Best Darrenlacroix Podcasts (2024)

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Ep. 253 WHAT TO ASK AN EVENT PLANNER AFTER THEY SAY YES 36:04

20h ago36:04

36:04

You’ve got the speaking engagement, now what? What can the event planner tell you to help you to deliver an unforgettable presentation? Darren and Mark discuss the pre-event questionnaire and offer insight into how you can set yourself up for presentation success. SNIPPETS: • Prepare an Event Planners Questionnaire • Have a call and connect casuall…

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Ep. 252 DYNAMIC DUO PRESENTATION COACHING? 31:46

8d ago31:46

31:46

“Why would I need TWO coaches?” you may ask. To answer that question, Mark and Darren have a conversation with Stage Time University coaches Chris McGuire and Mike Davis. They have coached together, as have Mark and Darren, and in today’s discussion they explain the benefits of having a duo coaching team. SNIPPETS: • Different coaching styles are c…

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Ep. 251 ARE YOU ASKING THE CRITICAL QUESTIONS? 26:04

15d ago26:04

26:04

Speakers make a common mistake when seeking audience participation. They ask “HOW MANY of you…” That question needs a NUMERICAL response. Today Darren and Mark explain how to ask BETTER questions, and how to use the audience’s non-verbal response to enhance their own experience. SNIPPETS: • How would you say it over coffee to one person • Use the l…

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Ep. 250 IT’S TOO LATE! 18:07

22d ago18:07

18:07

Speakers sometimes ask for help making tweaks, adding humor, or finding more powerful stories…a few days before their presentation. All too often, it’s just too late. Today, Darren and Mark share their experience with speakers who have waited too long, explain the benefits of getting help early, and offer advice on how to avoid waiting until it’s t…

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Ep. 249 WRITE THE RIGHT BOOK 41:51

29d ago41:51

41:51

You can’t teach everything you know in an hour. (At least we hope not!) So, if you are a speaker, consultant or coach are you allowing people to take more of your wisdom home? Anyone can write a book, but do you have the right book? Do you offer it in your proposals? What if you could wave your speaking fee and still earn revenue. Darren sits down …

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Ep. 248 CREATE QUIRKY CHARACTERS? 40:38

1M ago40:38

40:38

Every time you introduce a character in your story, you have an opportunity for humor. Quirky characters are familiar, engaging, and create memorable moments in presentations. Darren is joined by Television Writer & Producer Chris McGuire to discuss the people in our stories and how to make them unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Use quirky characters to c…

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Ep. 247 FOUR STANDING OVATIONS 40:57

1M ago40:57

40:57

How do four inexperienced presenters, who have never delivered a presentation to an audience of 1,000 people before, each get STANDING OVATIONS? Mark and Darren review their recent experience coaching four CEOs to deliver deeply personal 8-minute stories to their peers in the Young Presidents’ Organization. The lessons learned are invaluable and wi…

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Ep. 246 Get More Laughs With Chris McGuire 50:11

2M ago50:11

50:11

Humor is necessary to make a presentation interesting and entertaining. Uncovering humor can be a challenge, and to learn more about how to get more laughs, Mark and Darren sit down with Hollywood comedy writer and humor expert Chris McGuire. Chris shares tips and techniques for uncovering humor and being unforgettably funny. SNIPPETS: • Use levity…

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Ep. 245 ADAPT TO THE SITUATION? 35:20

2M ago35:20

35:20

As presenters, we should expect the unexpected. At times, we will encounter unexpected circumstances and situations, and today Darren and Mark discuss steps that we can take to not only adapt, but to give our audiences unforgettable experiences. SNIPPETS: • Assess the situations • Explore options • Use creativity • Go heart-to-heart with the event …

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Ep. 244 ADVICE YOU DON’T WANT TO HEAR 29:57

2M ago29:57

29:57

You want to ‘make it’ in the speaking business so you seek advice from a seasoned pro. Are you willing to take their advice…even if it’s hard to receive? Mark and Darren talk about advice they have received…and given…that some people don’t accept. These poignant nuggets of wisdom can help any presenter along the path to becoming unforgettable. SNIP…

