Attention experienced corporate presenters, public speakers, professional speakers and pastors. Do you want to deliver a good, a great or an unforgettable presentation? Get insights from behind the scenes on some of the most unforgettable presentations ever delivered. √ What's the story behind the presentation? √ Where did the idea come from? √ How did they prepare it? √ How did they execute it? Join World Champions of Public Speaking, Mark Brown & Darren LaCroix. They have been world-class ...
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Ep. 271 2024 WORLD CHAMPION OF PUBLIC SPEAKING LUISA MONTALVO
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2024 World Champion of Public Speaking Luisa Montalvo sits down with Darren and Mark to discuss her journey from First Runner-Up in 2019 to World Champion in 2024…and her life-changing experience in between. Luisa also shares her perspective on mentors, contests, taking risks, and serving your audience, providing tips that will help any presenter t…
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Ep. 270 UNFORGETTABLE SERMONS WITH PASTOR SHANE PHILIP
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Many pastors prepare new messages weekly. How can they create ‘moments,’ and what tools can they use to be unforgettable? Pastor Shane Philip of Las Vegas, NV talks with Mark and Darren about his process, as well as the tools, process and techniques that help him to be unforgettable. He explains how he uses visuals, illustrations, and humor to conn…
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Ping: (verb) to send a signal to (a device) in order to determine its status or location. As presenters, we must be sure that our audiences receive our message. We ‘ping’ in order to determine our audience’s status (engagement/understanding) and location (presence.) Today Darren and Mark drill down on ‘pinging’ and share how pinging, when done well…
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Imagine being on stage for the FIRST TIME, telling a deeply personal and emotional story that you’ve NEVER told before, to an audience of executives. How would you navigate ? Today Darren and Mark get answers form Monika, a coaching client from Australia who faced that exact situation recently. She openly shares her fears and triumphs, as well as t…
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You've just completed an engagement, and the event planner gives you a 5-star rating because you kicked butt! What next? What more can you do to maintain world class standards and service and elevate your game? Using one of his very recent experiences, Mark talks with Darren about proven practices to help any presenter shine after a successful even…
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Do your clients and prospects know how much you have to offer? Mark and Darren discuss more than a dozen additional ways that you can serve your clients, and techniques for making meeting planners aware. SNIPPETS: • Add value • Let them know during your pitch • Reinforce during pre-event call • Remind them during your follow-up meeting • Put additi…
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Sometimes, life happens. It’s inevitable. Today, Darren opens up about a personal tragedy, as he and Mark explore ways to navigate life’s challenges and remain unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Life will happen • You are not alone • Accept help • Tap into your professional network and mastermind • Ask for grace • Take care of yourself • Call, or send e-ma…
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Change is constant and as presenters, we must stay relevant. Today Darren and Mark explore ways for us to stay current, stay relevant and become unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Seek to serve your audience • Update websites, slide decks, and demo videos regularly • Stay aware of industry changes • Be aware of what’s ‘top of mind’ in your area of expertis…
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What does it take to truly become the speaker everyone loves and a master of your craft? Mark and Darren offer a ‘mathematical formula’ and a process to not only become a master, but to be unforgettable as well. SNIPPETS: • It starts with a decision to master your craft • Commit to the work • Put in the EFFORT • Multiply EFFORT by a PROVEN PROCESS …
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Emerging presenters often wonder, “Should I join the National Speakers Association? Toastmasters? Both?” Darren and Mark ask and answer these questions while sharing the benefits of both organizations. SNIPPETS: • Learn the art and business of speaking • Both organizations are valuable • Toastmasters is a wonderful place to make mistakes • NSA prov…
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Ep. 261 NSA’S LAST STORY STANDING WINNER – JEFF ROGERS
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Jeff Rogers, a fairly new member of the National Speakers Association, is the winner of NSA’s LAST STORY STANDING storytelling competition. He and Mike Davis…one of his coaches…chat with Mark and Darren about his intent, his process, and the lessons he learned on his journey to the first-place trophy. SNIPPETS: • Seek to build relationships first •…
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Rotary Speech Contest, Story SLAM, MOTH, Last Story Standing, World Championship of Public Speaking, and more. Speech competitions abound, and today Darren and Mark are joined by Stage Time University faculty member Mike Davis as they face the question: “Why compete?” Their answers provide the myriad benefits of competing. SNIPPETS: • Get better fa…
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Ep. 259 NEW CONTENT ON SHORT NOTICE WITH SHEREE CAIN-JONES
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Imagine being asked to deliver new material, on a subject you have never addressed, on short notice, under pressure, three times in 24 hours. Today, Mark and Darren talk with professional speaker and coach Sheree Cain-Jones, who found herself in that situation recently. Her insight from the lessons learned, and the principles she applied along the …
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Ep. 258 ACCENT ACQUISITION WITH DR. LESLIE GORDON
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We ALL speak with an accent, and at times it’s easy to believe that we must ‘lose’ our accent to be accepted. Today, Mark and Darren have a frank conversation with speech and accent expert Dr. Leslie Gordon, as she gives advice on using your accent as an asset. SNIPPETS: • Honor the skill of owning more than one sound • Treat the world as a playgro…
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Script writing takes work and the practical, time-saving methods that Darren and Mark discuss today will make the process easier. Listen as they examine how to create your first script, edit with impact, and use your script as a presentation roadmap. SNIPPETS: • You can’t edit what you don’t create • In Microsoft Word use DICTATE to generate a tran…
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Quotations from famous speakers, authors, and celebrities can be very appealing and can support your message. The same can be said of oft-quoted statistics. Today Mark and Darren discuss the importance of accuracy when using quotes and statistics, share a few examples, and provide simple yet effective advice for ‘getting it right.’ SNIPPETS: • Do d…
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Sometimes, even after your best pitch, the answer is “No.” But that need not be the end of the relationship. Darren and Mark offer some sage wisdom about taking advantage of every ‘no,’ and sometimes turning a “no” into “yes.” SNIPPETS: • No can mean several things • “Not yet, not the right time, not the best fit” • Be remembered • Have CONTENT and…
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Ep. 254 WHAT TO ASK PARTICIPANTS AHEAD OF TIME
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In this follow-up to Episode 253 (What Do You Ask An Event Planner) Mark and Darren talk about questions to ask participants ahead of your speaking engagement. This episode will help you to unearth critical material and help you to customize your unforgettable presentation. SNIPPETS: • Discover the organization’s mentors, matriarchs, patriarchs, an…
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Ep. 253 WHAT TO ASK AN EVENT PLANNER AFTER THEY SAY YES
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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?
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“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?
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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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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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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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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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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
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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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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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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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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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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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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
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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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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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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?
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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
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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!
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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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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
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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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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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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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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
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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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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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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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“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
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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
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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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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
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“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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