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…
“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…
“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…
“…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 A relationship with a speaker’s bureau can be just what a speaker…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
“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,…
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…
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…
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 Speakers sometimes make the mistake of trying to say a lot in a limited time. Darren and Mark…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
“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.…
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…
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…
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’…
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’…
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…
“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…
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,…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
‘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,…
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…
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…
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,…
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,…
“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…
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…
Today we hear from 3 more audience members, Gavin, Kristoff & Mark, as they reveal what they are REALLY thinking during your presentation. Darren and…
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…
Virtual training done well can be delightful. Done poorly, it can be disastrous. Darren, Mark & guest host Ed Tate, CSP take a deep dive…
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…
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.…
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,…
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.…
Imagine: Winning the World Championship of Public Speaking with a timeless message, pioneering unconventional attire & audience response, and mentoring several other finalists and champions,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
“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…
“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…
“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…
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…
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…
“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…
“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…
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…
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?…
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?…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
One of the strengths of every presentation is the MAIN CHARACTER in a story. But how do you get the audience to SEE, FEEL &…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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…
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…
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!…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Mark & Darren sit down with one of their mentors, an UNFORGETTABLE singer, speaker & entertainer! What would you do if at the height of…
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…
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…
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.…
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…
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…
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…