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 and Darren understand all too well, having both been branded ‘un-funny’ since childhood. In this episode, they share some simple yet effective formulas for finding the funny, and being unforgettable.
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 get answers from Lebanese storyteller and academic Sadika Kebbi, as she expounds on the power of a personal story and reveals her unique techniques for making her presentations UNFORGETTABLE!
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 and performer who relies on a large stage, unusual props, and extensive physical activity? How do you pivot to a virtual experience? In this lively…and sometimes visually amazing…conversation with Darren…
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 minds and hearts. Darren and Mark talk about three specific categories of Magic Moments, provide examples from their experiences, and offer advice on both identifying and creating magic moments…moments that…
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 to LOVE this!” Darren and Mark talk with master story-crafter Craig Valentine about the ins and outs of story craft, some common mistakes that even seasoned experts make, and the…
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 Mark’s and Darren’s questions about stories and gives insight into the nuances of not only preparing, but also presenting legendary stories. Applying his wisdom, gained from over 40 years in…
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 guide Michelle Villalobos, member of the Million Dollar Speaker Group, through the process of enhancing one of her signature stories. Learn how the application of simple yet potent techniques like…
“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 should make to alter their mindset, hone their craft, and elevate their performance level. Use this as a checklist. By continually striving to improve, regardless of your experience as a…
“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 from Michael Hauge, Hollywood Script Consultant to the stars, are the basis for a frank heart-to-heart as Mark and Darren talk about mining your life to find the GOLD. It’s…
“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 presenters, we work hard on our craft and do our best to shine on stage. Sometimes our focus is so lasered, we forget to have FUN. In this episode, Darren…
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 & the Washington Post, and appeared on MSNBC & CNN. David, Mark & Darren talk about showing emotion, becoming a better writer, and overcoming the fear of being authentic in…
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 97million YouTube views, and Hall of Fame humorist Jeanne Robertson reveals her secrets in this lively discussion with Darren and Mark. Jeanne shares how to train your ears to find…