What can speakers learn from an award-winning vocalist? Darren and Mark find out from Wintley Phipps, an internationally known singer who has performed for millions, including Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, and five American presidents. Wintley dispenses wisdom on identifying the lyrical musicality in our voices, using our voices with purpose, and employing language that will…
Life as a professional speaker sometimes presents the unusual, the comical, and the bizarre. In today’s light-hearted episode, Darren and Mark sit down with fellow World Champion speakers Ed Tate and Jim Key as they all share hilarious and outrageous stories from life on the road. Their conversation provides insight into an oft-neglected side of…
Success as a presenter takes work, along with the insight and guidance of mentors and coaches. Today, Mark and Darren have a heart-to-heart conversation with author, professional guitarist, mountain climber and Certified Speaking Professional Manley Feinberg II. He opens up about his work ethic, his rapid growth and transformation as a presenter, and the precious…
“To be EFFECTIVE you must be SELECTIVE!” Mark has been sharing this mantra with his clients for months. In today’s episode, he and Darren show that by being selective about your techniques, your content, and your delivery, you can prepare and present with power. They provide 8 specific ways to be selective, which, when applied,…
“PRESENTATION CUSTOMIZATION? What’s that?” Mark and Darren ask and answer this question in today’s episode. They explain why customization serves your audience…and you. They also provide four time-tested customization strategies that will endear you to your audience and make your message unforgettable. Snippets: When you customize, you connect Speak your audience’s language Interview audience members…
“…but if I don’t memorize, how will I remember my speech?” That’s not an uncommon question, but here’s a more important one: Does memorizing really allow you deliver your best presentation? Today Darren and Mark talk about a better option…INTERNALIZING. Along with explaining the difference between memorizing and internalizing, they elaborate on three specific techniques…
Ep. 140 – Inside The Brain Of A Bureau with Deia Starr Rank A relationship with a speaker’s bureau can be just what a speaker needs. But what are the keys to making it a win/win? Bureau agent Deia Starr Rank invites Darren and Mark inside the brain of a bureau, delivering solid advice that…
As speakers we are constantly being evaluated. But how should we respond to criticism, especially when it’s quite harsh? Darren and Mark discuss different types of criticism and offer ways to not only cope with it, but to grow from it. They also provide specific ways to approach criticism and discuss when it’s appropriate to…
Musicians care for their instruments by cleaning and tuning them. As speakers, how should we care for our instrument…our voice? Today Mark and Darren get ‘voice tuning’ lessons from award-winning entertainer, comedian, coach, and speaker Kevin Burke, who holds the Guinness World Record for the most theatrical performances in 50 days. Listen as Kevin guides…
What does it take to be ‘at the top of your game’ on LIVE television and radio every day, as well as being unforgettable in a variety of speaking situations? Darren and Mark get answers from professional speaker, sports broadcaster, and TV personality Chris Broussard, known globally for his incisive coverage and analysis of the…
Speaking at a hybrid event can be exciting, rewarding, and challenging. Imagine HOSTING one…especially after not having done so in three years! Mark and Darren share a few of the mistakes they made, and the lessons they learned hosting GAME CHANGERS 2022 – ALL IN, their first LIVE event in three years. As you continue…
For as long as he can remember, author, entrepreneur and Hall Of Fame speaker Michael Aun has been breaking unwritten rules. Decades before the now-common conference closing video montage, he created his ‘visual extravaganza’ for his audiences using 35mm photos. He was the first Toastmasters International Speech Contestant to NOT speak at the lectern. And…