Unforgettable Presentations

Your first presentation automatically offers challenges, but how do you handle no fewer than SIX? Mark and Darren get answers from Erica Zick, a 'rookie' whose first presentation was full of the unexpected. They discuss her journey and share the techniques that helped her to be unforgettable.   SNIPPETS: • Prepare, even if you don't have a speech scheduled • Use the Fripp Speech Model   • Don't pa...

Qualified coaching can help every speaker to deliver an unforgettable presentation. But what about AFTER the 'big gig?' Darren and Mark discuss this with their client Harry Sanders from Melbourne, Australia, the CEO and Founder of SEO powerhouse StudioHawk. Harry had their guidance as he told his story to more than 1,200 top level CEOs. He candidly shares his transformation, and the unexpected res...

Every August, Toastmasters International crowns a new World Champion of Public Speaking. In today's episode , Mark and Darren have a heart-to-heart chat with 2026 WCPS Dirceu da Silva, as he unveils the story behind his Toastmasters journey, and the process behind his success.    SNIPPETS: • Focus on becoming better immediately • Seek the patterns that make a good competition speech   • Treat ever...

How important are AUTHENTICITY and BELIEVABILITY for a professional communicator? Hall of Fame speaker, author, Harvard Adjunct Lecturer and former opera singer Allison Shapira tackles this question in a lively conversation with Darren and Mark. Drawing from her experience with diplomacy, politics and navigating difficult questions from hostile audiences, Allison offers sage advice on audience-foc...

A common idiom says, "Everyone loves an underdog story." Today, Mark and Darren explore that concept with acclaimed American screenwriter and producer Angelo Pizzo, whose films include the iconic classics 'HOOSIERS' and 'RUDY.' They discuss the challenges and philosophy behind writing compelling underdog stories, as Angelo reveals techniques for fostering audience connection and creating emotional...

Technology has become an important tool for presenters, and few know more about this than Rich Hart , CEO and Founder of Global Media Studios in Atlanta, GA, USA. Mark and Darren speak with Rich about using video and technology to tell their stories, common storytelling mistakes, demo video quality, home studio setup, professional attire, and more.   SNIPPETS: • Use video to tell your story • Have...

What has become most important to meeting planners   in the 2020s? What do speakers need to be successful? How can a speaker's bureau help? After 31 years as the founder and CEO of Garrett Speakers International (GSI), Executive Coach Betty Garrett joins Mark and Darren for a frank discussion about working with a bureau, what works in today's speaking business…and what doesn't. Applying her insigh...

How does one achieve greatness in one career, then do the same in another? Today, Darren and Mark find out from best-selling author and Hall-Of-Fame speaker Don Yaeger, and his coach, Hall-Of-Fame speaker Patricia Fripp. They discuss Don's transition from professional writing to world-class public speaking and examine Patricia's role as his professional coach.   SNIPPETS: • Greatness is an iterati...

The 2026 Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking   was held in August, and this special episode was requested by many. Darren and Mark are joined by fellow World Champions David Brooks (1990), Ed Tate (2000), Lance Miler (2005), and Aaron Beverly (2019) as they offer their observations and share their thoughts on the 2026 Finals.   SNIPPETS: • The WCPS should be the best s...

It's been said that great speeches aren't written; they're re-written. Today Darren and Mark learn the ins and outs of great writing from author/speaker/minister Vince Antonucci. His techniques are simple and practical, and when applied well, they will help you to become UNFORGETTABLE.   SNIPPETS: • Be clear; clarity counts • Simplicity and clarity are genius   • Avoid speaking in abstractions   •...

How do we find stories that change lives? In this episode, Mark & Darren get answers from award-winning filmmaker Stephen Kendrick of the Kendrick Brothers. They dive into story techniques and the mindset behind powerful storytelling. Stephen's tips will help you to become UNFORGETTABLE.   SNIPPETS: • Use realistic context • Lead with a teaser, create a hook, and keep them curious   • Help them un...

Peer collaboration may be just what you need to get breakthroughs and insights. Reflecting on a recent CREATE YOUR UNFORGETTABLE KEYNOTE 3-Day workshop, Darren & Mark discuss the benefits of both having and being a brainstorm buddy. They also expound on the value of having brainstorm buddies from unexpected sources.   SNIPPETS: • Gives a different perspective • Has a heart to help   • Opens our th...

