyond products and services
• setting an NCG goal creates a habit of helping others

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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

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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/

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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

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Your Inner Theme, Core Message & Brand Moniker

Be Authentic When You Find Your Innner Message

Episode 304 (This is a repeat of the popular episode #97. Fredrik is based in Sweden and now lives on his Ideas Island. It's no longer available for your free vacation.)

In this conversation with Fredrik Haren we explore:

• how speakers discover the deeper meaning behind their message
• why an inner theme creates stronger resonance with an audience
• the difference between a topic, a core message, and a brand moniker
• why explorers often connect more powerfully than experts
• how authenticity shapes audience trust
• why speeches fail when speakers begin too far ahead of their audience
• a four-step rhetorical framework for persuasive speaking
• why people rally behind messages more than personalities
• how leaders gain influence by knowing who they are
• the role of presence and being fully in the moment when speaking
• why clearly communicated ideas are the ideas most likely to become rea

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About  Our Guest Fredrik Haren"

Fredrik is known as The Creativity Explorer. He has interviewed thousands of people in 70 countries on six continents about their creative process. 

His book, The Idea Book, was included in "The 100 Best Business Books of All Time".

Fredrik helps people find their Inner Theme to help them get clarity on their purpose and true message. It's an intense one hour, on-off, session.

To learn more about the Clarity session contact Fredrik at clarity@interesting.org

Or connect on Linkedin https://www.linkedin.com/in/fredrikharen/

Visit his website at www.FredrikHaren.com

His Inner Theme: Humanity to the power of ideas

His Brand Moniker: The Creativity Explorer

His Core Message: Helping humanity create its potential

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Key Lessons from this conversation with Fredrik Haren:

• finding your inner theme creates a deeper connection between you and your message
• your strongest message is one that many people need to hear, but only you are uniquely positioned to deliver
• clarity about who you are strengthens clarity in how you speak
• a brand moniker helps you stand apart in a crowded field
• being an explorer creates curiosity, learning, and authenticity
• audiences connect more strongly with authentic conviction than polished perfection
• speakers need to begin where the audience is, not where they are
• the rhetorical structure of position, problem, possibility, proposal gives speeches logical momentum
• people follow messages they believe in more than personalities they admire
• leadership starts with understanding who you are at your core
• being fully present in the moment strengthens delivery and connection
• ideas become reality when people communicate them clearly and convincingly

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