Unforgettable Presentations

Ep. 271 2024 WORLD CHAMPION OF PUBLIC SPEAKING LUISA MONTALVO Nov 01, 2024

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 to become unforgettable.

SNIPPETS:

• Listen to your mentor

• Have fun

• Compete when it’s time

• Ask: “Does the audience NEED this?”

• Be willing to take risks

• Be tactful

• Always keep the audience in mind

• Be open-minded to suggestions and criticism

• Follow your heart

• Prepare for the aftermath of a win

Ep. 270 UNFORGETTABLE SERMONS WITH PASTOR SHANE PHILIP Oct 25, 2024

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 connect with his audiences and offers advice on how to increase your relatability to your audience. If you wish, see Shane’s message here

SNIPPETS:

• Everything in life becomes a story

• Keep a file of interesting stories

• Start with a personal experience and/or humorous story for relatability

• Draw the audience in early and establish an emotional connection

• Normal, everyday stories are most effective

• Use AI to catalog your stories

• Use visuals that can say it better than you can

• The right object lesson for the right point will be unforgettable

• Value your audience by being fully prepared

• Fill yourself so you can fill your audience; read, listen, learn

• Rehearse out loud several times

• Normal, everyday stories are most effective

Ep. 269 DO YOU PING YOUR AUDIENCE? Oct 17, 2024

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, can leave a lasting impact.

SNIPPETS:

• Check in with the audience

• Confirm their thought process

• Make an emotional connection

• Are they following you

• Can they relate

• Do they fully comprehend

• Read the audience’s reaction

• Ping and Pause

• Do you ping enough

• Do you ping at the right moments

• Ping for deeper connection and lasting impact

Ep. 268 MONIKA’S STORY Oct 10, 2024

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 the process that helped her to deliver an unforgettable presentation.

SNIPPETS:

• Don’t underestimate the power of your personal story

• Use the power of your mind to overcome your fear

• You don’t know you can until you try

• Take a leap of faith and

• Step out of your comfort zone

• Putting yourself out there is powerful

• If you feel afraid, you SHOULD tell your story

• Use a stage plan to help you to anchor the stages of your story

• Sharing your vulnerabilities can be empowering

• Good coaching is a game changer

Ep. 267 YOU KICKED BUTT, NOW WHAT? Oct 03, 2024

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 event and remain unforgettable.

SNIPPETS:

• Ask: how can I provide more value

• Ask: How can I multiply what I have provided

• Get testimonials

• Screenshot comments on social media, messaging services and e-mails

• Get LinkedIn with event attendees

• ALWAYS have a debrief call with the event planner

• Give the attendees a reason to share your value

• Share testimonials/surveys with the event planner and bureau (if applicable)

• Capitalize on the high of the moment

• Offer to provide more than a presentation

Ep. 266 DO THEY KNOW? Sep 26, 2024

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 additional offerings in the contract/agreement

• Seed additional services during your presentation

• No need to sell from the stage

• Use TalkaDot

• Have a verbal Linktree conversation

• Pass a clipboard to collect information

• Use your newsletter

• Give away your book during your presentation

Ep. 265 WHEN LIFE HAPPENS? Sep 19, 2024

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-mail to your clients and associates

• How can your tragedy help others?

• What can you still do amidst your challenge…even from the road?

• Have a backup plan

• Who can you recommend as your replacement

• When life happens to your peers, would they call YOU?

Ep. 264 ARE YOU STAYING CURRENT? Sep 12, 2024

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 expertise

• Constantly look for relevant stories and events

• Look for the ‘emotional juice.’

• Update your references, quotes, and content

• Get familiar with new and emerging technology

• Learn about current hot topics

• Explore new tools (TALKADOT etc.)

• Use your network and mastermind

• Use Google search ‘NEWS’ option for client organization updates

Ep. 263 THE MATH TO MASTERY? Sep 05, 2024

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

• Use the CORE 4 PROCESS

• Learn how to make each step better

• Add a QUALIFIED COACH

• Tweak your technique

• Learn what your audience needs from you

• Master your craft and create your process

• Give your audience your process and help them grow

Ep. 262 NSA? TOASTMASTERS? Aug 29, 2024

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 provides business-building tools and expertise

• Toastmasters provides a friendly practice audience

• NSA helps build professional relationships

• Visit 3 Toastmasters clubs

• Attend an NSA meeting as a guest

• Find out how you can serve each organization

• Both provide mentorship

• Visit both NSA and Toastmasters for what you can get, and what you can give

Ep. 261 NSA’S LAST STORY STANDING WINNER – JEFF ROGERS Aug 22, 2024

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

• Enter contests to learn

• Work with a coach to sharpen your story

• Step away from your ego

• Don’t just tell the story; enact it

• Show your characters’ perspective

• Don’t be the hero of your own story

• Your story’s hero can be a CONCEPT

• Stay in your style; don’t let anyone coach you out of it

• Go down with YOUR message

• Practice, then go play

Ep. 260 WHY COMPETE? Aug 15, 2024

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 faster, grow, and improve quickly

• Breakthroughs come from experience, and experience comes from competing

• Transcend your comfort zone

• Get coaches - plural

• Competition pushes you to work harder

• Get a higher level of feedback

• Push to be your best at your competition’s level of excellence

• Build confidence

• Learn lasting techniques from the best

• Apply discipline and a process

• Work against a clock with deadlines

Ep. 259 NEW CONTENT ON SHORT NOTICE WITH SHEREE CAIN-JONES Aug 08, 2024

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 way, will help you navigate the ‘new content on short notice’ path, and deliver your unforgettable presentation.

SNIPPETS:

• Acknowledge the weight of responsibility when delivering new content

• Stop, think, take it in, then decide to accept an assignment on short notice

• We can find reasons to say ‘no;’ find reasons to say ‘yes’

• Be wary of your ‘echo chamber’ and lean on your support group

• Start with a PREGNANT PREMISE

• Adopt a research mindset and dig deep into your topic

• Put on your hat of humility

• Be vulnerable, even though it creates risk

• To internalize content, record, listen, re-record, listen again

• Don’t be perfect; be prepared

• Incorporate your strengths and skillset

• Your message isn’t in you; it IS you

Ep. 258 ACCENT ACQUISITION WITH DR. LESLIE GORDON Aug 01, 2024

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 playground for your eyes and ears

• The way we speak creates a picture of who we are

• Your accent is a tool in your toolkit

• Your accent can create a connection

• Your accent is a layer of your story

• We all have more than one accent

• Focus on being understood and prioritize clarity

• Language can be a social and political tool, causing some to feel ‘othered’

• Move away from self-judgment

• Code-Switching requires great skill and is governed by rules

• Don’t think ‘accent reduction;’ think ‘accent acquisition’

• Your accent can feel like home

Ep. 257 WHAT DOES YOUR SCRIPT LOOK LIKE? Jul 25, 2024

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 transcript

• Create your ‘sloppy first copy’

• Separate each line of your script

• Add LINE NUMBERS in Google Docs, MS Word, etc.

