In this episode, Mark and Darren help veteran wedding officiant Maria Romano…who has performed over 3,000 wedding ceremonies…to dig for ‘gold’ in a new story, not yet told in public. They show her how eliciting emotion, depicting vivid characters, using dialogue, and uncovering meaningful ‘moments’ can elevate the impact of her presentation, and make it…
You tell your ‘signature story’ and you’re confident that your audience will get your message…or will they? Today Mark and Darren explore how a story may send a message that can differ significantly from the one that we intend. They also offer solid suggestions for discovering and using the different messages effectively, to make your…
It’s that time of year again. Toastmasters the world over are entering the International Speech Contest in the hope of becoming the next World Champion of Public Speaking. No doubt many of the hopefuls are competing for the first time, uncertain about the road ahead. Believe me, I understand completely. In 1994 I entered my…
Hybrid presentations became popular in the early 2020s, and they are here to stay. Darren and Mark have been using the hybrid model for several years and in this episode, they define the model and explain its challenges. They also offer four key strategies for mastering hybrid programs…keys that will help you deliver your unforgettable…
“I don’t deserve to be here. They will find out I’m not as good as they think I am.” If you’ve ever had that thought, you could be facing Imposter Syndrome. Maureen Zappala, author, speaker, and Imposter Syndrome expert, explains this psychological pattern to Darren and Mark, and lays out proven principles to help us…
Photo by Tim Mossholder on Unsplash That title may have gotten your attention, and if so, GREAT! For most of my life I’ve heard people talk about, decree and declare, make promises and tell the world about their New Year Resolutions. Many years ago I participated in programs like ‘A NEW YEAR, A NEW…
The term ‘pregnant pause’ is widely used to describe a period of silence that keeps the audience in suspense, with a feeling of anticipation. In this episode, Mark and Darren introduce the ‘poignant pause’ and expound on the differences between the two. Understand both, and using them well, will take you one step closer to…
There’s nothing like delivering your first paid speech or taking your first flight to deliver an ‘out-of-town’ presentation. Today Darren and Mark speak with fellow professional speaker Ed Tate about lessons they learned from their career ‘firsts’…both good and bad…that will guide you along your journey to becoming unforgettable. Snippets: Don’t underestimate the value of…
What can writing, producing, and performing a comedy television show teach us about being unforgettable presenters? 29-time Emmy Award winner and Hall Of Fame Speaker Bill Stainton provides the answers in this frank discussion with Darren and Mark. He shares the untapped power of your background, the value of giving yourself permission to fail, and…
Ep. 123 – Why Less Is More Speakers sometimes make the mistake of trying to say a lot in a limited time. Darren and Mark share how to say less while delivering more value. The less we say, the more the audience remembers. That’s one way to be unforgettable. Snippets: Don’t try to squeeze 10…
It’s easy to assume that training and keynote speaking are the same. They’re not. Today Mark and Darren are joined by fellow Certified Speaking Professional and World Champion Ed Tate as they examine 4 critical differences between the two presentation methods. Understanding and mastering these differences will help you to be unforgettable. Snippets: Keynoters inform…
A strong audience connection is one of the keys to being unforgettable. How can you establish that connection, even BEFORE you take the platform? Today Darren and Mark expound on three ways to BUILD A BETTER BRIDGE to your audience, forge relationships, and create allies in the process. Snippets: Interview a few key individuals ahead…