Ep. 213 Start Clowning Around With Don Colliver
What can clown presence teach us about being unforgettable presenters? Darren and Mark find out from Don Colliver, comedian, improvisor, director, writer and clown. He…
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Ep. 212 Are You Ready For The Opportunity?
A speaker at an event you’re attending can’t make it and someone asks YOU to step in on very short notice. Are you READY? Today…
Ep. 211 Too Many Coaches?
Does a speaker need more than one coach? Can a speaker have too many coaches? What if I know several equally qualified coaches; should I…
Ep. 210 Watching A True Pro In Action
What makes a pro SHINE? Today Mark and Darren identify three techniques that true pros use to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Engage the…
Ep. 209 Why Name Your Characters?
Stories can greatly enhance any presentation but they can be confusing if characters aren’t clearly identified. In today’s discussion, Darren and Mark explore the value…
Ep. 208 Are You a ‘Super Speaker?’
Imagine hearing a presenter and thinking, “They remind me of Tony Robbins and Les Brown. The perfect Motivational Speaker!” Then you meet them in the…
Ep. 207 Your Cutting Room Floor?
“But it’s some of my FAVORITE MATERIAL!” We want to give our audiences ALL our wisdom and experiences. But that’s not always the best…
Ep. 206 – 9 Costly Corporate Presentation Mistakes
Poor corporate presentations can cost you money. Today Mark and Darren will discuss NINE corporate presentation mistakes and offer tips on how to avoid them,…
Ep. 205 – Going To Your Dark Place
Should we tell our most painful stories…the ones that take us to The Dark Place? Today Darren and Mark have a serious conversation about this…
Ep. 204 The Big Secret to Being Funny
“But I wasn’t born funny!” may be a common exclamation, so what’s the SECRET to being funny? For answers, Darren and Mark turn to television…
Ep. 203 Your Audience Helps You Write Your Speech?
Believe it or not, your audience can be an ally who helps you to hone your content and make your presentation even better. Mark and…
Ep. 202 How Do You Know if You are Unforgettable
You want to believe that your audience remembers you and your message, but how can you KNOW? Today Mark and Darren explain the value of…
Ep. 201 Are You Up for a Challenge? With Alexandre Matte
Co-hosts Darren & Mark encourage their clients to stretch and challenge themselves. Today Mark discusses his greatest speaking challenge…a 12-minute speech in French…and he is…
Ep. 200 3 Ways Presenters Can Use AI
AI is everywhere. How can presenters use AI as a tool, without diminishing their expertise? Today Darren and Mark offer THREE specific ways that presenters…
Ep. 199 Receiving Tough Feedback
You’ve just delivered your presentation, then someone gives you feedback, and it feels tough…even harsh. Now what? Mark and Darren have been there, and today…
Ep. 198 Speaking vs. Training
“I’ll just add a couple of stories, insert a few activities, and I’ll convert my keynote into a training. That should work, right?” It’s not…
Ep. 197 Are You A Lamplighter?
This question is based on the role of the lamplighter: a person employed to light and maintain gas streetlights. Today Mark and Darren explore ways…
Ep. 196 Unforgettable Preparation
“So many presenters mistake memorization for preparation” says Darren, as he and Mark reveal some powerful principles for preparing and delivering unforgettable presentations. SNIPPETS: •…
Ep. 195 What’s Your One Thing?
As presenters we are often tempted to teach our audience everything we know. Mark and Darren drill down on the importance of, and methods for…
Ep. 194 Are You a Selfish Presenter?
The term ‘Selfish Presenter’ may seem harsh, but today Mark and Darren talk about one way we deny our audiences the full experience of our…
Ep. 193 Think 3 Presentations Ahead
It’s easy to focus on your next presentation based on the occasion, especially when you have customized it for a specific audience. Today Darren and…
Ep. 192 Nine Ways to Prove Your Point – 4 20 23 9.31 AM
No matter how pithy your point may be, you have to PROVE it to your audience. Today Darren and Mark offer nine ways to do…
Ep. 191 Which Feedback Should You Use?
You deliver your presentation, then well-meaning friends and would-be advisors offer their feedback. However, their recommendations vary widely. Which do you implement? Mark and Darren…
Ep. 190 Critical Step 2 To Be Unforgettable
Mark and Darren have oft said that the first step to an unforgettable presentation is A CLEAR MESSAGE, but what is Step #2? In this…
Ep. 189 Is Your Character’s Transformation Clear?
