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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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 •...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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,...
info_outline
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...
info_outline
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_outlineIn Part 2 of their conversation about the Top Ten Mistakes, Darren and Mark talk with Stage Time University faculty member Mike Davis about mistakes #5 through #1 in the countdown.
SNIPPETS:
• Identify the guide/guru/compass, which may not be a human
• The hero should not solve their own problem
• It isn’t just about what changed, but about how the character grew
• Give your audience time and room to reflect on the character’s development
• Give the hero a time limit to reach their goal
• Create and escalate conflict
• Be clear about the hero’s goal; not what, but why
• Specificity and clarity are key
• Engage the audience immediately
• Don’t open with trivialities like the weather or how nice it is to be there
1. Weak or Wandering Openings
Why it matters: If you don’t hook the audience in the first 15 seconds, you risk losing them entirely. Many speakers start with platitudes or overused statements instead of tension, emotion, or curiosity.
✅ Fix: Begin with a vivid image, jarring question, or a clear inciting incident. (Craig Valentine: “When they’re predicting, you’re connecting.”)
2. The Main Character Lacks a Clear Goal or Stakes
Why it matters: Without a specific goal and consequence, the story feels directionless and unmotivated. The audience won’t care what happens next.
✅ Fix: Use the ABS AND section to define the character's goal, traits, and motivation.
3. Stories Skip the Struggle
Why it matters: Too many stories jump from the problem to the resolution. They miss the BUT—the emotional depth, obstacles, and low point that make the payoff matter.
✅ Fix: Amplify conflict. Show the tension before the turn. That’s where connection lives.
4. Resolution Without Reflection
Why it matters: The SO isn’t just about what changed—it’s about how the character grew, and what we can take away. When this is rushed or vague, the audience misses the lesson.
✅ Fix: Let the character experience change and articulate new insight. Use dialogue, emotion, and detail.
5. The Guide Isn’t Clear (or is the same person as the hero)
Why it matters: Without a separate Guide figure, the story sounds like self-congratulation. That breaks trust.
✅ Fix: Show who offered perspective, wisdom, or a framework that shifted the main character’s path.
Work with Mark and Darren:
https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/
Check Out Stage Time University:
https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com