• Add WORD COUNT

• Insert PAGE NUMBERS

• Insert LINE NUMBERS

• Customize with pause cues, timing cues, emotion cues, and stage direction

• Color code notes as you wish

• Say it better with fewer words

Ep. 256 MISQUOTED? Jul 18, 2024

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 due diligence

• Your reputation and credibility are at stake

• Verification sources abound…web searches, AI, etc. Use them

• “Stop quoting dead white men!” – Patricia Fripp

• Create your own quotes

• Quote the people who have influenced you…teachers, friends, family

• Your audience needs your perspective

• Verify EVERY quotation for accuracy

• Double check the context of every quote and statistic

• Name the source of each quote and statistic

• Your accuracy…and inaccuracy has a global reach

Ep. 255 WHEN THE ANSWER IS NO Jul 11, 2024

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 INTENT

• Don’t take “no” personally

• Build relationships, regardless of the outcome

• Play the long game

• Record and replay each sales call to learn from every “no”

• Be a referral resource when you get a “no”

• Be a favorite

Ep. 254 WHAT TO ASK PARTICIPANTS AHEAD OF TIME Jul 04, 2024

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, and legends

• Get permission to call event attendees

• Schedule a 10-minute call to weeks before the event

• Ask questions and listen carefully to answers

• Learn the organization’s language

• Find out why they attend these events

• Ask about taboo topics

• Find stories that connect to your content

• Invite them to seek you out at the event

Ep. 253 WHAT TO ASK AN EVENT PLANNER AFTER THEY SAY YES Jun 27, 2024

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 casually first (video is ideal)

• Ask questions and listen carefully to answers

• Your client is the event planner

• Identify the economic buyer

• Read the Zoom room

• Be a Planner-Pleaser

• Critical question: Ask about taboo topics

• Ask about recent company/organization changes

• Strive to be their favorite

• Ask permission to interview 10 event attendees

• Start your own questionnaire as an editable document

Ep. 252 DYNAMIC DUO PRESENTATION COACHING? Jun 20, 2024

“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 complimentary

• Different perspectives create multiple options for clients

• Client gets twice the value in half the time

• Coaches learn from each other

• Coaches become better when they coach together

• Duo coaching is more engaging

• Duo coaching is more dynamic

• Duo coaches trigger each other’s thoughts

• Duo coaches must check their ego

• Duo coaches grow in each other’s strengths

• Duo coaches must be sponges

• Batman and Robin roles interchange

Ep. 251 ARE YOU ASKING THE CRITICAL QUESTIONS? Jun 13, 2024

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 language of a conversation

• Respect the versatility of the word YOU’

• Ask you-focused questions

• Put the audience into your story

• Tap into their world, and transport them into yours

• Give the audience time to answer questions in their heads

• Read the audience

• Acknowledge their responses, even non-verbal

• Take inventory of the questions that you ask

• Ask yourself, “Is there a better way to ask that question?”

• Speaking is dialogue, not monologue

Ep. 250 IT’S TOO LATE! Jun 06, 2024

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 too late.

SNIPPETS:

• Get a speaking coach sooner

• Speech contestants, don’t assume you will reach a certain level automatically

• Stop making changes several days before the presentation. Freeze the design

• Don’t expect last-minute miracles

• Get help perfecting your script before focusing on stagecraft

• Getting help early has several benefits

• You will be more confident

• You will have stronger content

• You will find your best stories

• You will uncover humor in time to perfect it

• You will present more effectively

• You will deliver a more unforgettable presentation

Ep. 249 WRITE THE RIGHT BOOK May 30, 2024

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 with his publisher, Henry Devires to get some insights from experience.

SNIPPETS:

• Henry’s background

• Tapping into other budgets

• Why the right book matters

• What is an independent publisher?

• 3 Critical Mistakes author’s make

• It easier, faster and more affordable now than in the 1990’s

• The two biggest book revolutions publishing in the past 20 years

• Persistently helpful

• Success stories from Henry’s authors

• Write the Right Book Workshop

Ep. 248 CREATE QUIRKY CHARACTERS? May 23, 2024

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 create memorable moments that enhance speaker relatability with the audience.

• Character traits are the qualities that make a character memorable. (Brave, smart, loyal) Quirks are exaggerated, unusual or unexpected qualities that add humor or intrigue to stories.

• Base your characters in reality and avoid making logical jumps that lead the audience to “crazytown.”

• Use the following quirks to make your characters memorable: Distinctive habits, ususual interests, eccentric speech patterns, exaggerated fashion and physical traits.

• Good joke formats for explaining quirks include “They were so [QUALITY]m that BLANK.” Or, “They’re the type of person who [GIVE EXAMPLE OF QUIRK]

• Use comedic twists to introduce quirks

• Quirks usually involve something the characters in your stories don’t know about each other.

• When using twists, you set expectations and then subvert them.

• Use sparingly or risk the audience noticing the “magic trick.”

Ep. 247 FOUR STANDING OVATIONS May 16, 2024

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 will help you to deliver your unforgettable presentation.

SNIPPETS:

• Invest energy an effort

• Be coachable

• Practice, practice, practice

• Rehearse handling distractions

• Trust your instinct about what works well for YOU

• Talk to your coach about your ideas

• Tell your story in your own unique way

• Find your 11…that which makes you stand out

• Build a relationship with your coach

• Learn from others who have given similar presentations

• Don’t focus on a standing ovation

Ep. 246 Get More Laughs With Chris McGuire May 09, 2024

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 at the beginning of your presentation

• Connection with the audience is critical; always connect first

• Find out what the event attendees have in common

• Use People, Places, Things, Events, Sayings, and the Weather

• Be sensitive and avoid potentially offensive material

• Only poke gentle fun at things that folks can change, like haircuts & clothing

• Learn about your client’s industry

• Get interesting, unusual or significant details about the event location

• Get information from the client and venue’s websites

• Review event itinerary/schedule

• Connect the location to well-known celebrities if possible

• Look for awards humor

Ep. 245 ADAPT TO THE SITUATION? May 02, 2024

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 planner

• Let go of your ego

• Adjust your presentation as needed

• Ask: How can I best serve my client and my audience

• Always have slide decks for different presentation lengths

• Learn about your audience and adjust your references if necessary

• Take an improv class

Ep. 244 ADVICE YOU DON’T WANT TO HEAR Apr 25, 2024

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.

SNIPPETS:

• Get your sea legs

• Find a way to give 100 speeches

• Invest the effort to get XXX rated…Xperience, Xpertise and Xposure.

