How do you stand out on the platform, whether you’re one of 30,000 competitors with a dream of winning the World Championship of Public Speaking, a corporate presenter, a pastor, attorney, educator or TEDx speaker? Co-hosts 2001 Champ Darren LaCroix, and his coach, 1995 Champ Mark Brown, unpack 9 DOs & 9 DON’Ts that will…
Do You Dare to Delegate? During a webinar I conducted recently, several participants admitted that they are unwilling to delegate, for a number of reasons, including, “I don’t want to dump more work on other people” and “I don’t want anyone to think I can’t hold my own.” However, “Nobody can do it as…
It’s not what you think. You’ll probably be surprised. No, it’s not your amazing opening, your signature story, your dazzling slides and infographics, or your challenging call to action. It really isn’t ‘YOUR’ anything! It belongs to your AUDIENCE! Darren and Mark explore the significance of the thought process in the minds of the people…
WHAT’S IN A WORD? OK. I confess. I’m a ‘word-nerd’! When I was 13, I began to read the dictionary, thanks to the extensive vocabulary of English author Thomas Hardy, whose works were required reading in my Grade 9 English Literature class back in Jamaica. The experience was akin to a treasure hunt for me…
What does it take to own the stage with energy as high as Mt. Everest, and lie face down on the platform, in a shocking pink dress, and sneakers? It takes a supreme level of confidence, extreme comfort in your own uniqueness, and a commitment to being fully YOURSELF. Darren and Mark sit down with…
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with”. I’ve read and heard that Jim Rohn quote countless times, and recently it led me to think…not so much about the people I spend time with, but about the people who ‘have my ear.’ It wouldn’t come as a surprise to…
many speakers offer…the Q & A session. Suddenly, attendees start to fidget, some start to pack their things, and others head for the door. But you’re not done! That’s NOT what you expected. Now what? Grab your preferred note-taking device and listen as Darren and Mark break down the “Dos and Don’ts” of a successful…
“Don’t give a speech; give an EXPERIENCE!”, says podcast co-host Mark Brown. 21st-century audiences are more savvy than ever, rarely wanting a presenter who will deliver a ‘motivational speech’. Audiences want to connect and engage. Listen as Darren & Mark ‘engage’ with Marvelless Mark Kamp, the ROCKSTAR of Audience Engagement, who reveals his secrets for…
How can you GUARANTEE that your audience won’t get lost as you deliver your message? That’s the sexy, yet unsexy part of presentation preparation. Lean in as Darren and Mark break down the ‘what and the why’ of good speech STRUCTURE, and give you a road map that will lead your audiences to your prescribed…
Amateur mechanic at the tender age of 8. First-time pro basketballer at the ancient age of 25. NBA All-Star at 32. Now, entrepreneur, author, media personality, and sought-after Certified Speaking professional. How does one accomplish all this? Darren & Mark chat with the amazing Mark Eaton about his COMMITMENT to excellence and the daily steps…
So you want a new keynote, a ‘sexier’ presentation, the perfect story, to find the funny, or better platform technique. You need a SPEAKER COACH! With myriad choices available, who is best for YOU? Darren and Mark discuss their experiences as both coach and client, and give solid advice for finding the perfect partner to…
Recently I read a book in which the author quoted a poem, and when I heard it I thought to myself, “Hmmm…that doesn’t sound quite right.” I decided to do some research. It turned out that the poem is called “An Autobiography in FIVE Short Chapters” by Portia Nelson. (My fellow Certified Speaking Professional…