Racism is a highly volatile social issue. Tackling it head-on, to a global audience, breaks the mold, yet the 2020 World Championship Of Public Speaking 1st-Runner-Up Linda-Marie Miller did just that. Why that subject? What was her speech development process? Why use placards? Darren, Mark, and guest co-host Ed Tate get these answers and more…
How do you put a smile of the faces of your audience, or make them laugh out loud…especially when you KNOW you aren’t funny? Mark and Darren understand all too well, having both been branded ‘un-funny’ since childhood. In this episode, they share some simple yet effective formulas for finding the funny, and being unforgettable.
How do you deliver a potentially controversial presentation with grace and dignity, yet be effective without being offensive, and ultimately become UNFORGETTABLE? Mark and Darren get answers from Lebanese storyteller and academic Sadika Kebbi, as she expounds on the power of a personal story and reveals her unique techniques for making her presentations UNFORGETTABLE!
What happens when 2 World Champions are each asked to officiate a wedding for the first time? How do they approach it? Perhaps you will be asked to deliver a Best Man’s Speech, a toast, a roast, a eulogy or to officiate a wedding. How can you make it unforgettable? Mark and Darren break down…
With the global pandemic, it seems the whole world has been thrown off balance. How can you still be impactful? What if you’re a presenter and performer who relies on a large stage, unusual props, and extensive physical activity? How do you pivot to a virtual experience? In this lively…and sometimes visually amazing…conversation with Darren…
What does it take to ‘out-speak’ 35,000 global contestants to become the first VIRTUAL World Champion of Public Speaking? Mark and Darren chat with the 2020 WCPS Mike Carr about the ups and downs of his speaking journey, lessons learned along the way, and his now famous and unforgettable use of the virtual platform to…
Unforgettable presentations have MOMENTS…scenes, conversations, statements, and emotions that resonate with the audience or with the presenter. These are the moments that remain in our minds and hearts. Darren and Mark talk about three specific categories of Magic Moments, provide examples from their experiences, and offer advice on both identifying and creating magic moments…moments that…
That ‘Nudge Your Neighbor’ moment; when the speaker starts to tell a story you’ve heard before, so you nudge your neighbor and say, “You’re going to LOVE this!” Darren and Mark talk with master story-crafter Craig Valentine about the ins and outs of story craft, some common mistakes that even seasoned experts make, and the…
Entertainment superstar Will Smith calls him ‘The Legend’. Michael Hauge is a story expert and Hollywood script consultant to the stars. Today he responds to Mark’s and Darren’s questions about stories and gives insight into the nuances of not only preparing, but also presenting legendary stories. Applying his wisdom, gained from over 40 years in…
Have you ever wondered what it’s like being coached on your story? Today you get a peek behind the coaches’ curtain as Darren and Mark guide Michelle Villalobos, member of the Million Dollar Speaker Group, through the process of enhancing one of her signature stories. Learn how the application of simple yet potent techniques like…
Imagine yourself in the HOT SEAT, as an expert grills you with questions, with the only goal of showing you how to enhance your presentations, streamline your processes, and increase your revenue. Mark and Darren spend some time with Hall of Fame speaker and business growth strategist Ford Saeks, as he reveals how using HOT…
Several times in the past 50 years, I’ve heard the old adage, “Some things are better left unsaid!” It means that some thoughts SHOULD NOT BE VOCALIZED…usually because it could offend listeners or get the speaker in trouble. That may very well be true, but when you’re delivering a presentation…especially telling a story…that is NOT…