• Take and pass the ‘book test’

• Get stage time from service clubs, Toastmasters and more

• Speak for free before you speak for fee

• Pay the mountain

• Do what others won’t

• Speak virtually even if it’s uncomfortable

• GET A COACH

Ep. 243 What Do You Do After? PART 2 Apr 18, 2024

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:

• Review KEEPERS and ACTION ITEMS

• Prioritize ONE ACTION and follow through on that action consistently

• Connect with another attendee as an accountability partner

• Create a mastermind with other attendees

• Connect with fellow speakers and attendees on LinkedIn

• Connect with the event planner and thank them

• Eliminate items that create bad habits

• Apply the principles your learned

• Revisit your notes from the last event you attended and take ONE ACTION

Ep. 242 What Do You Do After? PART 1 Apr 11, 2024

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 “speaker’s high”

• Debrief with the client within a week

• Treat the debrief as a sales call

• Connect with fellow speakers and attendees on LinkedIn

• Ask for other opportunities to serve

Ep. 241 Road Warrior? Apr 04, 2024

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 glamorous

• Give yourself grace

• Going international hire an agent/bureau to manage proposals & negotiations

• Examine the systems you set up to function while you’re on the road

• Arrive a day early to prepare yourself

• Tack on an extra road day to refill yourself; self-care is critical

• Decide what’s best for your stress

• Join frequent air/hotel/rental car programs

• Take photos of room numbers and parking spaces

• Use airport security programs like TSA Pre-check, CLEAR and Digital ID

• Maintain balance

Ep. 240 BIG STAGE, FIRST TIME WITH JODY LAVOIE Mar 28, 2024

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 helped to prepare Jody for her first time on the big stage…a global conference for CEOs. Jody’s lessons learned and wisdom gained will help you to get ready for your first (or next) time on the big stage!

SNIPPETS:

• Be open to your coaches’ point of view

• Start preparing your presentation with the end in mind

• Build your story in scenes

• Invest time refining your message

• Use Foundational Phrase to make your message more meaningful

• “Don’t over-Darren” - Bring YOURSELF to the platform

• Focus less on delivering your next line, and more on your audience

• Make sure your message lands with the audience

• Serve your audience

• After your first time on the big stage, take time to do nothing tomorrow

Ep. 239 Game Changing Advice Mar 21, 2024

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 do

• A true champion overcomes all adversities

• Write a speech you can’t wait to deliver

• Humanize data

• Invest in your success

• Don’t be informative; be transformative

Ep. 238 Your Stage Plan? Mar 14, 2024

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 your message?

• Do you move on your key lines? Don’t!

• Do you know stage left vs. stage right?

• Do you use the depth of the stage?

• What is your plan? Do you have one?

Ep. 237 The Unforgettable MC with Michael Davis? Mar 07, 2024

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 want to be an MC, speaking at a large event or running one, get a deeper understanding of the role they play. It is critical to the success of the event.

SNIPPETS:

• The critical skills of listening and improv?

• Transition from one speaker to the next

• MCs can get paid really well

• It’s a true team effort

• Two-way communication is critical

• The greatest compliment for Ford Saeks

• What did Patricia Fripp say about Michael Davis?

• Confidence comes from experience

• Virtual MC?

• The virtual proximity effect

Check out Game Changers:

https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/workshops/game-changers/

Use Ford’s Discount Code: Michael25

Ep. 236 Power Prospecting with Ford Saeks Feb 29, 2024

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?

• Are you bookable?

• What is your digital footprint?

• Fish where the fish are and have bait!

• Deliver and create content on a consistent basis

• Do you have lead magnets?

• Are your lead magnets in a form they want to consume it?

• Build trust and social proof

• How to reach out to add value without selling

Check out Game Changers:

https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/workshops/game-changers/

Use Ford’s Discount Code: Ford25

Ep. 235 Get Yes! To Your Request with Ed Tate! Feb 22, 2024

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.

Discover 7 Ways to Influence

Ep. 234 THE POWER OF COMMUNITY Feb 15, 2024

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 even leaving your community. Using Stage Time University, Toastmasters International, and the National Speakers Association as examples, they show benefits and blessings of being in community with like-minded people and reveal how community has helped them to prepare unforgettable presentations.

SNIPPETS:

• Community helps change perspective

• Choose your community

• Use your community

• Serve your community

• Build your community

• Don’t be abused by your community, if you must leave, do so with grace

• Protect your community

• Don’t think NETWORKING; think NETSERVING

• Is your community helping or harming you

• Take inventory of your communities

Ep. 233 UNFORGETTABLE RESEARCH With Vince Antonucci and Chris McGuire Feb 08, 2024

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 writer/TV producer Chris McGuire. Their perspective on effective research will help you to prepare your unforgettable presentation.

SNIPPETS:

• Dig deeper into your subject

• Look for compelling and unique information

• Put in the extra work

• Use AI tools

• Use ‘old-fashioned’ tools; search and read.

• The more you learn, the better your chances of finding critical content

• Ask: “What generates an emotional response?”

• Test research results on small audiences to gauge emotional reactions

• Research for customization; learn from The Barenaked Ladies

• Use the ‘Registration Desk Principle;’ find what bugs everyone

Ep. 232 VIRTUAL PRESENTATION ENGAGEMENT? Feb 01, 2024

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…especially what’s behind you

• Re-evaluate every aspect of your virtual presentation

• To maintain FLOW, it’s wise to have a producer, co-host, or co-presenter

• Be aware of the difference between a co-host, and a co-presenter

• Establish key toles up front

• Create smooth handoffs

• To maintain audience FOCUS, make slides simple and clear, 1 slide, 1 point

• Use PACE ELEMENTS to keep your audience engaged

• Use client’s language to solidify your connection

Ep. 231 Congruent Characters? Jan 25, 2024

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 why many presenters fall short in this area and offer solid suggestions for using body language for greater emotional impact.

SNIPPETS:

• Let your audience feel the emotion of the characters

• Don’t elicit confusion

• In your script add ‘before’ and ‘after’ emotions in parentheses

• Your eyes should change when the emotion changes

• Emotional shifts are unclear without a character’s baseline emotion

• Leave your emotional baseline when you embody a character

• Record video, playback muted, ask a friend to identify the emotion

• Be congruent to connect

Ep. 230 Your Holograms? Jan 18, 2024

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 whether you’re aware or not

• Holograms establish characters and scenes

• You can point to a hologram and the audience will recall the scene/story

• Holograms have experiential value

• Holograms have emotional impact

• Use the depth and width of the platform to make holograms more vivid

• Use hula hoops – INSIDE is dialogue; OUTSIDE, speak to your audience

• BLOCK spots on stage. Use them to show MOMENTS of TRANSFORMATION

• Time progresses audience left to right

• Decide what scene/character/story each hologram represents

Ep. 229 Unforgettable Business Growth With Mark LeBlanc Jan 11, 2024

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 quit 1,000 times, start again 1,001 times

• You must earn the right to speak

• Avoid thinking that you’re better than you are

• Raise your hand and get help

• Engage minds, touch hearts, stir souls, and make them laugh

• Focus on a singular idea and build your speech around it

• Frame your content

• Build an ‘accordion’ presentation

• Create a great defining statement

• Find your sliver of the market

Ep. 228 Unforgettable Habits Jan 04, 2024

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 stay TOP of mind

• Share fresh ideas

• Reach out, and reach back

• Get TOP Level professional feedback on your marketing and presentation

• Change sales calls into RAPPORT calls

• Go ALL IN to TOP it off

• Attend GAME CHANGERS in April 2024 using discount code EVENT25

Go to: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/workshops/game-changers/

Ep. 227 Unforgettable Wordsmithing Dec 28, 2023

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:

• Say it in a more VIVID and VIBRANT way

• Edit for impact by asking, “How can I say it better in fewer words?”