A key element in a story is the hero’s journey, and it must end in transformation. There are ways to make the transformation clear, and…
Ep. 188 Your Unforgettable Speaker Demo Reel with Chris West
“If you want to get booked, you need a demo reel!” This is now common advice for speakers. But what makes a good speaker demo…
Ep. 187 Are You Speaking in 3-D?
“Don’t give a speech; deliver an EXPERIENCE!” is an exhortation that co-host Mark offers frequently. Today he and Darren dive into the ‘3-D’ technique they…
Ep. 186 Your Coming-of-Age Story
Can you remember the moment when you KNEW you were ‘legit?’ Perhaps you’re an emerging presenter and have no idea what that means. Darren and…
Ep. 185 Your Next Step
It’s always nice to know that you rocked your presentation. The audience is buzzing and the event planner is happy. Do you go home thrilled…
Ep. 184 Your Testimonials Your Influence
You’ve delivered your presentation, but your impact doesn’t have to end there. How can you extend your influence? With testimonials! How valuable can they be?…
Ep. 183 After Your Talk
How do you handle the overwhelming questions and comments that come after your talk? How do you get testimonials when others want to talk to…
Ep. 182 The Unforgettable Commentating of Peter Drury
What can presenters learn from a professional football (soccer) commentator? Today Mark and Darren find out from Peter Drury, rated by the world’s largest football…
Ep. 181 The Science of Unforgettable With Steve Spangler
Is there a science to being unforgettable? The answer comes today from the man known as “America’s Science Teacher,’ author, Hall-Of-Fame speaker, TV personality, and…
Ep. 180 The Unforgettable Inspiration of John OLeary
Burned over 100% of his body at 9 years old, John O’Leary lives a story of great inspiration. Today he talks with Darren and Mark…
Ep. 179 How and When- Narration vs. Dialogue
“When should I use dialogue in my speech?” Darren and Mark have fielded this question numerous times. Today they provide answers…and a bonus: WHY it’s…
Ep. 178 Is Your Presentation Good Enough?
You’ve worked hard, you’ve rehearsed, you’ve delivered your presentation…perhaps several times…and it’s GOOD. But is it good ENOUGH? Today Mark and Darren take a look…
Ep. 177 Your Version 1.0
Every endeavor starts with Version 1.0. Today Darren and Mark present Version 1.0 of their podcast livestream using StreamYard for the first time. They speak…
Ep. 176 The Critical Decision
New Year Resolutions have become commonplace, and all too often, these resolutions don’t last. In this brief episode, Darren and Mark outline the difference between…
Ep. 175 Coaching The Coach With Coach Jennifer Leone
Following up on last week’s episode featuring Australian international speaker coach Jennifer Leone, this episode features live coaching. Mark takes the client’s hot seat as…
Ep. 174 Unforgettable Questions with Coach Jennifer Leone
How does a coach help their client get to the root of a story? How do they help uncover the gems hidden layers deep within…
Ep. 173 Review & Renew!
Do you have a presentation that has served you well for quite a while? Have you made any modifications recently? Could it be time for…
Ep. 172 What is Casual Costing You?
With experience comes the risk of being comfortable and too casual. Today Mark and Darren look at areas where presenters can become casual, and how…
Ep. 171 Seven Steps to an Engaging Introduction
You’ve invested hours preparing to deliver your unforgettable presentation, and you are READY! Right before you take the stage, the MC recites your bio, or…
Ep. 170 Thanksgiving Brainstorming?