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Ep. 243 What Do You Do After? PART 2 30:09

2M ago30:09

30:09

You have just attended a conference, heard good speakers, and received powerful content. You walk away with a folder full of notes, e-mail addresses and phone numbers. NOW what should you do? Darren and Mark share best practices to keep your enthusiasm and momentum alive and productively take full advantage of the event experience. SNIPPETS: • Revi…

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Ep. 242 What Do You Do After? PART 1 23:01

3M ago23:01

23:01

You have just presented at an event and after all your hard work planning, preparing, and presenting, what should you do? Today Mark and Darren offer solid suggestions to help you stay on top of your game after every speaking event. SNIPPETS: • Schedule a day off • Block time for your family, even if they are at the event with you • Don’t ruin your…

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Ep. 241 Road Warrior? 45:33

3M ago45:33

45:33

So, you want to travel the world and share your message. Perhaps you’ve wondered what it’s like to be a ‘road warrior.’ Mark and Darren pull back the curtain on their experiences of a combined 50+ years of traveling to speak, and share their time-tested tips for being a successful road warrior. SNIPPETS: • You are not alone • It’s not always glamor…

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Ep. 240 BIG STAGE, FIRST TIME WITH JODY LAVOIE 45:57

3M ago45:57

45:57

Imagine, your largest audience so far has been fewer than ninety people, and you now get to tell your most emotional personal story on a BIG STAGE to more than 1,300 CEOs! What thoughts swirl through your head, and how will you pull it off? Today Darren and Mark get answers from Management Consultant and Executive Coach Jody LaVoie. Mark and Darren…

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Ep. 239 Game Changing Advice 19:57

3M ago19:57

19:57

Have you ever received advice that changed the game in your business, career, or relationships? Today Darren and Mark discuss some of the nuggets of wisdom that they’ve received…and successfully applied…throughout their careers. SNIPPETS: • Let no one out-prepare you • Strive to be the client’s favorite • Your money should make more money than you …

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Ep. 238 Your Stage Plan? 20:33

4M ago20:33

20:33

Don’t memorize, internalize! Do you have a stage plan? Had you considered using the stage with purpose? A stage plan can help you internalize your speech while giving your audience clarity. It helped me and four CEOs that Mark and I coached over this past month. It was a game changer. SNIPPETS: • Why are you moving? • Are you clarifying or diluting…

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Ep. 237 The Unforgettable MC with Michael Davis? 28:09

4M ago28:09

28:09

Sit down with Darren and Michael Davis as they cover what it really takes to make an event flow, the MC. Michael is not only a speaker and a TEDx Coach, he has been MCing Lady and the Champs and Game Changers for over a decade. Unforgettable events have unforgettable MCs. World-class MCs have skillsets that many do not even think about. Whether you…

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Ep. 236 Power Prospecting with Ford Saeks 34:48

4M ago34:48

34:48

Sit down with Darren and Ford as they talk prospecting. How to remain timely, topical and relevant. What does an ideal prospect look like for you? What are some of the tangible tactics that you can use to get in front of the audiences you can serve. To get booked you have to be found first! SNIPPETS: • What are some to the mistakes speakers make? •…

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Ep. 235 Get Yes! To Your Request with Ed Tate! 38:08

4M ago38:08

38:08

Can you influence without authority? Yes! Do you know how to truly influence with integrity? You already do every day. Maybe you didn’t realize it. We do this naturally, but maybe you need to take a closer look at what you already do at home, at work and with your family. It is happening all around you. Take note and influence with purpose. Discove…

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Ep. 234 THE POWER OF COMMUNITY 28:47

5M ago28:47

28:47

In addition to being part of speaking communities, we, as presenters belong to professional, social, charitable, faith-based, and other communities. Today Mark and Darren discuss the power of community, examining the ways that communities make us grow…and change. They offer advice on collaborating with your community, growing your community, and ev…