• Monosyllabic words are easier for the audience to remember

• Use rhythm and rhyme have more impact in less time

• Use impingement words

• Choose, use and lose words as necessary

• Use rhetorical devices

• Find funny words, and words ending with a ‘K’ sound

• Craft your Foundational Phrase, Elevator Pitch and Value Proposition

• Use tools like https://wordhippo.com

Ep. 226 Match Their Energy? Dec 21, 2023

“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; learn what is top of mind for them

• Arrive hours or days early and have conversations in the corridor

• Keep your finger on the pulse of the event

• Avoid get caught thinking, “I didn’t see THAT coming!”

• Avoid starting with energy too low or too high

• Look at the audience as you speak and check their body language

• See the audience’s perspective

Ep. 225 Unforgettable Referrals With Arel Moodie Dec 14, 2023

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 prospects and creating a win/win/win for you, your clients and your audience.

SNIPPETS:

• Leave an indelible mark on people’s souls

• Always elevate your audience

• Be clear on the problem you solve

• Don’t show up, blow up and giddy up

• Focus on a singular idea and build your speech around it

• The money is in your e-mail list

• The secret to speaking success is to consistently be top of mind

• Plant seeds today to serve your future self

• Your job is to make your audience remember you; use keywords

• Add a call to action to every e-mail and newsletter

Ep. 224 Tackling A Tough Topic With Frank King Dec 07, 2023

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, preparing and presenting TEDx talks. This powerful conversation delivers emotional and inspirational information that will help you to deliver an unforgettable presentation.

SNIPPETS:

• Find your idea worth spreading

• Avoid bringing too many ideas

• Don’t say too much about too many ideas

• Sell your idea in 90 seconds or fewer

• Be passionate about your idea

• Your title and subtitle must contain a ‘hook’

• Stand in your truth

• You can’t be inspiring if you aren’t inspired

• Use funny, personal stories instead of jokes

• Making people laugh prepares them for your next serious point

Ep. 223 Critical Corridor Conversations Nov 30, 2023

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

• Use stories as conversation-starters

• Invite attendees to ask: What’s the problem, and what story has the solution?

• Create questions that spark conversation

• Hang around to gauge the impact

• Debrief corridor conversations in your post-event call

• Arrive a day early to learn what questions will spark conversation

• Add stimulating questions to a slide

• Follow up before the end of the event when you can

Ep. 222 Unforgettable Content With Dr. Jeff Magee Nov 23, 2023

“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 your wisdom

• Make sure your content stands up

• What are your calluses on your head and your hands?

• Play the student

• Ask: “How can I become better?”

• Knowledge isn’t enough; learn the craft of rhetoric and speaking

• Your presentations come from your history; search your mind’s archives

• How will your audience be different on Monday morning?

• Make time to think

• Provide content that meets people where they are mentally

Ep. 221 How Love Works In The Business World With Joel Manby Nov 16, 2023

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 and sharing a message of love. Applying his practical but powerful techniques will help any speaker to deliver an unforgettable presentation.

SNIPPETS:

• Clearly identify your audience demographic

• Tell stories to which your specific audience will relate

• Truthfulness and authenticity are critical

• Opening with a ‘life turning point’ story is very effective

• Take your audience to your low point or nadir

• People connect more with failure than with success

• Be passionate and share the angst in your soul

• Select stories to connect, identify principles to teach, share an action to take

• Develop your personal style

• Make sure your core idea connects with your audience

Ep. 220 Connect Deeply with Your Next Audience Nov 09, 2023

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 different

• We are 100% responsible for our connection with the audience

• Interview audience members in advance

• Identify and honor the company’s ‘patriarch’ and ‘matriarch’

• Identify and edify NEW employees and team-members

• Invest extra effort to find out what resonates with each audience

• If you’re not connected your audience feels neglected

• Stay connected; you won’t be rejected

Ep. 219 Did You Know? Nov 02, 2023

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 physical characteristic

• Give the audience a reason to emotionally connect with the main character

• Show characters’ ‘BEFORE’ condition (body language, emotion, demeanor)

• Make the main character ‘likeable’

• Apply the ’Rooting Principle’ – make the audience WANT to support them

• Show the character ‘AFTER the Disaster’

• You don’t need expert feedback to understand emotional impact

Ep. 218 When We Unintentionally Offend With Margaret Page Oct 26, 2023

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 offers sage advice to help any presenter avoid offending their audience, and to recover if they do.

SNIPPETS:

• If you offend, don’t make excuses

• Listen to your audience

• Don’t place blame elsewhere

• Accept responsibility

• Learn from the experience

• Make amends. Ask “How can I make it right?”

• See through your audience’s eyes

• Learn taboo topics and be open to diverse life experiences

• Look for commonalities, but never disregard cultural differences

• What would a leader do? Be a role model

Ep. 217 The CORE 4: Part 2 Oct 19, 2023

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

• Comedy cuts down; humor lifts up

• Use appropriate humor

• Intention is part of delivery

• If you’re in your head, your emotions are dead

• Take your time at key moments.

• Pause to let the audience reflect

• Bring your personality to every presentation

Ep. 216 The CORE 4: Part 1 Oct 12, 2023

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 structure on which to hang your presentation

• Strong structure makes your presentation digestible and unforgettable

• Choose content that serves the audience best

• Visuals and stage use should reinforce your presentation’s structure

• Stories are the heartbeat of your presentation

• Stories should pique curiosity

• Stories must elicit emotion

• Stories should include emotional shifts

• Well-told stories deliver ‘moments’ in your presentation

Ep. 215 When You Are A Little Off Oct 05, 2023

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.’

