Ep. 363 CONNECT QUICKLY WITH HIGH-STAKES AUDIENCES
Unforgettable Presentations
Darren often says: “We must connect before we can educate, inspire or persuade.” Today, Darren and Mark talk with veteran late-night comedy writer and Human Humor Detector Chris McGuire about the importance of connecting quickly. Chris lays out a proven strategy that will help any presenter to connect early and effectively…especially when speaking to high-stakes audiences. SNIPPETS: • You must connect early • Audiences immediately want to know what’s in it for them • Become a pain point detective • Show that you see them and you get them • Use...
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Ep. 362 BE UNFORGETTABLE ON LINKEDIN WITH RICHARD BLISS
Unforgettable Presentations
“LinkedIn is always changing! How do we stay current?” This question is on the minds of many, and today Mark and Darren get answers from LinkedIn Top Voice Richard Bliss. As they discuss critical changes to the platform, Richard shares the simple but necessary adjustments that will help us maximize our reach on LinkedIn. SNIPPETS: • LinkedIn is BUSINESS MEDIA, not a social media platform • We must change our mindset about the platform • It tracks and analyzes our behaviors • It will warn users and suspend them if necessary • Beware LinkedIn jail...
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Ep. 361 KEEPERS AND ACTION ITEMS?
Unforgettable Presentations
There is no guarantee that audiences will remember every nugget and act after a presentation. This is especially true when leading workshops and multi-day programs. Darren and Mark expound on two tools that make this easier: KEEPERS and ACTION ITEMS. They explain how these tools help program attendees retain content and follow up on their own action plans more consistently. SNIPPETS: • KEEPERS are ‘ahas’, ACTION ITEMS are to-dos • Keepers can come from the presenter(s) and other attendees • Invite attendees to share their Keepers and Action Items • Common...
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Ep. 360 VIRTUALLY ENGAGING?
Unforgettable Presentations
Virtual presentations are here to stay and as presenters we must keep our audiences interested and engaged, sometimes for multi-day programs. Mark and Darren have conducted virtual programs for several years and today they are joined by Stage Time University faculty member Mike Davis as they share proven techniques for keeping virtual audiences engaged. SNIPPETS: • Have a co-host or co-presenter • Be prepared for technical difficulties • Dress professionally on camera • Avoid eating/drinking on camera unless it is germane • Be aware that your...
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Ep. 359 WHAT’S A STORY DIG?
Unforgettable Presentations
Stories well told can be inspiring, entertaining and enlightening. However, sometimes speakers inadvertently omit the most compelling elements of their stories. Today Darren and Mark discuss the STORY DIG…a process for excavating the backstory, character motivation, and emotional depth that the speaker is too close to see themselves. SNIPPETS: • Get a qualified coach to ask the right questions • Dig deeper • There’s a WHY behind every story • Uncover the emotional component behind the story • Find what goes beyond the hero’s apparent primary...
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Ep. 358 STORYTELLING MISTAKES?
Unforgettable Presentations
Everyone appreciates a story, and the difference between a good story and an unforgettable story comes down to a few mistakes that many speakers make. In this episode, Mark and Darren discuss common storytelling mistakes, offer ways to avoid them, and share techniques for making your stories unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Do a walkthrough with a proven process • Learn what constitutes a ‘well-told story’ • Avoid narration only • Include a solid setup to provide context • Identify ‘COMPELLEMENTS’ – compelling moments in each story •...
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Ep. 356 HOW COACHING TRANSFORMS
Unforgettable Presentations
Following up on last week’s episode, Darren and Mark talk with Philip Riggs, A VIP client at their recent OWN THE STAGE 3-DAY presentation coaching workshop. Philip shares the lessons and insights that empowered him to transform his speech almost overnight and earned him a standing ovation on Day 3. He also explains ways that he changed as a result of the coaching process. SNIPPETS: • Be determined to learn • Stretch yourself • Be open to learning from others, even if they are strangers • Make your content ‘YOU-focused’ • Look for every area of...
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Ep. 355 HOW COACHING MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Unforgettable Presentations
Can coaching make a big difference, especially if you are fairly accomplished and experienced? In this episode, Mark and Darren get answers from four clients who participated in a recent OWN THE STAGE 3-DAY presentation coaching workshop. Bernadette, Glenn, Elaine, and Beth share their experiences, offer their perspective, and explain the benefits. They prove that qualified coaching can help any presenter to become unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Evokes your humanity • Forces you to humble yourself • Uncovers humor • Provides AHAs • Makes speeches...
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Ep. 354 Do You Have It?
Unforgettable Presentations
Ep. 354 DO YOU HAVE IT? People crave the ‘it factor’…presence, confidence, charisma, and eloquence. Today, Darren and Mark discuss another ‘it’…courage. From their experience, they share the type of courage every speaker needs, to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Have the courage to be coached • Be courageous enough to get coached in public, in the company of strangers • Be vulnerable • Invest in your growth • Be bold enough to think differently • Commit to the process • Don’t be afraid to push back on feedback...
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Ep. 353 THREE ACTIONS MOST WONT TAKE TO BE UNFORGETTABLE
Unforgettable Presentations
As presenters, we want to be our best on the platform. Many of us attend workshops and seminars, purchase and devour resources, and practice diligently. However, something might be missing. Today, Mark and Darren discuss specific actions that some speaker’s won’t take, the reasons for avoiding those actions, and the benefits of taking those actions…all if which can help any presenter to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Go beyond stage time • Record presentations • Watch and listen from the audience’s perspective • Review old recordings, compare them with...
info_outlineFeeling nervous before a presentation or feeling insecure when facing an intimidating audience can be positive. That may seem counterintuitive, but Mark and Darren clarify in today’s episode. Drawing on their combined 60+ years of lessons learned, they provide advice and specific techniques for using nervousness to your advantage.
SNIPPETS:
• Being a little nervous can be a good thing
• Use nervous energy to fuel additional preparation
• Let no one out-prepare you
• Research: get more than you need, to give what they need
• Get over yourself, and into your audience
• “Skillset without mindset leaves your audience upset” – Craig Valentine
• Before each presentation ask FOUR QUESTIONS:
• WHAT IS MY INTENT
• AM I PRESENT (“Don’t be perfect; be PRESENT” – Darren)
• WILL I HAVE FUN
• HOW WOULD I GIVE THIS PRESENTATION IF I KNEW IT WAS MY LAST
• If the character doesn’t change, there is no story
Work with Mark and Darren:
https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/
Check Out Stage Time University:
https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com