How do you communicate a message of LOVE in a highly competitive, fast-paced, results-driven corporate world? Mark and Darren get the answer to this question…and many others…from Joel Manby, former CEO of SeaWorld who was also featured on an episode of ‘Undercover Boss.’ He shares lessons learned about customizing presentations, revealing failures and sharing a message of love. Applying his practical but powerful techniques will help any speaker to deliver an unforgettable presentation.   ...

No two audiences are alike, so how can you ensure that you connect with every audience, especially when you deliver the same presentation frequently? Darren and Mark share personal experiences as they talk about ways to connect with every unique audience, keep your presentation fresh, and get glowing testimonials.   SNIPPETS: • Every audience is different   • We are 100% responsible for our connection with the audience   • Interview audience members in advance   • Identify  and...

Did you know that there are world class techniques embedded in the structure of speeches and stories? Today Mark and Darren discuss several of these techniques, which, when applied, can make your next presentation unforgettable.   SNIPPETS: • Never devalue the power of a well-told story   • Assign names to your characters   • Provide at least one physical characteristic   • Give the audience a reason to emotionally connect with the main character   • Show characters’ ‘BEFORE’...

After your presentation, an audience member tells you that you said something that offended them. What should you do? What should you say? In a candid, vulnerable conversation, Mark and Darren hear first-hand from speaker, business leader, entrepreneur and grandma Margaret Page as she shares her faux pas, and her journey to redemption. Margaret offers sage advice to help any presenter avoid offending their audience, and to recover if they do.   SNIPPETS: • If you offend, don’t make...

Unforgettable presentations have FOUR basic, core elements and today Darren and Mark drill down on CORE 3: HUMOR and CORE 4: DELIVERY. Learn how to use humor well and deliver with impact…to be unforgettable.   SNIPPETS:   • Humor is a key to engagement; they work together   • The problem is funny; the solution is serious   • Find the audience’s frustration                                             • Comedy cuts down; humor lifts up   • Use appropriate humor   • Intention is...

Unforgettable presentations have basic, core elements that help to make them unforgettable. Today Darren and Mark discuss CORE 1: CONTENT & STRUCTURE as well as CORE 2: STORIES. Their principles will set you on the path to delivering your unforgettable presentation.   SNIPPETS:   • The CORE 4 lay the foundation of your presentation   • Use a strong structure on which to hang your presentation   • Strong structure makes your presentation digestible and unforgettable ...

There will likely be times when you must present, but you are not at your best. Perhaps you’re not feeling well, facing a personal challenge, or exhausted because of a lengthy flight delay. Mark and Darren prove that they know this all too well as they share their experience and advice about how to be unforgettable…even when you are ‘a little off.’   SNIPPETS: • Inform the event planner   • Remember that you’re there to serve the audience   • Acknowledge the ‘elephant in the room’...

You will be on the platform in FIVE MINUTES. What goes through your head? How can you get ready to SHINE? Darren and Mark share how to maximize your last five minutes before stage time to be unforgettable.   SNIPPETS:   • Be prepared…and be PRESENT   • Ground yourself, and center yourself   • Apply any method that serves you best   • Prayer, meditation, silence, walking, vocal exercises, physical movement   • Speaking is a privilege…and a RESPONSIBILITY   • Prepare like a...

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 shares his insights and experience on audience engagement and reveals how to make every presentation FUN…for you and your audience.   SNIPPETS: • Take IMPROV classes; improvised can be better than prepared   • Train yourself to lose your audience then get then back   • When you err, acknowledge your humanity and move...

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 Mark and Darren share insights on how and why to be ready for any presentation opportunity. They also disclose the benefits, to you and others, of being ready.  SNIPPETS: • Don’t GET ready; KEEP ready   • Identify the opportunity, jump on it, own it   • Have a ‘front pocket’ speech ready to go at all times   • Attend events with a servant’s heart   •...

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 use them all? In this episode, Darren and Mark tackle this thorny issue and offer specific guidance on coach selection…to help you deliver your unforgettable presentation. SNIPPETS: • Pick ONE coach   • Choose a coach who understands your backstory   • Choose a coach who appreciates your style   • Be careful who you listen to   • Equally qualified...