SNIPPETS:

• Inform the event planner

• Remember that you’re there to serve the audience

• Acknowledge the ‘elephant in the room’ and ask for grace

• Focus on what you CAN do instead of what you cannot

• Commit to delivering the best that you can under the circumstances

• Consider herbal throat sprays to keep your voice healthy

• How you respond will affect your reputation

• If you must, pass the gig along to an associate

• Ask a seasoned pro for options to handle the situation

Ep. 214 Five Minutes Before Liftoff! Sep 28, 2023

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, silence, walking, vocal exercises, physical movement

• Speaking is a privilege…and a RESPONSIBILITY

• Prepare like a pilot…do a full ‘instrument cockpit check’

• Create a routine

• Prepare to deliver DEEPER

Ep. 213 Start Clowning Around With Don Colliver Sep 21, 2023

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 better than prepared

• Train yourself to lose your audience then get then back

• When you err, acknowledge your humanity and move on

• Wrap your error in a callback

• Find joy and pleasure, like having a meal with your audience and serve them

• Enjoy ‘le jeu’ – the game

• Keep curiosity and compassion for your audience

• We don’t need jokes; acknowledge the moments and find humor there

• Use engagement activities to reinforce your points

Ep. 212 Are You Ready For The Opportunity? Sep 14, 2023

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 opportunity, jump on it, own it

• Have a ‘front pocket’ speech ready to go at all times

• Attend events with a servant’s heart

• Introduce and offer yourself to meeting planner an event staff

• Ask yourself what presentation you would give if a speaker doesn’t show up

• Be willing to fill the void; you will make the meeting planner the hero

• New relationships; the speaker who couldn’t show, audience, event planner

• If you get stuck, refer another presenter; others will refer you, so BE READY

Ep. 211 Too Many Coaches? Sep 07, 2023

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 coach who understands your backstory

• Choose a coach who appreciates your style

• Be careful who you listen to

• Equally qualified coaches can give conflicting advice

• Each coach has their own ninja skill

• If you select a team of coaches, decide on your head coach

• You are the CEO of your speech

• Bring suggestions to your head coach and trust them to guide you

Ep. 210 Watching A True Pro In Action Aug 31, 2023

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 the moment

• Work the room in your style

• Do what you must to hit your points and serve your audience

• Sit in audience seats beforehand to get their perspective

Ep. 209 Why Name Your Characters? Aug 24, 2023

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 giving two characters similar names (Jane, Jean, Joan)

• Give a physical and characteristic and a personal trait

• Amalgamate characters for simplicity

• Tell the emotional truth

• Use adjective names to describe characters (Patty Party Pooper)

• In conversation, let the characters address each other by name

Ep. 208 Are You a 'Super Speaker?' Aug 17, 2023

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:

• Be yourself. Bring your personality to every presentation

• If your assignment warrants a dramatic voice, then use it.

• No need to try being the ULTIMATE EXPERT

• Your audience is already there and they want to hear YOU

• Record and watch yourself on video

• Do a gut check and assess yourself

• Avoid the risk of seeming disingenuous

• Authenticity + Vulnerability = Credibility

Ep. 207 Your Cutting Room Floor? Aug 10, 2023

“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 PURPOSE’

• The WEIGHT of your story may be heavier than your message

• Your content shouldn’t overshadow your premise

• Consider the RELEVANCE to your audience

• Your liking a story doesn’t mean the audience will

• If a story is too long for the allotted time, you may need to cut it

• Store Cutting Room Floor material in your Story Folder for later

• You can use Cutting Room Floor material to create handouts

• Test your content

Ep. 206 – 9 Costly Corporate Presentation Mistakes Aug 03, 2023

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)

• Be aware of what your audience is thinking

• Ping the audience, check in, engage

• What does your audience NEED

• Are you overwhelming your audience with data

• Respect your audience’s time; you might be the only obstacle to LUNCH

• Don’t let anyone ‘out-prepare’ you

Ep. 205 – Going To Your Dark Place Jul 27, 2023

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 abuse the privilege of the platform

• Your Dark Place story shouldn’t overtake your speech

• Go to your dark place when it’s appropriate and effective

• There may be value in going to your Dark Place

• Cushion the setup of your Dark Place story

• Be sure you can find your way back

• Be sure you have healed before going to your Dark Place

Ep. 204 The Big Secret to Being Funny Jul 20, 2023

“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 help you to be unforgettable.

SNIPPETS:

• Confront your discomfort

• Pay attention to the news of the day

• Use your experience and your interests

• Filter out the raw material and choose the best bits

• Write 20 jokes to get 2 good ones

• Keep a notebook and write 3 ideas a day; that’s 90 a month, 1,000 a year

• Authenticity is key

• Be willing to bomb

• Don’t give up too soon and get up after a bad experience; move on

• Tap into common experiences with your audience

Ep. 203 Your Audience Helps You Write Your Speech? Jul 13, 2023

Believe it or not, your audience can be an ally who helps you to hone your content and make your presentation even better. Mark and Darren explain how being attentive to your audience can make you unforgettable.

SNIPPETS:

• Have a pre-event conversation with meeting planner and client

• Listen for client stories that you can use to customize your presentation

• Ask about the client’s challenges and concerns

• Listen between the lines (oohs and aahs); reactions reveal what resonates

• Observe between the lines (nods, notes etc.); confirm that content connects

• Record post-event conversations…with permission.

• Sift through audience comments and use what will help improve your talk

Ep. 202 How Do You Know if You are Unforgettable Jul 06, 2023

You want to believe that your audience remembers you and your message, but how can you KNOW? Today Mark and Darren explain the value of KEEPERS and ACTION ITEMS, tools that will help you know that you are UNFORGETTABLE.

SNIPPETS:

• Set up the value of keepers and action items very early

• Use cardstock sheets that are separate from a workbook

• Use separate bright colors for each

• Use editable pdfs for virtual attendees

• Keepers are written confirmation of the transfer of value

• Keepers reinforce value to employers, managers and supervisors

• Keepers are consistent reminders of ideas, tools and techniques

• Action Items are immediately actionable next steps after a presentation

• File keepers and action items in their own separate folder and review often

• Refer back to accomplished action items to reinforce belief

Ep. 201 Are You Up for a Challenge? With Alexandre Matte Jun 29, 2023

Co-hosts Darren & Mark encourage their clients to stretch and challenge themselves. Today Mark discusses his greatest speaking challenge…a 12-minute speech in French…and he is joined by his French-speaking coach Alexandre Matte. As they discuss this unique journey you will learn how and why accepting a challenge and following through can help you to be unforgettable.

SNIPPETS:

• NOT accepting a challenge deprives your audience of learning opportunities

• When faced with a challenge get a coach and an ally

• Be open to tools and techniques to help you overcome your challenge

• Use a challenge to upgrade your skills

• Be encouraged by past challenges you have overcome

• It’s never too late to grow

• Don’t let your ego get in the way

• Learn all you can about your audience

• Even if you reach a summit, keep climbing

• After the challenge, ask, “How did I grow?”

• Challenge yourself to serve, even if your execution isn’t perfect

Ep. 200 3 Ways Presenters Can Use AI Jun 22, 2023

AI is everywhere. How can presenters use AI as a tool, without diminishing their expertise? Today Darren and Mark offer THREE specific ways that presenters can use AI advantageously.