Most presenters serve a niche audience, but how should they navigate serving diverse audiences? Today Mark and Darren talk with Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, Dewan to the Prince of Arcot, from the Royal Family in Chennai, India . Asif shares the techniques and mindset that he applies to address a broad range of audience demographics…from kids to diplomats to United Nations audiences. His expertise...

Darren often says: "We must connect before we can educate, inspire or persuade ." Today, Darren and Mark talk with veteran late-night comedy writer and Human Humor Detector Chris McGuire about the importance of connecting quickly. Chris lays out a proven strategy that will help any presenter to connect early and effectively…especially when speaking to high-stakes audiences.   SNIPPETS: • You must...

"LinkedIn is always changing! How do we stay current?" This question is on the minds of many, and today Mark and Darren get answers from LinkedIn Top Voice Richard Bliss. As they discuss critical changes to the platform, Richard shares the simple but necessary adjustments that will help us maximize our reach on LinkedIn.   SNIPPETS: • LinkedIn is BUSINESS MEDIA, not a social media platform • We mu...

There is no guarantee that audiences will remember every nugget and act after a presentation. This is especially true when leading workshops and multi-day programs. Darren and Mark expound on two tools that make this easier: KEEPERS and ACTION ITEMS. They explain how these tools help program attendees retain content and follow up on their own action plans more consistently.   SNIPPETS: • KEEPERS a...

Virtual presentations are here to stay and as presenters we must keep our audiences interested and engaged, sometimes for multi-day programs.  Mark and Darren have conducted virtual programs for several years and today they are joined by Stage Time University faculty member Mike Davis as they share proven techniques for keeping virtual audiences engaged.   SNIPPETS: • Have a co-host or co-presente...

Stories well told can be inspiring, entertaining and enlightening. However , sometimes speakers inadvertently omit the most compelling elements of their stories. Today Darren and Mark discuss the STORY DIG…a process for excavating the backstory, character motivation, and emotional depth that the speaker is too close to see themselves.   SNIPPETS: • Get a qualified coach to ask the right questions...

Everyone appreciates a story, and the difference between a good story and an unforgettable story comes down to a few mistakes that many speakers make. In this episode, Mark and Darren discuss common storytelling mistakes, offer ways to avoid them, and share techniques for making your stories unforgettable.   SNIPPETS: • Do a walkthrough with a proven process • Learn what constitutes a 'well-told s...

Following up on last week's episode, Darren and Mark talk with Philip Riggs, A VIP client at their recent OWN THE STAGE 3-DAY presentation coaching workshop. Philip shares the lessons and insights that empowered him to transform his speech almost overnight and earned him a standing ovation on Day 3. He also explains ways that he changed as a result of the coaching process.   SNIPPETS: • Be determi...

Can coaching make a big difference, especially if you are fairly accomplished and experienced?  In this episode, Mark and Darren get answers from four clients who participated in a recent OWN THE STAGE 3-DAY presentation coaching workshop. Bernadette, Glenn, Elaine, and Beth share their experiences, offer their perspective, and explain the benefits. They prove that qualified coaching can help any...

Ep. 354   DO YOU HAVE IT? People crave the 'it factor'…presence, confidence, charisma, and eloquence.  Today, Darren and Mark discuss another 'it' …courage. From their experience, they share the type of courage every speaker needs, to be unforgettable.   SNIPPETS: • Have the courage to be coached • Be courageous enough to get coached in public, in the company of strangers   • Be vulnerable   • Inv...

As presenters, we want to be our best on the platform. Many of us attend workshops and seminars, purchase and devour resources, and practice diligently. However, something might be missing. Today, Mark and Darren discuss specific actions that some speaker's won't take, the reasons for avoiding those actions, and the benefits of taking those actions…all if which can help any presenter to be unforge...

"I'm a keynote speaker. I'm a solopreneur. I'm building MY brand. Won't collaboration dilute my brand?" This is a valid concern, and in this episode, Darren and Mark discuss the 'ups and downs' of collaboration. Sharing their experiences, they show the significant benefits of collaboration and offer advice on choosing the right collaborators for you.   SNIPPETS: • Choose your collaborators careful...

Much has been said about having the right mindset before a presentation. Today, Mark and Darren discuss the right HEARTSET, and they share both how and why the right heartset can help to make you unforgettable.   SNIPPETS: • Heartset heavily focuses on audience outcomes • Be in the moment   • Hiccups happen, don't get flustered   • Your heartset impacts your brand   • Go all in   • Bring your enti...