In North America, Thanksgiving is a time for food, fun and family. In this first LIVE brainstorming session, Mark and Darren come up with ideas…
Ep. 169 Create an Unforgettable Experience with The Brothers Koren
From playing in empty ‘dive bars’, to playing for millions and earning a gold record, to helping individuals and organizations ‘find their voice’. This has…
Ep. 168 Reading Your Audience With Human Lie-Detector Annie Sarnblad
Today’s guest Annie Sarnblad is a global expert on microexpressions…facial expressions that last a short time but reveal a great deal about us. In this…
Ep. 167 Unforgettable Connections With Thom Singer
As important as our unforgettable presentations may be, let’s not neglect the impact of our relationships and our network. They help us make connections with…
Ep. 166 Going Pro with Jim Cathcart
There may come a point when a speaker decides to become a professional…a pro. Others take it one step further and decide to ‘Go Pro’.…
Ep. 165 PART 3 – 2022 World Championship Speech Critiques-Cyril
In this final installment of a three-part series, Mark and Darren are joined by guest coach Mike Davis to review the presentation of the 2022…
Ep. 164 PART 2 – 2022 World Championship Speech Critiques-Alexandre
The Toastmasters International Speech Contest draws the interest of thousands each year, and in this second episode of a three-part podcast series, Darren, Mark, and…
Ep. 163 PART 1 – 2022 World Championship Speech Critiques-Mas
Each year, 35,000 people enter the Toastmasters International Speech Contest with the dream of becoming the World Champion of Public Speaking. For this special three-part…
Ep. 162 Delivering to a Tough Audience
We all want a great audience, and most of the time, that’s what we get. However, sometimes we must face a tough crowd…unsmiling, stone-faced, and…
Ep. 161 Your Message As A Gift With Dr. Shirley Davis
Your presentation, your message, and your ability to share them are gifts to your audience. This advice comes from global workforce expert, international keynoter, author,…
Ep. 160 The Stories Behind the Fripp’s Proven Process
The Fripp Presentation Model is the perfect tool for preparing presentations that are well-structured, flow smoothly, and contain all the elements that transform a speech…
Ep. 159 The Biggest Mistakes with Patricia Fripp
Nobody wants to make mistakes, but we all do…emerging speakers and experienced professionals alike. In this episode, Darren and Mark talk with their mentor, Hall…
Ep. 158 Speaking to Youth
“Speak to TEENAGERS?” To some, that’s normal. To others, it’s SCARY. Today Mark draws from his 20+ years serving the youth market, as he and…
Ep. 157 What Do You Do with Your Story Folder?
You may have more stories than you know, and for years, Darren and Mark have encouraged their students to ‘keep a story file.’ They have…
Ep. 156 Speaking In Soundbites
You may one day be interviewed on television, and you may have only 3-5 minutes to deliver your message. How can you be effective in…
Ep. 155 The Greatest Story Never Told
Does your life hold an untold story? Perhaps one you tried before that didn’t work well, so you abandoned it? Maybe you thought it wasn’t…
Ep. 154 Panelist Part II Our Experience
In this follow-up to last week’s episode about preparing to be a panelist, Darren and Mark share how some of the DOs and DON’Ts in…
Ep. 153 How To Be An Unforgettable Panelist
Your expertise can earn you a seat on the platform as a panelist. Today Darren and Mark and Darren unpack the DOs and DON’Ts of…
Ep. 152 Moderate This!
You’ve been tasked with moderating a panel discussion. Where do you start? What do you do? Mark and Darren offer SIX suggestions that will help…
Ep. 151 Where is Your Heart Now?
“I don’t live there any more.” That was the answer that 1999 World Champion speaker Craig Valentine gave to many who asked him to deliver…
Ep. 150 The Depressed Motivational Speaker
Have you ever felt depressed or actually had depression and still had to give an inspiring presentation? Mark and Darren tackle this thorny question in…
Ep. 149 What Does Your Title Say?
Your presentation title can have a greater impact on your potential audience than you may think. A strategically written title can inspire prospective meeting planners…
Ep. 148 Four Critical Reasons You Must Get a Speaking Coach
“Why do I even NEED a coach? I’m doing fine on my own and I’m getting better!” As true as that may be, Mark and…
Ep. 147 Seven Steps to Be Unforgettable
What’s a good process for delivering an unforgettable presentation? Today Darren and Mark discuss their 7-step process in the book ‘DELIVER UNFORGETTABLE PRESENTATIONS’, which they…
Ep. 146 How To Speak Lyrically With Wintley Phipps
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,…
Ep. 145 Weird, Wild and Wacky Stories From The Road
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…
Ep. 144 Using Multiple Coaches with Manley Feinberg II
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…
Ep. 143 – 8 Ways to be Powerfully Selective
“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…
Ep. 142 Customize…and Connect
“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…
Ep. 141 Dont Memorize…
“…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…
Ep. 140 Inside the Brain of a Bureau with Deia Starr Rank
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…
Ep. 139 Coping with Criticism
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…
Ep. 138 Tuning Your Instrument with Kevin Burke
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…
Ep. 137 The Unforgettable Broadcasting of Chris Broussard
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…
Ep. 136 What We Learned From Our First Live Event in Two Years
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…
Ep. 135 Breaking The Unwritten Rules with Michael Aun
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…
Ep. 134 Emojis in Your Stories?