SNIPPETS:

• Think of AI as an intern

• Speakers who don’t use AI could be replaced by AI

• Use AI to create ‘sticky’ phrases

• Use prompts to get the options you need

• The more specific the prompts, the better the results

• Meeting planners respond to catchy presentation titles

• AI can help you to customize your speech to serve different demographics

• AI can give good feedback, but will never replace a qualified coach

Ep. 199 Receiving Tough Feedback Jun 15, 2023

You’ve just delivered your presentation, then someone gives you feedback, and it feels tough…even harsh. Now what? Mark and Darren have been there, and today they talk about how to receive critical feedback and use it to your advantage. They also examine how we as presenters can GIVE constructive feedback to benefit our fellow communicators and offer advice on how to maximize the feedback we receive.

SNIPPETS:

• There is a time and place for tough feedback

• Be willing to improve based on the feedback we receive

• Don’t let your ego get in the way of learning

• Don’t let tough feedback cause you to stop

• Crave feedback, not a pat on the back

• Don’t miss the golden opportunities to improve your speech

• Don’t deprive yourself of the opportunity to leave your message

• Don’t deprive future audience of the opportunity to learn from you

• Look for kernels of truth on all feedback

• When feedback hurts, it helps

• Let tough feedback be a rung on your ladder to being unforgettable

Ep. 198 Speaking vs. Training Jun 08, 2023

“I’ll just add a couple of stories, insert a few activities, and I’ll convert my keynote into a training. That should work, right?” It’s not that simple, and in this episode Darren and Mark find out why as they speak with fellow Certified Speaking Professional and trainer extraordinaire Ed Tate. Together they discuss the differences between speaking and training and offer specific techniques for being effective at both.

SNIPPETS:

• Keynote Speaking share a BIG IDEA

• Training teaches the execution of the idea

• Keynote speaking informs, entertains, and inspires

• Training changes behavior

• With keynote speaking, attendees are impressed with the speaker

• With training, attendees are impressed with themselves

• Keynote speaking includes minimal participant activity

• Training includes movement; kinesthetic learning is the stickiest

• Stories are to keynotes as instructions are to training

• Training takes attendees through a process

Ep. 197 Are You A Lamplighter? Jun 01, 2023

This question is based on the role of the lamplighter: a person employed to light and maintain gas streetlights. Today Mark and Darren explore ways that we, as presenters, can be lamplighters for our audiences.

• One of your jobs is to light the path of those who follow you

• Your experiences can illuminate their path and make their journey easier

• Your lamplight identifies the danger for those who come behind you

• Your lamplight shows the path that you have taken

• Your lamp lights the path of people you don’t even know

• Your lamplight can lead others to their destination

• Work on your skills and storytelling NOW

• Let your lamplight be a legacy of value

Work with Mark & Darren:

https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/

Ep. 196 Unforgettable Preparation May 25, 2023

“So many presenters mistake memorization for preparation” says Darren, as he and Mark reveal some powerful principles for preparing and delivering unforgettable presentations.

SNIPPETS:

• Don’t memorize; internalize

• Avoid rehearsing just to remember the words; rehearse to remember the idea

• Use STAGEOLOGY to anchor your ideas to specific places on stage

• Give your audience and idea, principle, technique, habit, tip or action item

• Deliberately rehearse with loud noises in the room

• It’s not ‘if’, but ‘when’ you will encounter unexpected distractions

• Learn from the ways that comedians handle hecklers

• Prepare your presentation in chunks and rehearse them out of sequence

Ep. 195 What's Your One Thing? May 18, 2023

As presenters we are often tempted to teach our audience everything we know. Mark and Darren drill down on the importance of, and methods for giving each audience one clear idea in every presentation.

SNIPPETS:

• Be completely clear on one specific idea

• Don’t depend on implication; rely on declaration

• Bring up your point; hold up your point

• Give your audience and idea, principle, technique, habit, tip or action item

• Use specific language like, “If you only absorb ONE IDEA, it’s this:”

• Your ‘one thing’ must be easy to remember

• Your ‘one thing’ must be immediately applicable

• State your ‘one thing’ early in your presentation and repeat it at the end

• Test your ‘one thing’ and get your audience’s response

Ep. 194 Are You a Selfish Presenter? May 11, 2023

The term ‘Selfish Presenter’ may seem harsh, but today Mark and Darren talk about one way we deny our audiences the full experience of our presentations. We give great value when we use the spaces between our words wisely.

SNIPPETS:

• Give your audience time to process your questions

• Without reflection there is no connection

• Place wisdom on the ‘Pause Pedestal’ and ‘put some air around it’

• Pause in HEARTBEATS, not SECONDS

• Your audience needs space to absorb you points

• Use the pause to acknowledge the audience or affirm eye contact

• Don’t step on your audience’s thoughts

• The most important part of the presentation is the thought process in the audience’s mind

Ep. 193 Think 3 Presentations Ahead May 04, 2023

It’s easy to focus on your next presentation based on the occasion, especially when you have customized it for a specific audience. Today Darren and Mark offer advice on thinking about the future value of your presentation. Speech contestants often prepare for a specific contest, then set the speech aside. Mark and Darren explore ways to extend your speech’s shelf life, modify the format, and reach broader audiences.

SNIPPETS:

• Think and act today for the future

• Ask: “What other audience needs to hear this message?”

• Make adjustments immediately when you think of them

• Resolve to evolve

• Expand your audience demographic

• Convert you message into a different format

• Look for additional messages in your content

• Think, “The NEXT time I give this speech, I will…”

Ep. 192 Nine Ways to Prove Your Point - 4 20 23 9.31 AM Apr 27, 2023

No matter how pithy your point may be, you have to PROVE it to your audience. Today Darren and Mark offer nine ways to do so, while establishing a deeper connection to your audience. You need not use all nine at once, but when chosen selectively and used effectively, they will help to make your presentation unforgettable.

SNIPPETS:

• Personal stories help you to establish a relationship with your audience

• Connect to your audience’s world

• There are ways to keep your audience fully engaged

• It is important to SHOW your method or process

• Infuse your data with human characters

• Give your audience a representation of your expertise and experience

• Involve your audience with tools like Mentimeter

Ep. 191 Which Feedback Should You Use? Apr 20, 2023

You deliver your presentation, then well-meaning friends and would-be advisors offer their feedback. However, their recommendations vary widely. Which do you implement? Mark and Darren share their experience and offer specific guidelines and a process for deciding which feedback you should use.

SNIPPETS:

• Facilitate your audience feedback

• Ask your audience members key questions

• Discern which feedback fits for you

• Individually inventory each piece of feedback

• Remember you are the CEO of your speech

• Don’t use feedback just because it’s from someone with status or authority

• Test every bit of feedback and follow your heart

Ep. 190 Critical Step 2 To Be Unforgettable Apr 13, 2023

Mark and Darren have oft said that the first step to an unforgettable presentation is A CLEAR MESSAGE, but what is Step #2? In this episode they describe your Foundational Phrase and explain how a well-crafted Foundational Phrase can make your presentation unforgettable.

