Ep. 316 “BUT I SPEAK FROM THE HEART…”
Unforgettable Presentations
Darren freely admits that early in his career, he resisted writing out his presentations because he always spoke from the heart. In this brief episode, he and Mark discuss the value of speaking from the heart, and the additional benefit of doing so with the right preparation and structure. SNIPPETS: • Speaking from the heart is good, but passion doesn’t equal effectiveness • The heart isn’t the best editor • You can’t edit what isn’t written • What’s in your mind doesn’t always come out of your mouth • Speak in a way that the...
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Ep. 315 IS IT TOO LATE TO BE GREAT?
Unforgettable Presentations
When is it too late to start a speaking career? Today Mark and Darren discuss this question with Julia Nicholson and Maria Garaitonandia, both mature presenters, at the beginning of their speaking careers. They talk about their concerns, their plans, and their process for achieving success later in life. Darren and Mark cite examples of well-known speakers who became professionals after the age of 40, and their guests also offer encouragement to anyone who wants to start their speaking journey during their later years. SNIPPETS: • Follow your purpose • Use...
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Ep. 314 IS YOUR TRAINING UNFORGETTABLE?
Unforgettable Presentations
“Can’t I just add a couple of exercises to my keynote and create a killer training program?” Over the past two decades, Darren and Mark have heard that question numerous times, and the short answer is “No.” Today, they get comprehensive answers from their fellow World Champion and Certified Speaking Professional, Ed Tate...the trainer’s trainer. Not only do they discuss the differences between speaking and training, but they also delve into the mindset and methods that will help you deliver unforgettable training. SNIPPETS: • Speaking and training are...
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Ep. 313 DO YOU ATTRIBUTE
Unforgettable Presentations
Well-chosen quotations, song lyrics, poetry and statistics can enhance any presentation. However, it’s important to attribute the sources and let our audiences know the sources for validation. If we don’t attribute, we might become unforgettable…for the wrong reason. SNIPPETS: • Provide the sources for polls, studies, statistics, and research findings • “Studies show”, “research proves,” “a recent poll reveals” isn’t enough • Attribute lyrics, quotations poetry etc. to their source • Quote accurately; someone always spots errors...
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Ep. 312 YOU ARE THE AVERAGE OF…WITH JULIA NICHOLSON
Unforgettable Presentations
Jim Rohn is often quoted as saying, “You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.” Today Mark and Darren speak with Julia Nicholson, a former executive who finds value in Jim’s words. She is passionate about spending time with world-class communicators, and she shares lessons that she is learning along her journey to becoming unforgettable SNIPPETS: • Find your purpose and LIVE your purpose • Success fills your schedule, significance fills your soul • Know where you are in your speaker process • Develop your craft •...
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Ep. 311 MORE RHETORICAL DEVICES
Unforgettable Presentations
In this second and final conversation about RHETORICAL DEVICES, Mark and Darren once again review Mark’s winning Toastmasters speech, identifying ways that RHETORICAL DEVICES enhanced his presentation. THIS IS PART TWO OF TWO. SNIPPETS: • Rhetorical devices multiply your message • A rhetorical device can help to personify inanimate objects • Rhythmic rhetorical devices make your message more sticky • Rhetorical questions provide moments of introspection • Rhetorical devices can provide a frame of reference • Employ these devices to...
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Ep. 310 DO YOU USE RHETORICAL DEVICES?
Unforgettable Presentations
RHETORICAL DEVICES are language tools that help presenters to be more compelling and memorable…and there are more than forty such devices. Darren examines Mark’s Toastmasters World Championship-winning speech, and together they discuss how Mark used some of them effectively. By applying rhetorical techniques, you can elevate the impact of your presentation. SNIPPETS: • Use rhetorical devices to connect emotionally • Elevate your audience’s experience • Tools like HYERBOLE can elicit humor when used well • Rhetorical devices add rhythm to a...
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Ep. 309 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 6
Unforgettable Presentations
You’ve worked hard on your presentation and it’s time to rehearse for readiness. In this episode in the series on their book DELIVER UNFORGETTABBLE PRESENTATIONS, Mark & Darren share tips for adding the final touches before taking the stage. This episode covers Step #7: OWN YOUR STAGE. SNIPPETS: • Use your script to indicate emotions, stage movement, pauses, and more • Create a stage plan • How you use your stage will enhance your audience’s experience • Don’t memorize your talk; internalize it • Your audience wants you to be present,...
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Ep. 308 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 5
Unforgettable Presentations
Impactful presentations are memorable, and today Darren and Mark share techniques for adding this final touch to your presentation before taking it to the platform. This episode covers Step #6: MAKE IT UNFORGETTABLE. SNIPPETS: • The more complex your topic, the more you need a simple structure • Make your points digestible • Use a proven story structure • The ‘THEN/NOW’ model is a powerful option • Show a day in the life of the main character • Introduce a challenge • You must have a guru, guide, source of wisdom...
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Ep. 307 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 4
Unforgettable Presentations
A weak presentation closing can dilute your message and at worst, nullify your impact. In Part 4 of this series, Mark and Darren explore both principles for a solid closing, and mistakes that inexperienced presenters tend to make. This episode covers Step #5: CREATE YOUR COMPELLING CLOSE. SNIPPETS: • Your close should reinforce your premise • There are several closing options • Select the most appropriate closing for your specific presentation • The DIALOG CLOSE is a flexible and easy option • A compelling close is an opportunity to repeat...
info_outlineOver the years Darren and Mark have made…and seen…several mistakes. Today they’re joined by Stage Time University faculty member Mike Davis as they discuss the mistakes they see most often…even after 30+ years of coaching. This episode feature mistakes #10 through #6 in the countdown. Avoiding these will help you to be unforgettable on the platform.
SNIPPETS:
• Avoid ending on Q & A or with a ‘THANK YOU’ slide
• Circle back to your opening and end with impact
• Can your audience see themselves in your story
• Do research and homework to relate more closely with your audience
• Use present tense and phrases like “let me take you back…”
• End with punchy, concrete words
• Show the consequences of actions NOT taken
• Be clear on what is at stake
• Avoid continuous narration
• Use dialogue, body language and facial expression for depiction
6. Too Much “Tell,” Not Enough “Show”
Why it matters: Narrating facts and feelings doesn't activate the audience’s imagination. The brain craves visuals, dialogue, and motion.
✅ Fix: Include short bursts of scene-based storytelling. Show reactions. Use dialogue. Let us see and feel it.
7. Unclear If-Then Stakes
Why it matters: Without an IF-THEN, there’s no urgency. No reason to act. No consequence for staying the same.
✅ Fix: Highlight the risk: “If I stayed silent, we would have lost the client. If I spoke up, I might get fired.”
8. Repetitive Sentence Structures or Passive Voice
Why it matters: Flat rhythms, present participles, or soft endings weaken emotional impact and energy.
✅ Fix: Use nouns and verbs up front. End sentences with punchy, concrete words. Vary rhythm.
9. No Audience Relevance or Personalization
Why it matters: Some stories sound good but don’t connect. If the audience can’t see themselves in it, they tune out.
✅ Fix: Ask the reflective question during the story: “Have you ever felt like that?” or “What would you have done in that moment?”
10. Ending With a Fizzle, Not a Frame
Why it matters: If the ending feels rushed, abstract, or purely emotional, the story won’t stick.
✅ Fix: Reframe the opening or image in a new way. Bring the story full circle. Land with clarity and resonance.
Work with Mark and Darren:
https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/
Check Out Stage Time University:
https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com