We use emojis every day in our digital communication. But what if you used emojis in your stories? Listen as Darren and Mark offer concrete…
Ep. 133 Game Changers 2022
What are some of your recent GAME CHANGERS that have helped you to grow? Today Mark and Darren talk about some of the decisions they…
Ep. 132 Your ‘NAME-ISMS’
Today Darren and Mark talk about a unique way to brand yourself and stand out. NAME-ISMS are words or phrases that YOU coin and create,…
Ep. 131 Your Unforgettable Brand with Rory Vaden
What exactly is your ‘personal brand’? Mark and Darren get the answer from Rory Vaden, author, Hall of Fame speaker, and co-founder of the Brand…
Ep. 130 Story Dig with Maria Romano
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,…
Ep. 129 Single Story, Multiple Messages
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…
Ep. 128 Hybrid Speaking
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…
Ep. 127 Overcome Imposter Syndrome with Maureen Zappala
“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,…
Ep. 126 The Pregnant Pause vs. The Poignant Pause
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…
Ep. 125 Your Firsts
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…
Ep. 124 Think Like a Producer with Bill Stainton
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…
Ep. 123 Why Less is More
Ep. 123 – Why Less Is More Speakers sometimes make the mistake of trying to say a lot in a limited time. Darren and Mark…
Ep. 122 Training vs Keynote: 4 Critical Differences
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…
Ep. 121 Build a Better Bridge
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…
Ep. 120 Your Epic Keynote and Career with Jane Atkinson
You have a keynote presentation and it’s good. But how do you take it to the next level? Jane Atkinson, known throughout the speaking industry…
Ep. 119 The Power of the Walkthrough
Today Darren and Mark address your presentation WALKTHROUGH. This isn’t a rehearsal; it’s a review of the structure of your presentation, like a storyboard in…
Ep. 118 Reverse Engineering Your Life Lessons
Sometimes we fail to recognize powerful stories from our lives because they don’t appear to be significant on the surface. Today Mark and Darren discuss…
Ep. 117 Becoming Unforgettable?
How can a presenter BECOME unforgettable? Today Darren and Mark talk with Mike Davis, Sara McGill, and Kathi Kulesza, three members of Darren’s Stage Time…
Ep. 116 Finding The Punch Lines In Your Pain With Stephanie McHugh
What’s a great career move when your children grow up and move out? Leave your corporate career and become a stand-up comedian! Stephanie McHugh explains…
Ep. 115 High-Impact Speaking With Simon Bucknall
“I never planned on a career in the world of public speaking”, says UK-based Simon Bucknall, speaker/author/trainer/consultant serving prestigious universities like Oxford and Cambridge as…
Ep. 114 Out-Caring The Competition With Douglas Kruger
How does one go from being a shy child to 3-time South Africa Skateboarding Champion to the only 5-time winner of the Southern African Championship…
Ep. 113 Build Your Business PART 2 Their Story
How can you inspire the best people to work with you and collaborate with you? There’s nothing wrong with promoting your track record of achievement.…
Ep. 112 Build Your Business PART 1 Your Story
Any business owner can list their credentials and unleash their CV to promote their products and services. Many do just that on their website and…
Ep. 111 The Next Level With Jeff Civillico
High-energy Las Vegas headliner Jeff Civillico is also a dynamic speaker and professional Master of Ceremonies (Emcee). He talks with Mark and Darren about the…
Ep. 110 The Faithful Courage Of Dr. Nido Qubein
Dr. Nido Qubein, a true speaking legend, has inspired audiences across the globe for almost 50 years. As he chats with Darren and Mark, he…
Ep. 109 Close up with Roger Caesar
Speaking, is the first Grenadian to take that stage. He gets up close with Mark and Darren, revealing the motivation behind messages. He also explains…
Ep. 108 Nitay-Yair Levi’s Yellow Brick Road
Imagine believing that you lack the heart, brains and courage to take the Yellow Brick Road of public speaking, so it takes you SIX MONTHS…
Ep. 107 The Scenic Storytelling Secret
We all know how to use descriptive language to create scenes in the minds of our audiences. Today Mark and Darren reveal the secret to…
Ep. 106 Meet 2021 World Champion of Public Speaking Verity Price
Imagine that 25 years of your life story includes writing songs as a teenager in Cape Town, South Africa, singing professionally in Nashville, Tennessee, acting…
Ep. 105 The Unforgettable Research Of Ryan Estis
How do you take client customization to the next level…and beyond? Sales, Leadership and Business Expert Ryan Estis uses original, personalized research to ‘know more…
Ep. 104 Virtual is Not Going Away!
Competence at virtual presentations has become a necessity, and industry experts confirm that presenters MUST have this skill in their arsenal because as hopeful as…
Ep. 103 A Story You Won’t Forget With Rena Romano
From childhood abuse to contemplating suicide to Oprah to the TEDx stage, Rena Romano has a story you won’t forget. Now a respected speaker, author…
Ep. 102 When It All Goes Wrong!