SNIPPETS:

• Create a Foundational Phrase to make your message memorable

• It should be rhythmic

• 10 words or fewer are easier to remember

• A well-crafted Foundational Phrase has weight and influence

• It should run like thread throughout your presentation

• It can be rhyming or alliterative

• Connect your Foundational Phrase to your message

• Brainstorm with a friend to craft each other’s Foundational Phrase

Ep. 189 Is Your Character's Transformation Clear? Apr 06, 2023

A key element in a story is the hero’s journey, and it must end in transformation. There are ways to make the transformation clear, and meaningful, to your audience. Darren and Mark talk about that transformation and offer simple but practical techniques for doing so.

SNIPPETS:

• If there is no transformation, there is no story

• Establish an emotional connection between the hero and your audience

• RELATABLE - Your audience should relate to the hero’s struggle

• DESIRABLE - Your audience should want the hero’s transformation

• Include the right details and paint the right picture of the hero’s ‘THEN’

• Let the audience witness the change and see the hero’s ‘NOW’

• Show a vivid contrast between the ‘THEN’ and the ‘NOW’

• Let another character see and acknowledge the transformation

• Revisit your story and make your character transformation clear

Ep. 188 Your Unforgettable Speaker Demo Reel with Chris West Mar 30, 2023

“If you want to get booked, you need a demo reel!” This is now common advice for speakers. But what makes a good speaker demo reel? Where do you begin? Today Mark and Darren find out from Chris West, Founder and Owner of Video Narrative, Inc. and the authority on outstanding speaker demo reels. His advice provides a roadmap of the steps necessary for you to create your unforgettable speaker demo reel!

SNIPPETS:

• Position yourself in a category of ONE

• Turn your story into a video narrative

• Your video should be like a good movie

• Meeting planners view video to create their short list

• Meeting Planners look for reasons to disqualify you

• It is your #1 sales tool

• It should clearly distinguish you as the one, or NOT the one

• It must define problems, teach tactics, give you credibility and show results

• It should be under four minutes long

• It should answer the question, “Why should we choose you?”

Ep. 187 Are You Speaking in 3-D? Mar 23, 2023

“Don’t give a speech; deliver an EXPERIENCE!” is an exhortation that co-host Mark offers frequently. Today he and Darren dive into the ‘3-D’ technique they used with a recent coaching client. They discuss how this technique will help you to authentically recreate and relive the scenes in your stories, elevate your audience’s experience, and make your story unforgettable.

SNIPPETS:

• Go beyond stage-ology

• Recreate and re-live your stories

• Anchor scene locations in your speaking area

• Anchor points of wisdom to specific locations in your speaking area

• Use post-its to represent and rehearse specific locations in a scene

• Use stage depth for realistic distances in scenes

• Use angles to correctly depict the location of objects and characters

• Realistically show character height differences when standing, sitting etc.

• Visit speaking location beforehand and map out post-it locations

Ep. 186 Your Coming-of-Age Story Mar 16, 2023

Can you remember the moment when you KNEW you were ‘legit?’ Perhaps you’re an emerging presenter and have no idea what that means. Darren and Mark each share their coming of age story and explain how acknowledging, understanding and sharing your coming of age story can serve your audience and make you unforgettable.

SNIPPETS:

• Your journey encourages others

• You can come of age by teaching other people’s content

• Strive to be unforgettable

• Dollars follow impact

• Always deliver value

• You can start by delivering fee-waived presentations

• Share your coming-of-age story

• Encourage others to share their coming-of-age stories

Ep. 185 Your Next Step Mar 09, 2023

It’s always nice to know that you rocked your presentation. The audience is buzzing and the event planner is happy. Do you go home thrilled with a job well done, or have you missed a critical step? Today Mark and Darren offer a perspective on the step that can serve your audience beyond your presentation, a step that provides additional value, a step that can make you unforgettable.

SNIPPETS:

• Added value is your responsibility

• Define your next step

• Believe in your next step

• Point your audience to additional resources, even if they aren’t your own

• Give your audience a reason to desire more from you

• Think OFFER, not SALE

• You’re not HAWKING, you’re HELPING

• Give your audience THEIR next step

Ep. 184 Your Testimonials Your Influence Mar 02, 2023

You’ve delivered your presentation, but your impact doesn’t have to end there. How can you extend your influence? With testimonials! How valuable can they be? Listen as Mark and Darren discuss the influence that testimonials can provide. They explain different types of testimonials, how to capture them, and how to use them effectively, proving that powerful testimonials can help you to expand the reach of your unforgettable presentation.

SNIPPETS:

• Multiply the value of your presentation

• Get Event Planner testimonials

• Get event attendee testimonials

• Maintain separate folders for testimonial types

• Use iRig mic with your mobile device

• Compile specific questions to get influential responses

• Get Virtual testimonials

• Edit video testimonials and use a royalty-free music bed

• Have Execs/Event Planners identify themselves in testimonial videos

• In text testimonials, highlights key observations by key individuals

Ep. 183 After Your Talk Feb 23, 2023

How do you handle the overwhelming questions and comments that come after your talk? How do you get testimonials when others want to talk to you? How do you focus on one person when someone else wants to join in? Today Darren and Mark answer these questions and offer additional ideas to help you be even more unforgettable after your talk.

SNIPPET:

• Be accessible after your talk

• Get Event Planner testimonials

• Use iRig2 mic with your mobile device

• Wear your own recording device during your talk and leave it on afterwards

• Ask: “What specifically helped you or made you feel connected?”

• Capture common comments

• Study responses and find the gold

• Deputize someone to record for you

Ep. 182 The Unforgettable Commentating of Peter Drury Feb 16, 2023

What can presenters learn from a professional football (soccer) commentator? Today Mark and Darren find out from Peter Drury, rated by the world’s largest football community 90min as “the best commentator of all time.” Among other subjects, Peter discusses preparation, criticism, customization, being respectful with language, and showing up BIG every time. He even participates in an impromptu word game along the way! The principles he shares will propel any presenter on their journey to being unforgettable.

SNIPPETS:

• Love the words you use

• A speech is not well-delivered if it sounds too written

• You do your best work when you are relaxed

• There is no excuse for not being absolutely prepared

• Stay on top of your subject

• Be respectful and careful with language

• Accept fair criticism; be robust in the face of unfair criticism

• Be self-critical

• Listen to the people you trust

• Remain yourself; humble, authentic; and do it because you love it

Ep. 181 The Science of Unforgettable With Steve Spangler Feb 09, 2023

Is there a science to being unforgettable? The answer comes today from the man known as “America’s Science Teacher,’ author, Hall-Of-Fame speaker, TV personality, and Guinness World Record holder Steve Spangler. He reveals the ingredients in his formula for unforgettable presentations…and shares some sensational science as well!

