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…
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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…