The lights go out in the middle of your presentation. Your tech fails right before you start. You have 15 minutes to deliver your 1-hour…
Ep. 101 First Be An Unforgettable Person With Jim Cathcart
“If you want to be an unforgettable speaker, you have to be an unforgettable person.” This acorn of wisdom is one of many that Hall…
Ep. 100 The Legendary Brian Tracy
He started out with nothing, had multiple failures, and even slept in his car! Today, Brian Tracy is a speaking LEGEND! He sits down with…
Ep. 99 The 2021 Master of Influence
Since 1993, the National Speakers Association (NSA) has recognized those who have influenced the speaking profession in a significant way with the Master of Influence…
EP. 98 COACHING RESULTS Denise Marek
“My stories are now UNFORGETTABLE!”, says Denise Marek, award-winning speaker and author, eight months after being coached by Mark and Darren LIVE on Episode 65.…
Ep. 97 Live Coaching With Maureen Zappala, Imposter Syndrome Expert
In this episode, Darren and Mark work with Maureen Zappala on the opening story in her keynote. They help her to more deeply embrace the…
Ep. 96 Your Speakers Journey
Have you ever felt like you’ve stopped making progress? Or that you should toss a story because you don’t think it works? Using case stories…
Ep. 95 Do What Most Wont
To be unforgettable we must be willing to do what most presenters won’t, even when it is painful. Today Mark and Darren unpack three ‘must-do’…
Ep. 94 Your Story Makeover
You probably have stories that you have told over and over. How could you possibly make them better? Darren and Mark reveal a three-step ‘makeover’…
Ep. 93 Hybrid Speaking
As the world slowly emerges from the pandemic, in-person events are opening up. But between virtual and in-person, there’s the HYBRID event, where some attend…
Ep. 92 Wisdom of the Aged
“When I was your age…” Those words have prompted many of us to roll our eyes as someone older tries to tell us about “The…
Ep. 91 Closer to Home
We’ve all heard inspirational stories of famous people and celebrities, and they’ve been overused for years. Today Mark and Darren examine an untapped resource…family, relatives,…
Ep. 90 The Unforgettable Storytelling Technique Of Kindra Hall
Why tell stories? How do you make them unforgettable? Kindra Hall replies using her story journey from ‘unofficial elementary school storyteller’ to National Champion Storyteller…
Ep. 89 Why are you REALLY there?
You’ve got the ‘gig’ and you’ll get to showcase your expertise and experience. But why are you REALLY there? Darren and Mark answer this question…
Ep. 88 The Unforgettable Les Brown
“LIVE YOUR DREAMS!” Millions have heard these words by the legendary Les Brown, who opens up to Mark and Darren about his incredible journey, which…
Ep. 87 The Gold in the Old!
Do you have a story, a presentation, a sermon or experience that you haven’t used in a long time? Maybe you think it’s past its…
Ep. 86 Live Coaching With Denise Banks-Grasedyck, Speaker, Author
Today Mark and Darren help Denise Banks-Grasedyck uncover the power of her stories using ‘triads’…the power of three. Denise learns how characters and contrast can…
Ep. 85 Unforgettable Body Language with Blanca Cobb
How can you tell if you’re connecting with your audience? How can you make your characters come alive? How can your face, hands and body…
Ep. 84 Your Unforgettable STRETCH
What happens when you STRETCH? Darren and Mark chat with four of their speaking students, Kory May, Amanda Mae Gray, Sara McGill, and Kathi Kulesza,…
Ep. 83 The Unforgettable Capt. Charlie Plumb
After spending almost 6 years as a Prisoner of War, writing a book so people will STOP asking about it, giving over 400 FREE speeches,…
Ep. 82 Prop-ology
Props can be powerful tools for supporting your premise and reinforcing your message. Should you use them? Why? When? How? Mark and Darren provide answers…
Ep. 81 Do You Have Open Loops?
Without knowing it, we sometimes leave unanswered questions in the minds of our audience…open loops that we don’t close. Today Darren and Mark examine 4…
Ep. 80 Five Closing Mistakes
If you’ve ever left a presentation wondering, “Is that it?” it’s possible that the speaker didn’t close convincingly. Mark and Darren discuss 5 common closing…
Ep. 79 Your Failure Story
Perhaps you’ve failed, at something, at some time. If you’d rather not share it, that’s normal. Today Mark and Darren discuss failures…and share a few…
Ep. 78 The World’s First Humor Engineer with Drew Travin
‘HUMOR ENGINEER.’ Somehow those two words just don’t seem to belong together. Today Mark and Darren chat with Drew Tarvin, the world’s FIRST humor engineer,…
Ep. 77 We Double Dog Dare You!