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Ep. 233 UNFORGETTABLE RESEARCH With Vince Antonucci and Chris McGuire 47:01

5M ago47:01

47:01

Thorough research is an invaluable part of preparing unforgettable presentations. There are myriad ways to access information, and so much information from which to glean. Where do I look? How much should I use? How can I verify? Darren and Mark discuss these questions with…and get answer from…researcher/author/speaker Vince Antonucci and comedy wr…

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Ep. 232 VIRTUAL PRESENTATION ENGAGEMENT? 29:53

5M ago29:53

29:53

Virtual presentations are now commonplace and it’s easy to assume, “I’ve done quite a few of these and I’m good!” Today Darren and Mark share reminders of how FLOW, FOCUS and PACE ELEMENTS can make a significant difference in your virtual presentation…especially since distractions can be continuous and abundant. SNIPPETS: • Check your studio setup……

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Ep. 231 Congruent Characters? 30:52

5M ago30:52

30:52

The story is arguably a presenter’s most potent tool. While it’s important to tell stories well, it is equally…if not significantly more important to transport your audience into the story. As Mark and Darren explain today, the key is to have CONGRUENT CHARACTERS, whose emotions are congruent with the emotion that they feel in the story. They share…

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Ep. 230 Your Holograms? 25:36

5M ago25:36

25:36

Holograms? Hula hoops? What do they have to do with delivering an unforgettable presentation? Mark and Darren explain how and why holograms help you to vividly create scenes in the minds of your audiences. This simple but potent technique will allow you to transform your speech into an experience. SNIPPETS: • Holograms appear in the audience’s mind…

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Ep. 229 Unforgettable Business Growth With Mark LeBlanc 51:33

6M ago51:33

51:33

Avoiding mistakes and adopting the right practices are keys to successfully growing your business. Today Darren and Mark talk with business growth expert and Hall of Fame speaker Mark LeBlanc as he shares four decades worth of wisdom on finding your niche, developing your content, connecting with your audience, and much more. SNIPPETS: • If you qui…

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Ep. 228 Unforgettable Habits 35:35

6M ago35:35

35:35

A new year often brings New Year resolutions. Today Mark and Darren offer four unforgettable habits to help you take your presentations…and your business…to a new level in 2024 and beyond. SNIPPETS: • Take a TOP 5 Inventory • Disconnect to reconnect • Marketing has changed; find a way that works today • It is our job to reach out to clients and sta…

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Ep. 227 Unforgettable Wordsmithing 31:44

6M ago31:44

31:44

As presenters, our words are our most important tools. Preparing an unforgettable presentation requires some wordsmithing. Darren joins Mark…our resident wordsmith…to discuss this critical aspect of the script editing process. They offer several wordsmithing techniques, explain how to use them, and reveal why they are extremely effective. SNIPPETS:…

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Ep. 226 Match Their Energy? 26:51

6M ago26:51

26:51

“I thought you would come out with more ENERGY!” Imagine hearing THAT from a meeting planner! (Ask Darren!) He and Mark talk about matching the audience’s energy as they share techniques for connecting quickly and delivering an unforgettable experience. SNIPPETS: • Read the room and match the energy • Always connect first • Research the audience; l…

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Ep. 225 Unforgettable Referrals With Arel Moodie 1:04:15

7M ago1:04:15

1:04:15

Getting referrals after a presentation isn’t always easy, but a new tool called TALKADOT is a game changer. Mark and Darren talk with professional speaker and TALKADOT co-founder Arel Moodie about his own speaking journey and the power of TALKADOT to get referrals and grow your business. Arel also shares principles for building relationships with p…

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Ep. 224 Tackling A Tough Topic With Frank King 53:30

7M ago53:30

53:30

Mental Health. Suicide. Comedy. Those topics don’t seem to flow seamlessly together…unless you’re talking with 10-time TEDx speaker and comedian Frank King. Darren and Mark have a heart-to-heart with Frank, as he reveals his techniques for addressing such a tough topic, including vulnerability and humor. He also shares sage advice for securing, pre…

