Unforgettable Presentations

Impactful presentations are memorable, and today Darren and Mark share techniques for adding this final touch to your presentation before taking it to the platform. This episode covers Step #6: MAKE IT UNFORGETTABLE.   SNIPPETS:   • The more complex your topic, the more you need a simple structure   • Make your points digestible   • Use a proven story structure   • The 'THEN/NOW' model is a powerf...

A weak presentation closing can dilute your message and at worst , nullify your impact. In Part 4 of this series, Mark and Darren explore both principles for a solid closing, and mistakes that inexperienced presenters tend to make. This episode covers Step #5: CREATE YOUR COMPELLING CLOSE.   SNIPPETS:   • Your close should reinforce your premise   • There are several closing options   • Select the...

"Open STRONG!" This is Darren's advice in Part 3 of this series as he and Mark explain the 'WHY' and the 'HOW' behind an unforgettable presentation's opening. This episode covers Step #4: CREATE YOUR STRONG OPENING   SNIPPETS:   • Set the stage with your introduction   • Your opening sets up your premise   • The opening sets the trajectory of the listeners' experience   • Open strong   • Explore v...

In Part 2 of this series, Darren and Mark discuss the importance …and the benefits…of having a world-class presentation structure. This episode covers Step #3: STRUCTURE THIS!   SNIPPETS:   • The 'Tell them, tell them, tell them' structure is rudimentary and limited   • The 'Tell a story make a point' structure lacks cohesiveness   • Good structure gives your audience clarity and gives you confide...

An unforgettable presentation requires an unforgettable process. Today Mark and Darren begin breaking down their 7-Step speech process, laid out in their book DELIVER UNFORGETTABLE PRESENTATIONS. This episode covers STEP #1: FINDING YOUR CONTENT, and STEP #2: CLARITY, CLARITY, CLARITY!   SNIPPETS:   • You need an unforgettable process   • It's your responsibility to give your audience next steps  ...

In Part 2 of their conversation about the Top Ten Mistakes, Darren and Mark talk with Stage Time University faculty member Mike Davis about mistakes #5 through #1 in the countdown.    SNIPPETS:   • Identify the guide/guru/compass, which may not be a human   • The hero should not solve their own problem   • It isn't just about what changed, but about how the character grew   • Give your audience ti...

Over the years Darren and Mark have made…and seen…several mistakes . Today they're joined by Stage Time University faculty member Mike Davis as they discuss the mistakes they see most often…even after 30+ years of coaching. This episode feature mistakes #10 through #6 in the countdown. Avoiding these will help you to be unforgettable on the platform.   SNIPPETS:   • Avoid ending on Q & A or with a...

At some point in your speaking career, you will have to travel… sometimes overseas…and it's important to be prepared. Proper preparation includes getting ready for your presentation, and more. Darren and Mark break down their preparation process and provide tools to help any speaker prepare for their unforgettable presentation.    SNIPPETS:   • Prepare tech tools for your presentation   • Prepare...

Perhaps you've seen a poor introduction, or a well-written one poorly delivered . In this episode, Mark and Darren give insight into the power of a video introduction and share two examples to show how a good video introduction can help you to be unforgettable.    SNIPPETS: • A good video intro connects your audience to you   • It connects your audience to your subject   • Keep the content simple...

LinkedIn has become the business 'go-to' platform , but many users haven't been using it properly. Today, Mark and Darren talk with LinkedIn expert Richard Bliss about the mistakes and best practices for maximizing LinkedIn to accelerate your business.    SNIPPETS:   • LinkedIn is a business platform   • Don't use LinkedIn like social media platforms   • Social media activities are counterproducti...

Webster's Dictionary defines The 11 th Hour as "the latest possible time before it's too late." Today Darren and Mark give examples of 11 th hour speaking situations and offer advice on how to be unforgettable by performing professionally at the 11 th hour.   SNIPPETS:   • We are paid to make 11 th hour decisions   • True professionals perform at the 11 th hour   • Be aware that meeting planners o...

When reviewing their speech recordings, speakers often look for what DIDN'T go well. Today, Mark and Darren invite you to focus on the positive, and to look first for what LANDED. This will help you to identify your strengths, and approach areas for improvement with a positive mindset.    SNIPPETS:   • Find the magic moments   • Determine what worked   • Identify the times you connected   • Gauge...