Did you ever accept a dare when you were younger? Or did you choose the comfortable path and ‘play it safe?’ As presenters, it’s easy…
Ep. 76 Does Your Presentation Need a Little Salt?
It’s easy for a presentation to become a lecture, as we spoon-feed the audience with the knowledge we want to share. Mark and Darren investigate…
Ep. 75 The Blessings in Your Battles
When life hits, it’s hard to ‘look on the bright side’. Darren and Mark offer specific strategies for seeking out the blessings in our battles,…
Ep. 74 Impromptu You! Ready?
You’re suddenly asked to ‘say a few words’ at a special occasion, or to replace a no-show speaker at the last minute. Are you nervous,…
Ep. 73 Being Funny Isn’t About Trying To Be Funny With Judy Carter
“If you’re trying to be anything other than yourself, you’re playing a game called ‘YOU LOSE!’” So says magician, coach, and speaker Judy Carter, author…
Ep. 72 Do You REALLY Give Your Audience What THEY Need? Part 3
In this final episode of a 3-part series, Jacob and Linda share their need for authenticity, originality, proven processes, and hope. Finally, Carolyn, the meeting…
Ep. 71 Do You REALLY Give Your Audience What THEY Need? Part 2
Today we hear from 3 more audience members, Gavin, Kristoff & Mark, as they reveal what they are REALLY thinking during your presentation. Darren and…
Ep. 70 Do You REALLY Give the Audience What THEY Need? – Part 1
If your audience members could personally tell you what they really need, would you adjust your content or your presentation? Mark and Darren hear from…
Ep. 69 Virtual Training Mistakes; 9 NO-NOs
Virtual training done well can be delightful. Done poorly, it can be disastrous. Darren, Mark & guest host Ed Tate, CSP take a deep dive…
Ep. 68 Unforgettable Movie Moments
Do you know that favorite movie scene when there’s a plot twist, a change in a character, a revelation, or a shock? Think STAR WARS…
Ep. 67 Create Unforgettable Analogies With Pastor Josh Teis
It’s tough creating a new presentation 50 times a year, and keeping your audience engaged week after week, but Pastor Josh Teis does just that.…
Ep. 66 Your Family’s Treasure
Do you remember the times when your family got together for holidays, anniversary celebrations or special occasions? The laughter you shared, the memories you made,…
Ep. 65 Live Coaching With Denise Marek, Worry-Management Expert
Take another peek behind the coaches’ curtain as Darren and Mark show Denise Marek, award-winning speaker and author, how minor adjustments can have major impact.…
Ep. 64 Lessons from the Master Mentor David Brooks
Imagine: Winning the World Championship of Public Speaking with a timeless message, pioneering unconventional attire & audience response, and mentoring several other finalists and champions,…
Ep. 63 WHY?
Have you clarified your why lately? What drives you to get on stage…or online…and deliver a presentation? We all have our reasons, and they may…
Ep. 62 Shatter Norms With A Deep Message: Linda-Marie Miller
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…
Ep. 61 Humor for the Un-Funny
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…
Ep. 60 How to Handle a Controversial Subject with Sadika Kebbi
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…
Ep. 59 How to Make Your Special Occasion Speeches 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…
Ep. 58 How To Be Unforgettable Off Balance With Dan Thurmon
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…
Ep. 57 The Story Behind the 2020 World Champion Speaker, Mike Carr
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…
Ep. 56 How to Create Unforgettable Magic Moments
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…
Ep. 55 The Art of Unforgettable Story Crafting with Craig Valentine
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…
Ep. 54 Create Your Legenday Story with Michael Hauge Your Unforgettable Story
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…
Ep. 53 LIVE COACHING with Michelle Villalobos, Superstar Activator
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…
Ep. 52 How To Use Unforgettable Hot Seats With Ford Saeks
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,…
Ep. 51 Everyone is Funny with Comedian Butch Bradley
From tiny obscure comedy clubs to television specials to stages on 3 continents, Butch Bradley has conquered the comedy world. But what techniques has he…
Ep. 50 Choose to Be Unforgettable
“An unforgettable presenter is an imperfect presenter striving to be unforgettable.” So says co-host Darren as he and Mark share 10 choices that every presenter…
Ep. 49 Where To Find The Gold In Your Life
“Look for those events in your life that brought you pain…and go deeper into the pain. Audiences will identify…and connect with your vulnerability.” These words…
Ep. 48 How To Use The Unforgettable Fun Factor
“Having fun allows me to do what I love without any great pressure.” says Olympic double gold medalist Ester Ledecka of the Czech Republic. As…
