“PRESENTATION CUSTOMIZATION? What’s that?” Mark and Darren ask and answer this question in today’s episode. They explain why customization serves your audience…and you. They also provide four time-tested customization strategies that will endear you to your audience and make your message unforgettable. Snippets: When you customize, you connect Speak your audience’s language Interview audience members…
“…but if I don’t memorize, how will I remember my speech?” That’s not an uncommon question, but here’s a more important one: Does memorizing really allow you deliver your best presentation? Today Darren and Mark talk about a better option…INTERNALIZING. Along with explaining the difference between memorizing and internalizing, they elaborate on three specific techniques…
As speakers we are constantly being evaluated. But how should we respond to criticism, especially when it’s quite harsh? Darren and Mark discuss different types of criticism and offer ways to not only cope with it, but to grow from it. They also provide specific ways to approach criticism and discuss when it’s appropriate to…
Musicians care for their instruments by cleaning and tuning them. As speakers, how should we care for our instrument…our voice? Today Mark and Darren get ‘voice tuning’ lessons from award-winning entertainer, comedian, coach, and speaker Kevin Burke, who holds the Guinness World Record for the most theatrical performances in 50 days. Listen as Kevin guides…
Speaking at a hybrid event can be exciting, rewarding, and challenging. Imagine HOSTING one…especially after not having done so in three years! Mark and Darren share a few of the mistakes they made, and the lessons they learned hosting GAME CHANGERS 2022 – ALL IN, their first LIVE event in three years. As you continue…
For as long as he can remember, author, entrepreneur and Hall Of Fame speaker Michael Aun has been breaking unwritten rules. Decades before the now-common conference closing video montage, he created his ‘visual extravaganza’ for his audiences using 35mm photos. He was the first Toastmasters International Speech Contestant to NOT speak at the lectern. And…
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 ideas for using emojis as tools to enhance the experience that you give to your audience. Emojis can play a key role in clarifying your stories, making your characters more…
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 have made, the actions they have taken, and the tools they have utilized to ‘change the game’ for their businesses. They also share wisdom from some of the partners upon…
“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, you could be facing Imposter Syndrome. Maureen Zappala, author, speaker, and Imposter Syndrome expert, explains this psychological pattern to Darren and Mark, and lays out proven principles to help us…
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 this episode, Mark and Darren introduce the ‘poignant pause’ and expound on the differences between the two. Understand both, and using them well, will take you one step closer to…
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 professional speaker Ed Tate about lessons they learned from their career ‘firsts’…both good and bad…that will guide you along your journey to becoming unforgettable. Snippets: Don’t underestimate the value of…
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 Bill Stainton provides the answers in this frank discussion with Darren and Mark. He shares the untapped power of your background, the value of giving yourself permission to fail, and…