What makes a pro SHINE? Today Mark and Darren identify three techniques that true pros use to be unforgettable.   SNIPPETS:   • Engage the audience instantly   • Stand out before you even say a word   • Be fully present   • The first second and a half is critical   • Note cards are not a liability     • Don’t be concerned about perfection   • Love the audience, love the moment   • Work the room in your style   • Do what you must to hit your points and serve your audience ...

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 of naming characters and they offer ideas for making your characters unforgettable.   SNIPPETS: • Name every character for clarity   • Allow the audience to see the characters   • Avoid giving two characters similar names (Jane, Jean, Joan)   • Give a physical and characteristic and a personal trait   • Amalgamate...

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 hallway and they sound ‘normal’…as if they turned off their ‘speaker voice.’ In this episode, Mark and Darren discuss authenticity and pose the challenging question: Are YOU ‘Super Speaker?’   SNIPPETS: • Be yourself. Bring your personality to every presentation   • If your assignment warrants a dramatic voice, then use it.   • No need...

“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 decision. Today Darren and Mark expound on three reasons why our favorite material must sometimes end up on ‘THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR.’   SNIPPETS: • Your stories, anecdotes and references must serve your ‘PREMISE PURPOSE’   • The WEIGHT of your story may be heavier than your message   • Your content shouldn’t overshadow your premise   • Consider...

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, helping you to become an unforgettable presenter.   SNIPPETS:   • Be clear on what you want your audience to Think, Feel & Do   • Clarity, Clarity, Clarity!   • Include a clear Call To Action (CTA)   • Be aware of what your audience is thinking   • Ping the audience, check in, engage   • What does your audience NEED   ...

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 touchy subject and offer solid advice about when to go to your Dark Place. SNIPPETS: • Your message is a MESS with AGE   • You must be able to laugh about your struggle before you can talk about it.   • Don’t abuse the privilege of the platform   • Your Dark Place story shouldn’t overtake your speech   • Go to your dark place when it’s...

“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 producer and comedy writer Chris McGuire has worked with celebrity talent like Justin Bieber, Martha Stewart, Arsenio Hall and Snoop Dog. Lessons from his experience behind the scenes and on the stage will help you to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Confront your discomfort   • Pay attention to the news of the day   • Use your experience and your...

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 Darren explain how being attentive to your audience can make you unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Have a pre-event conversation with meeting planner and client   • Listen for client stories that you can use to customize your presentation   • Ask about the client’s challenges and concerns   • Listen between the lines (oohs and aahs); reactions reveal what...

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 KEEPERS and ACTION ITEMS, tools that will help you know that you are UNFORGETTABLE. SNIPPETS: • Set up the value of keepers and action items very early • Use cardstock sheets that are separate from a workbook • Use separate bright colors for each • Use editable pdfs for virtual attendees • Keepers are written confirmation of the transfer of value •...

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 joined by his French-speaking coach Alexandre Matte. As they discuss this unique journey you will learn how and why accepting a challenge and following through can help you to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • NOT accepting a challenge deprives your audience of learning opportunities • When faced with a challenge get...

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 can use AI advantageously. SNIPPETS: • Think of AI as an intern • Speakers who don’t use AI could be replaced by AI • Use AI to create ‘sticky’ phrases • Use prompts to get the options you need • The more specific the prompts, the better the results • Meeting planners respond to catchy presentation titles • AI can help you to...

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 they talk about how to receive critical feedback and use it to your advantage. They also examine how we as presenters can GIVE constructive feedback to benefit our fellow communicators and offer advice on how to maximize the feedback we receive.   SNIPPETS:   • There is a time and place for tough feedback   • Be willing to improve...

“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 that simple, and in this episode Darren and Mark find out why as they speak with fellow Certified Speaking Professional and trainer extraordinaire Ed Tate. Together they discuss the differences between speaking and training and offer specific techniques for being effective at both. SNIPPETS: • Keynote Speaking share a BIG IDEA   • Training teaches...

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 that we, as presenters, can be lamplighters for our audiences.   • One of your jobs is to light the path of those who follow you   • Your experiences can illuminate their path and make their journey easier   • Your lamplight identifies the danger for those who come behind you   • Your lamplight shows the path that you have taken   • Your...