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Ep. 223 Critical Corridor Conversations 22:20

7M ago22:20

22:20

Your presentation is over, you’ve delivered great content, and you’ve served your audience well. But is there a way to add value IMMEDIATELY? Darren and Mark discuss the concept of CORRIDOR CONVERSATIONS…how getting an audience to continue engaging and interacting with each other can provide added benefit. SNIPPETS: • Ignite corridor conversations …

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Ep. 222 Unforgettable Content With Dr. Jeff Magee 52:50

7M ago52:50

52:50

“To be unforgettable, you must have calluses on your head and your hands.” So says Dr. Jeff Magee, one of the world’s foremost leadership and marketing strategists. In a brutally honest conversation with Mark and Darren, Dr. Magee opens his treasure trove of wisdom and passionately reinforces the value of solid content. SNIPPETS: • People pay for y…

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Ep. 221 How Love Works In The Business World With Joel Manby 47:37

8M ago47:37

47:37

How do you communicate a message of LOVE in a highly competitive, fast-paced, results-driven corporate world? Mark and Darren get the answer to this question…and many others…from Joel Manby, former CEO of SeaWorld who was also featured on an episode of ‘Undercover Boss.’ He shares lessons learned about customizing presentations, revealing failures …

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Ep. 220 Connect Deeply with Your Next Audience 36:30

8M ago36:30

36:30

No two audiences are alike, so how can you ensure that you connect with every audience, especially when you deliver the same presentation frequently? Darren and Mark share personal experiences as they talk about ways to connect with every unique audience, keep your presentation fresh, and get glowing testimonials. SNIPPETS: • Every audience is diff…

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Ep. 219 Did You Know? 25:49

8M ago25:49

25:49

Did you know that there are world class techniques embedded in the structure of speeches and stories? Today Mark and Darren discuss several of these techniques, which, when applied, can make your next presentation unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Never devalue the power of a well-told story • Assign names to your characters • Provide at least one physica…

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Ep. 218 When We Unintentionally Offend With Margaret Page 38:12

8M ago38:12

38:12

After your presentation, an audience member tells you that you said something that offended them. What should you do? What should you say? In a candid, vulnerable conversation, Mark and Darren hear first-hand from speaker, business leader, entrepreneur and grandma Margaret Page as she shares her faux pas, and her journey to redemption. Margaret off…

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Ep. 217 The CORE 4: Part 2 28:28

8M ago28:28

28:28

Unforgettable presentations have FOUR basic, core elements and today Darren and Mark drill down on CORE 3: HUMOR and CORE 4: DELIVERY. Learn how to use humor well and deliver with impact…to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Humor is a key to engagement; they work together • The problem is funny; the solution is serious • Find the audience’s frustration…

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Ep. 216 The CORE 4: Part 1 41:10

9M ago41:10

41:10

Unforgettable presentations have basic, core elements that help to make them unforgettable. Today Darren and Mark discuss CORE 1: CONTENT & STRUCTURE as well as CORE 2: STORIES. Their principles will set you on the path to delivering your unforgettable presentation. SNIPPETS: • The CORE 4 lay the foundation of your presentation • Use a strong struc…

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Ep. 215 When You Are A Little Off 27:20

9M ago27:20

27:20

There will likely be times when you must present, but you are not at your best. Perhaps you’re not feeling well, facing a personal challenge, or exhausted because of a lengthy flight delay. Mark and Darren prove that they know this all too well as they share their experience and advice about how to be unforgettable…even when you are ‘a little off.’…

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Ep. 214 Five Minutes Before Liftoff! 23:20

9M ago23:20

23:20

You will be on the platform in FIVE MINUTES. What goes through your head? How can you get ready to SHINE? Darren and Mark share how to maximize your last five minutes before stage time to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Be prepared…and be PRESENT • Ground yourself, and center yourself • Apply any method that serves you best • Prayer, meditation, sile…

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Ep. 213 Start Clowning Around With Don Colliver 47:49