SNIPPETS:

• People don’t connect with characters; they connect with human beings

• Have a thirst for growth

• Never use your skill as a gimmick

• You have a purpose; your job is to not deny it

• Listen to what connects with your audience

• Be willing to ask for help and have a confidant

• Use the support of a mastermind

• Speak to civic and service groups to gain experience

• Don’t brag that you’re a pilot; log the cockpit time

• Engage your audience and get them to think differently

Ep. 180 The Unforgettable Inspiration of John OLeary Feb 02, 2023

Burned over 100% of his body at 9 years old, John O’Leary lives a story of great inspiration. Today he talks with Darren and Mark about his life’s journey and speaking career. John also dispenses advice on how to be a relatable and unforgettable presenter.

SNIPPETS:

Don’t think ‘marketing’; think ‘service’
The smaller the audience, the more difficult the talk
Be radically authentic and highly relatable
Begin with the audience’s need in mind
Taking risks allows you to be great
Change the temperature in the room
Our best stories have very little to do with us
Respect your audience; meet them where they are
Keep leaving breadcrumbs for your audience to follow
Move the audience to laughter and tears; share trauma and drama

Ep. 179 How and When- Narration vs. Dialogue Jan 26, 2023

“When should I use dialogue in my speech?” Darren and Mark have fielded this question numerous times. Today they provide answers…and a bonus: WHY it’s important to use a combination of both narration and dialogue. The reasons that they provide and the techniques that they recommend will help you improve your presentation and enhance your audience’s experience.

SNIPPETS:

Convert NARRATION to CONVERSATION
Don’t RE-ENACT; RE-LIVE
Let the audience ‘hear’ from characters
Narration sets up the dialogue
Use dialogue when a character experiences a change
Use dialogue when the story has emotional shifts
See Ekman’s SIX BASIC EMOTIONS
Add the emotions that the character feels
Share the internal dialogue of the characters

Ep. 178 Is Your Presentation Good Enough? Jan 19, 2023

You’ve worked hard, you’ve rehearsed, you’ve delivered your presentation…perhaps several times…and it’s GOOD. But is it good ENOUGH? Today Mark and Darren take a look at the dangers of thinking a presentation is ‘good enough’ and offer suggestions for avoiding the confidence that can become arrogance. They also discuss the mindset and strategies that can help you make a good presentation UNFORGETTABLE.

SNIPPETS:

How do you define ‘good enough?’
Ego gets in the way
Confidence can be your enemy
Is your presentation as good as it can be?
How good COULD it be?
It’s never good enough
Deliver like it’s the last time
Perfection is a dream; improvement is a reality
Be coachable
Prepare Properly
Test, test, test

Ep. 177 Your Version 1.0 Jan 12, 2023

Every endeavor starts with Version 1.0. Today Darren and Mark present Version 1.0 of their podcast livestream using StreamYard for the first time. They speak with guest presenter Amanda Mae Gray…their StreamYard guru…about the importance of taking the first step in every endeavor. Together they offer solid suggestions for creating Version 1.0 of YOUR unforgettable presentation, testing it, and making adjustments along the way.

SNIPPETS:

Don’t try to make Version 1.0 perfect
It’s not wise to test new content on a paying audience
There’s no such thing as a ‘practice speech’
Any audience that you trust can tell you how your speech affects them
Your audience helps you to write your speech
Take the FIRST STEP in your speech and your business
Version 1.0 is instructive and can show you what needs to be changed
Version 1.0 leads to Version 2.0 and beyond
Crave feedback

Ep. 176 The Critical Decision Jan 05, 2023

New Year Resolutions have become commonplace, and all too often, these resolutions don’t last. In this brief episode, Darren and Mark outline the difference between a resolution and a decision. They offer suggestions for the decisions you can make to change the trajectory of your growth as a presenter and become unforgettable.

SNIPPETS:

Don’t make a resolution; make a decision
It starts with a decision
Be willing to ‘burn the boats’
The critical decision is to take action
Your decision precedes your transformation
The decision affects your mindset
Get a coach
Take classes and courses
Recommit to being unforgettable

Ep. 175 Coaching The Coach With Coach Jennifer Leone Dec 29, 2022

Following up on last week’s episode featuring Australian international speaker coach Jennifer Leone, this episode features live coaching. Mark takes the client’s hot seat as Jennifer and Darren deliver insight on one of his previously untold stories. Using the questions discussed in last week’s episode Jennifer and Darren dig deeper into his story to unearth metaphors and messages that will magnify the impact of his story. Witness first-hand how working with a qualified coach can help any presenter…even seasoned professionals…to be unforgettable.

Ep. 174 Unforgettable Questions with Coach Jennifer Leone Dec 22, 2022

How does a coach help their client get to the root of a story? How do they help uncover the gems hidden layers deep within a story? Today Mark and Darren find out from Australian international speaker coach Jennifer Leone, a faculty member at Stage Time University. Jennifer reveals that unforgettable questions are the key to finding gold in our stories, and shares three specific questions that she asks, knowing that the answers will help any presenter to be unforgettable .

SNIPPETS:

People often tell only half of their story
What is the OTHER half of the story?
What is the benefit of a negative experience?
What is the other person’s point of view?
Ask deeper questions
Ask another question
What do you say to yourself in painful situations?
Is there a present in your pain and a gift in your grief?

Ep. 173 Review & Renew! Dec 15, 2022

Do you have a presentation that has served you well for quite a while? Have you made any modifications recently? Could it be time for a ‘refresher’?

Today Mark and Darren have a frank discussion about REVIEWING and RENEWING your presentation. They extend their conversation to examine how you show up for every presentation, and how you can ‘up your game.’ Their advice will help you to be unforgettable in every speaking environment.

SNIPPETS:

With experience you bring new ideas, knowledge and expertise
Refresh your presentation or sermon
Update your stories
Take another look at your infographics and visual aids
Review your examples and supporting evidence
Are your references outdated
Adopt new interactive tools like Menti and others
Assess your workshop activities
Replace your demo video if necessary
Should you revise your website and social media profiles
Examine your persona before, during and after your talk

Ep. 172 What is Casual Costing You? Dec 08, 2022

With experience comes the risk of being comfortable and too casual. Today Mark and Darren look at areas where presenters can become casual, and how costly it can be. They share behaviors to avoid…and confess to having been guilty of some…and offer practices that can help any presenter stay on their ‘A’ game to be unforgettable, both on and off the stage.

SNIPPETS:

Don’t neglect to write your own introduction
Don’t fall into trap of thinking you can ‘wing it’
Don’t ‘phone it in’; show up and shine
You can never over-communicate with clients and meeting planners
Use custom visuals and avoid clipart and public domain images
Examine the image you project off-stage; at the airport, in the hotel, etc.
Ask yourself if it’s time to update your profile photo and wardrobe
Re-assess your on-stage persona
Engage an image consultant if necessary

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