Frequently asked questions

How can your method help me scale up my organization?

You will dramatically enhance communication skills within your organization - resulting in efficient decision-making, increased sales, improved customer relations, better internal cooperation across all levels, and increased productivity. Almost every organizational result can be improved in this way.

After working with you, will I be able to deliver an impactful presentation

Definitely! I guarantee you’ll have a presentation that you’ll enjoy giving on stage, and that the audience will want more of. Together we will bring to perfection every aspect of your presentation - structure, flow, content, and delivery. 

How can the art of persuasion benefit me?

From now on, you’ll be more persuasive in every situation: at work, school, with your partner, family, or friends. You’ll become sharper, quick on your feet, and confident in your ability to make an impact when speaking in public.

Do you offer daylong workshops to organizations?

Yes, I do. I recommend this format, especially for those who wish to combine theory with ongoing practice. You can, of course, choose the length and format most convenient for you: weekly sessions, two evenings, or any other arrangement. 

Why should I retain your services?

If you love learning thoroughly and acquiring new skills that will serve you for a lifetime, if you want to get results that are no less than excellent, and are willing to invest in your success, I am the right fit for you.

What distinguishes your method from others?

My method emphasizes real-life persuasion and communication. Debating has clear rules and a defined topic. Attempting to convince colleagues, clients, friends, or family, on the other hand, is often more chaotic. My goal has long been to transfer all the benefits of debating (techniques, teaching methods, and means of practice) into relevant contexts: presentations and pitches, organizational growth, and even improved relationships. With this method, you will learn the four core skills of effective communication: listening, engaging, articulating, and persuading. Thus, you will become the champion of every verbal interaction.

Are you operating globally?

Yes! I have delivered lectures and workshops in over 30 countries so far. I enjoy meeting people from all over the globe who wish to improve their communication, persuasion, and presentation skills. I have a particular interest in cross-cultural communication. No matter where you are based, we can arrange online sessions or work out an arrangement for delivering them in person.

The idea of debating sounds quite adversarial. Will I learn to listen, compromise and find the truth?

Definitely! Persuasion requires active listening. It is a common misconception to believe otherwise. Only when you fully understand and respect the other side can you engage with it. My method can be easily applied in any communication situation. Furthermore, I offer workshops and training in discussion mediation, negotiation, and decision-making, as well as the non-adversarial application of debate-acquired logical thinking, rhetoric, and listening abilities.  

Is this Storytelling?

Yes, but it’s also much more than that. A story is a great attention grabber, but it only takes us halfway. To make an impact, we often need to get people to change their minds. A good story creates empathy, lowers defenses, and often serves as evidence, but significant decisions are made following the head as well as the heart. We will master the art of storytelling and a lot more: logical thinking and reasoning, objection handling, etc.

I have to present a niche, technical, or highly specialized topic. Can you help me convey my message?

Yes, absolutely! As I did with many other clients, I will do my homework, research your field, and help you present it. You’ll be able to infuse whatever content or jargon that addresses your audience best into the story structure or arguments we craft. Not only that, but with my assistance, you’ll learn when it is appropriate to ditch the jargon and cliches to improve clarity or appeal to the lay public.

Is there a way to watch you debate?

Yes 🙂 You can view videos of some of my speeches at different debating tournaments on this website. It is important to note that the views I defend do not necessarily represent my own. Also, you may notice that I speak relatively fast in those speeches - that's in large thanks to professional adjudicators who are trained at understanding such speeds of speech. I can assure you that I speak at a much more sensible pace in real life.

I have a major speaking obligation and currently lack content or presentation slides. Can you help?

Of course! I am at your service throughout the various stages of presentation preparation. We will determine your presentation's purpose, formulate a concept, identify the main messages, and write the content down to the last word, if necessary. I’ve used this approach to help my clients - many of whom were unsure where to begin - create stunning presentations from A to Z. 

Can I rely on my own ideas as a means of persuasion?

Sure! The tools I teach you for persuasion are universal. You can apply them to any topic, context, or situation. In other words, I will teach you how to fish rather than simply giving you a fish. Obviously, you’ll learn when and how to use each technique. At the same time, the more you use critical thinking and generate relevant ideas, the more persuasive you'll become.

Is there hope for genuine persuasion in the fake news era?

The “fake news” era has made real persuasion tools even more necessary. Manipulations may fool some, but they are limited in their power and can be exposed and combated effectively. The many years I have spent debating have taught me how to overcome demagogy and lies. I am happy to share my techniques with as many people as possible.

What is debating?

Debating is an intellectual sport in which one competes in arguing best for a motion and position randomly assigned to them. The topics range from politics, law, economics, education, and IR, to pop culture. The preparation time before the speech is only 15 minutes. Googling is not allowed. Debating was developed as early as the 18th century in Cambridge, England. A debate is judged by a qualified adjudicator who gives each participant feedback for improvement. The game is an incredibly engaging and efficient platform for developing skills such as public speaking, persuasion, logical thinking, and separating the wheat from the chaff.

How long does it take to master the art of debate?

Like chess, you can learn the basic rules quickly, but it may take years to become a master. The beauty of debating is the opportunity to continuously improve while discovering new depths of persuasion. I teach a 12-session course to ensure participants know and practice the essential tools of rhetoric (such as speech structure, argument structure, and rebuttal). You can, however, continue debating and implementing new feedback for a long time after.

What should my entry-level be so that I can benefit the most?

Whatever your starting point, I guarantee that you will improve. In the past decade, I have transformed insecure speakers who couldn't hold a stage for more than a minute into confident speakers who give impressive speeches in public. Speakers with raw talent became true champions under my guidance. Anyone can become persuasive and charismatic. 

Will I mostly learn about body language and tone of voice?

You’ll learn much more than that. While nonverbal cues are important for delivering your message, the content, structure, and phrasing are also crucial. The latter is often a prerequisite to

Are these skills transferable to written forms of communication?

Certainly. Understanding the burdens of proof, speech structuring, and semantics is key to excelling in verbal and written communication.

What departments, professionals, and employees can benefit from your services?

Executives and customer-facing professionals, such as Customer Relations Managers (CRMs), Sales Teams and Sales Engineers, Product Managers (PMs), Team Leads, Lawyers, Accountants, and Physicians. Anyone who relies on communication on a daily basis can find my services extremely useful.  

 

Do I need to join a group or form one to learn best?

You don’t have to. Depending on your needs, you can choose from a variety of learning options I offer. Those who love being a part of a group and wish to practice with others can do so. Those who prefer a more personalized form of coaching can book private lessons for themselves or with a friend. 

Does my organization have to meet a minimum or maximum number of participants?

We can design workshops for any group size, with any level of audience participation and practice: full participation in the forum voluntarily, small group activities, or multiple debate sessions adjudicated by several instructors.

 

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