9M ago47:49

47:49

What can clown presence teach us about being unforgettable presenters? Darren and Mark find out from Don Colliver, comedian, improvisor, director, writer and clown. He shares his insights and experience on audience engagement and reveals how to make every presentation FUN…for you and your audience. SNIPPETS: • Take IMPROV classes; improvised can be…

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Ep. 212 Are You Ready For The Opportunity? 31:50

10M ago31:50

31:50

A speaker at an event you’re attending can’t make it and someone asks YOU to step in on very short notice. Are you READY? Today Mark and Darren share insights on how and why to be ready for any presentation opportunity. They also disclose the benefits, to you and others, of being ready. SNIPPETS: • Don’t GET ready; KEEP ready • Identify the opportu…

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Ep. 211 Too Many Coaches? 28:41

10M ago28:41

28:41

Does a speaker need more than one coach? Can a speaker have too many coaches? What if I know several equally qualified coaches; should I use them all? In this episode, Darren and Mark tackle this thorny issue and offer specific guidance on coach selection…to help you deliver your unforgettable presentation. SNIPPETS: • Pick ONE coach • Choose a coa…

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Ep. 210 Watching A True Pro In Action 39:10

10M ago39:10

39:10

What makes a pro SHINE? Today Mark and Darren identify three techniques that true pros use to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Engage the audience instantly • Stand out before you even say a word • Be fully present • The first second and a half is critical • Note cards are not a liability • Don’t be concerned about perfection • Love the audience, love…

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Ep. 209 Why Name Your Characters? 12:44

10M ago12:44

12:44

Stories can greatly enhance any presentation but they can be confusing if characters aren’t clearly identified. In today’s discussion, Darren and Mark explore the value of naming characters and they offer ideas for making your characters unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Name every character for clarity • Allow the audience to see the characters • Avoid g…

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Ep. 208 Are You a 'Super Speaker?' 16:20

11M ago16:20

16:20

Imagine hearing a presenter and thinking, “They remind me of Tony Robbins and Les Brown. The perfect Motivational Speaker!” Then you meet them in the hallway and they sound ‘normal’…as if they turned off their ‘speaker voice.’ In this episode, Mark and Darren discuss authenticity and pose the challenging question: Are YOU ‘Super Speaker?’ SNIPPETS:…

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Ep. 207 Your Cutting Room Floor? 20:47

11M ago20:47

20:47

“But it’s some of my FAVORITE MATERIAL!” We want to give our audiences ALL our wisdom and experiences. But that’s not always the best decision. Today Darren and Mark expound on three reasons why our favorite material must sometimes end up on ‘THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR.’ SNIPPETS: • Your stories, anecdotes and references must serve your ‘PREMISE PURPOS…

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Ep. 206 – 9 Costly Corporate Presentation Mistakes 45:53

11M ago45:53

45:53

Poor corporate presentations can cost you money. Today Mark and Darren will discuss NINE corporate presentation mistakes and offer tips on how to avoid them, helping you to become an unforgettable presenter. SNIPPETS: • Be clear on what you want your audience to Think, Feel & Do • Clarity, Clarity, Clarity! • Include a clear Call To Action (CTA) • …

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Ep. 205 – Going To Your Dark Place 26:04

11M ago26:04

26:04

Should we tell our most painful stories…the ones that take us to The Dark Place? Today Darren and Mark have a serious conversation about this touchy subject and offer solid advice about when to go to your Dark Place. SNIPPETS: • Your message is a MESS with AGE • You must be able to laugh about your struggle before you can talk about it. • Don’t abu…

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Ep. 204 The Big Secret to Being Funny 56:50

12M ago56:50

56:50

“But I wasn’t born funny!” may be a common exclamation, so what’s the SECRET to being funny? For answers, Darren and Mark turn to television producer and comedy writer Chris McGuire has worked with celebrity talent like Justin Bieber, Martha Stewart, Arsenio Hall and Snoop Dog. Lessons from his experience behind the scenes and on the stage will hel…

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