  Have you considered re-writing one of your previous stories? In today's episode , Darren and Mark encourage you to examine your previous presentations with the goal of improving, enhancing, and re-writing. A re-write can elevate your content, enhance your performance, and most importantly amplify your impact.    SNIPPETS: • Great speeches aren't written; they're re-written   • Revisit previous p...

How do you find a balance between narration and dialog? NARRA-LOG! Like one of Mark and Darren's clients, you may think, "That sounds like a NARROW LOG!" Today our co-hosts talk about bridging the gap between too much narration/not enough dialog…and vice versa…using that 'narrow log.' They give guidance on using both techniques effectively to build your unforgettable presentation.   SNIPPETS:   •...

Darren and Mark encourage their clients to review their scripts and ask, "How can I say this better with fewer words?" Today they discuss how having a better mindset can transform your presentation, improve your business, and make you unforgettable.    SNIPPETS:   • Ask: What can I make, say, or do better?   • Re-evaluate your presentations, programs, and processes   • Revisit your digital footpri...

At some point, you may feel stuck in your business, doing the same thing over and over , without any measurable progress. Today Mark and Darren have an off-the-cuff discussion about ways to get breakthroughs on your path to becoming unforgettable.    SNIPPETS:   • Reach your 'enough is enough' point   • Revisit your habits   • Adopt a new perspective   • Seek qualified help   • Find a mentor • Be...

We all want to get booked but we often lack the skills and knowledge to land the gig…on the best terms. Speaker bureau executive Jennifer Lier sits down with Darren and Mark to reveal the obstacles that keep you from getting booked, and the 'must haves' that will get you gigs and make you unforgettable.    SNIPPETS:   • YOU are your company, brand, and product   • It's hard for you to negotiate yo...

To get more business, your prospects need to know you exist. Today, Mark and Darren talk with Hall-Of-Fame speaker and million-dollar business growth innovator Ford Saeks Ford offers practical, business building wisdom to help you get found, get seen, and get business.    SNIPPETS:   • Be great on stage   • Master your craft   • Google yourself to see what your prospects see   • Have a solid digit...

Your headshot is a critical component in your marketing material. So how do you look your best, and BE your best on camera? Darren and Mark get answers from Las Vegas-based celebrity photographer Jerry Metellus as they talk about the how and why of an unforgettable profile photo.   SNIPPETS: • Amplify what already is   • Don't be trapped in an image of what you think you should be   • Remember who...

A media interview is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your expertise and serve a broader audience. How can you get the opportunity, and what should you do to maximize that opportunity? In today's episode, Mark and Darren talk with speaker, author and coach Pilar Ortiz, former TV reporter, news anchor, producer and director. Pilar gives sage advice for handling media interviews, staying top of m...

Your voice is your instrument, so how do you keep it in top shape? Today, Darren and Mark sit down with Millian Quinteros, a voiceover artist, audio producer, podcast consultant, and voice care/maintenance coach. Using his own story of struggling with vocal issues, Millian explains some common voice-care mistakes, and offers practical advice to help you keep your instrument well-tuned.       SNIPP...

Mark says, "One man's mundane is another man's magnificent." We sometimes fail to see the magnificence in our stories because we're too close to them. Today Darren and Mark explain why we may be too close, and suggest ways to broaden our perspective       SNIPPETS: • Start with a big block of clay   • We can be so close that we can't identify the magnificent in our story   • Video-record yourself...

What can be the motivation to go 'all in' as you prepare to deliver your next presentation? Mark and Darren look at the motivation for preparation and explain the value of a presentation walkthrough…with a live audience.   SNIPPETS: • When hour ego is at stake, you put in more work   • Put your rehearsal on the calendar, preferably 2 weeks out   • Work with a coach   • Walkthrough with your peer g...

What is a 'back pocket speech?' When do you need it? How do you use it? All good questions! Darren and Mark provide answers…and ideas for making your 'back pocket speech' unforgettable.   SNIPPETS: • It's not if…but when you have to fill in for another speaker   • Be prepared   • Make the meeting planner look good, and build your reputation   • Make it a habit at a conference to offer to speak if...

Sometimes speeches sound…well…speechy! Darren and Mark challenge you to examine your content and offer advice for ensuring that your authenticity shines through in every presentation.   SNIPPETS: • Be conversational   • Create a transcription   • Use tools like Microsoft Word's DICTATE feature   • You can't edit what you don't write down   • Write for the eye, not for the eye   • Bullet-point your...