Ep. 47 How To Be An Unforgettable Communicator with David Henderson
How can we improve as communicators daily? Former prosecutor David Henderson, civil rights attorney, Toastmaster, and educator has answers. He has been published in Newsweek…
Ep. 46 How to Be Unforgettable Year After Year with Jeanne Robertson
Where can you continue to find fresh material every day? Every month? Every year? For more than 55 YEARS? Legendary speaker, ‘Grandma Gone Viral’ with…
Ep. 45 Be Practical, Creative And Unforgettable with Freddie Ravel
“Business is a dance between the practical and the creative,” says today’s guest. Mark and Darren sit down Grammy-Nominated musician, Freddie Ravel who toured with…
Ep. 44 Your Unforgettable Ask
“Your last words LINGER.” So says Hall of Fame speaking legend Patricia Fripp. You may have delivered a presentation containing hilarious humor, powerful stories, and…
Ep. 43 Your Unforgettable First Words
Do your first words FASCINATE, or FRUSTRATE? Your opening lines can make or break your presentation, and your audience will either tune in, or check…
Ep. 42 How To Be Unforgettable To Meeting Planners, Clients & Speaker Bureaus
Perhaps you’re thinking about working with a Speaker Bureau. What do they need from you? In what ways can you help them to help you?…
Ep. 41 Be Unforgettable In Multiple Markets with Mark Scharenbroich
What does it take to be successful in one speaking market, then to radically change lanes and become equally successful in a completely different market?…
Ep. 40 The Keys to Your Unforgettable TED Talk
So you want to give a TED or TEDx talk. What do event organizers and TEDs coaches look for? What are the DOs and DON’Ts…
Ep. 39 How To Be Unforgettable Using Captivating Customized Images
Be honest. You’ve seen them. PowerPoint slides with images taken from a Google search. Clip-art that has been on the Internet for years. Stock photography…
Ep. 38 How to be Unforgettable After Losing or Bombing
Special Edition Episode for Speech Contestants: You were SURE that you won the contest. You were set to ‘WOW’ your audience. You were confident that…
Ep. 37 How to Connect Quickly and Completely with Manley Miller
During his journey ‘from pothead to pastor’ as he put it, Manley Miller discovered the power of AUDIENCE CONNECTION, and has been committed to becoming…
Ep. 36 How To Engage Your Audience Using 11 Essential Pace Elements
The need for virtual presentations has skyrocketed in recent weeks, and as presenters, none of us wants to be BORING. But how can we keep…
Ep. 35 How to Maximize Your Influence with Mark Sanborn
Picture this: All your life you feel awkward, and out of place. You make the commitment to develop your speaking skills. You decide to become…
Ep. 34 How to Use Conflict Effectively
Conflict makes a story interesting and suspenseful. It also engages the audience, especially if they identify with the conflicted character. But how can you use…
Ep. 33 How to Be Distinctive with Scott McKain
From 14-year-old sports commentator, to movie reviewer, to being hired by Arnold Schwarzenegger to speak at the White House, Scott McKain has had a distinctive…
Ep. 32 How to Make Your Characters Unforgettable
One of the strengths of every presentation is the MAIN CHARACTER in a story. But how do you get the audience to SEE, FEEL &…
Ep. 31 How to Be Unforgettable…Virtually
You have to deliver a presentation, provide a corporate update, facilitate a workshop, host a seminar, or moderate a panel. But you have to do…
Ep. 30 Secrets to Finding Your Funny with Tim Gard
How do you transform a FRAUD INVESTIGATOR into ‘The FUNNY FED?’ What’s the magic behind taking a so-so story, and making it hilarious? How can…
Ep. 29 The Show Must Go On! Unforgettable Under Pressure with Dr. Terry Lyles
How do you perform at 100% when PowerPoint fails, you’re not physically at your best, the meeting planner is pulling their hair out, you have…
Ep. 28 The Story & Lessons Behind Kevin Burke’s 4,000 Performances as the Caveman
Same presentation again? How do you keep it fresh and make it UNFORGETTABLE? Ask Kevin Burke who has performed as a Vegas Headliner, for a…
Ep. 27 The Storytelling Diagram – The Key to Emotional Connection
How can you deliver stories that pack an emotional punch…even if the story is simple, with only a few characters, and is fewer than 20…
Ep. 26 STAGE-OLOGY How to Use the Stage with Maximum Impact
Perhaps you’ve seen them; the presenters who wander aimlessly back and forth across the stage. Or those for whom EVERY talk is like a Ted…
Ep. 25 How to Experience Front Row Success with Marilyn Sherman
How can you live life in the ‘FRONT ROW’, instead of in the ‘CHEAP SEATS’ up in the balcony, all the way in the back…and…
Ep. 24 How to Win Business Through Presentations with Ed Tate
How do you create a classic presentation, break down the tensions that exist between audience and presenter, appeal to various learning styles, give your audience…
Ep. 23 Seven Presentation Game Changers!
What are some of the most memorable ‘AHAs’ that, when applied, can transform any presentation? Listen as Darren and Mark discuss seven of the most…
Ep. 22 Patricia Fripp Get Higher Reviews Than More Famous Speakers
How can you WOW your audience with presentations that pack a PUNCH, and eclipse more famous speakers who share your stage? Darren and Mark chat…
Ep. 21 Create a Stronger Contest Speech: 9 DOs, 9 DON’Ts
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,…
Ep. 20 What’s the Most Important Component of Your Presentation?
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…
Ep. 19 The Story Behind Erin Gargan King’s Unforgettable Uniqueness
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…
Ep. 18 How to Deliver Q & A the Unforgettable Way!
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…
Ep. 17 The Story Behind Marvelless Mark’s Rockstar Experience
“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…
Ep. 16 The Sexy, Unsexy Part of Unforgettable Presentations
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…
Ep. 15 The Story Behind NBA All-Star, Mark Eaton’s Four Commitments Keynote
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…
Ep. 14 How to Choose the Right Speaker Coach for You
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!…
Ep. 13 The Story Behind Vince Antonucci’s Unfogettable Illustrations
Fly-swatter. Cinder block. Tattoo. These are just a few of the items that speaker, author, attorney, church pioneer, consultant and pastor Vince Antonucci employs when…
Ep. 12 How to Master Your Presentation Mindset
How should you MENTALLY prepare for the platform? What should you do 2 months before, 2 days before, and 2 minutes before your presentation? Mark…
Ep. 11 The Story Behind Jia Jiang’s Rejection Research
Would you wake up 100 days in a row with the specific goal of getting REJECTED? Would you abandon your Bill Gates-inspired ‘tech-trepreneurial dream’ to…
Ep. 10 Setting the Stage to Be Unforgettable
How do you get your audience to lean in, eager to hear your every word…BEFORE you take the stage? The secret is in your PRESENTER…
Ep. 10 Setting the Stage to Be Unforgettable
How do you get your audience to lean in, eager to hear your every word…BEFORE you take the stage? The secret is in your PRESENTER…
Ep. 9 The Story Behind Jason Hewlett’s Promise
How do you fulfill your promise to your clients, your family, and yourself, while delivering presentations that are both wildly entertaining and deeply insightful? Get…
Ep. 8 How to Clarify Your Unforgettable Message
Can you recall leaving a presentation wondering, “What was their point again?” That’s probably because the premise or the main idea was unclear. In this…
Ep. 7 The Story Behind Dr. Willie Jolley’s Unforgettable Opening and Closing
Mark & Darren sit down with one of their mentors, an UNFORGETTABLE singer, speaker & entertainer! What would you do if at the height of…
Ep. 6 How to Find Stories Right Under Your Nose!
Be honest. Have you had STORY ENVY? You know…you hear a presenter share a SENSATIONAL story and think to yourself, “Man! I wish I had…
Ep. 5 (Part 2) Seven-and-a-half More Questions Behind Creating Darren’s Winning Speech, “Ouch!”
In this episode, Mark delves deeper into the key questions that helped Darren to mine the gold in his life, uncover his message, and deliver…
Ep. 4 Five Key Questions Behind Creating Darren’s Winning Speech “Ouch!” (Part 1)
Do you want to find your unique message, or the gold from your life’s story? The gold is there if you know where to look.…
Ep. 3 The Story Behind Mark Brown’s World Championship Winning Speech
What does it take to defeat more than 20,000 contestants and win the World Championship of Public Speaking? Listen in as three World Champions dissect…
Ep. 2 The Story Behind Mike Rayburn’s Famous Hologram Keynote
Have you ever seen a keynote speech where the audience jumped to their feet and erupted in a well-deserved standing ovation? It’s just magical and…
Ep. 1 The Top 10 Presentation Mistakes
Are you making any of the Top 10 Presentation Mistakes? The first step to being unforgettable is to be aware of the mistakes most presenters…