Unforgettable Presentations
Attention experienced corporate presenters, public speakers, professional speakers and pastors. Do you want to deliver a good, a great or an unforgettable presentation? Get insights from behind the scenes on some of the most unforgettable presentations ever delivered. √ What's the story behind the presentation? √ Where did the idea come from? √ How did they prepare it? √ How did they execute it? Join World Champions of Public Speaking, Mark Brown & Darren LaCroix. They have been world-class speaking coaches for over a decade and have trained presenters in over 14 countries. You'll love their chemistry and wisdom. What will you hear? Some episodes will be rock-solid content, some episodes will be interviews with presenters who delivered an unforgettable presentation.
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Ep. 351 WHAT IS YOUR HEARTSET?
05/14/2026
Ep. 351 WHAT IS YOUR HEARTSET?
Much has been said about having the right mindset before a presentation. Today, Mark and Darren discuss the right HEARTSET, and they share both how and why the right heartset can help to make you unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Heartset heavily focuses on audience outcomes • Be in the moment • Hiccups happen, don’t get flustered • Your heartset impacts your brand • Go all in • Bring your entire being to every presentation • Heartset shows up before your presentation • Heartset asks, “What’s best for the EVENT?” • Heartset wants the audience to have fun • Heartset overrides technical issues • Heartset shows when things go wrong Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 350 WHAT’S A PACE ELEMENT?
05/07/2026
Ep. 350 WHAT’S A PACE ELEMENT?
It’s important to keep your audience engaged, and the key to doing so lies in a simple but powerful concept. Today Darren and Mark define and discuss PACE ELEMENTS, sharing how they can help you to deliver an unforgettable presentation. SNIPPETS: • Engagement is important • Keeping your audience engaged during a virtual presentation is critical • Pace Elements engage the brain in different ways • Change Pace Elements every 2-3 minutes 1. Talking Head (Back and forth with your co-presenter) 2. Well-told stories (About you, your clients or case studies) 3. Slide shares (Keynote slides, PowerPoint slides, screen shots) 4. Short & meaningful video clips 5. Audio clips (Recorded phone message, podcast clip, or sound effects) 6. “Type in…” (Chat prompted by your question) 7. “Raise your hand if…” 8. Polls (Before hand or on the fly) 9. Custom captivating visuals (Including branded infographics) 10.Hot seats (VIPs or promote to panelist) 11.Breakout rooms 12.A shared experience (Done individually by simultaneous) 13.Check in (Leave no attendee behind!) 14.Ed-ergizer (Brief, but designed to get the blood pumping) 15.Q & A done right! 16.Whiteboard (Physical or virtual) 17.Illustrations 18.Phone share (Holding phone up to camera) 19.Live screen share web search 20. ‘B’ button (Blank out screen) 21.Keepers (A powerful way to recap, get engagement & see what sticks) Which will you use? Work with Mark and Darren: Check Out Stage Time University:
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Ep. 349 “I WAS GONNA SAY THAT!”
04/30/2026
Ep. 349 “I WAS GONNA SAY THAT!”
You’re in the audience, listening the speaker before you, and you hear them make a point, tell an anecdote, or use language that makes you think, “I was gonna say that!” How do you respond? Can you avoid this? In today’s episode, Mark and Darren answer these questions and more as they share recent experiences and offer solutions. SNIPPETS: • Don’t panic • Be unique • Avoid ‘stock’ material from the Internet or AI • Avoid plagiarism • Research the previous speaker’s material if possible • Collaborate with the previous speaker if possible • Share your own perspective • Be flexible and adapt • Use improv techniques • Call back to the reference if necessary • Edify the previous speaker Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University:
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Ep. 348 - GO BACK TO YOUR WELL?
04/23/2026
Ep. 348 - GO BACK TO YOUR WELL?
It’s not unusual for presenters to ‘move on’ from past presentations. Toastmasters is a good example. Today, Darren and Mark encourage you to ‘go back to the well’ and revisit old presentations. They may hold new value today. SNIPPETS: • Maintain a story folder; an old story may have new significance • Don’t discard/delete ‘old’ material • “Unearth the old, uncover the GOLD” – Mark Brown • Revisit old presentations • Look for new value in old presentations • Review, revise, rework, reinvent • Enlist your list to learn what has resonated over time • New experiences can enhance old material • Apply newly gained wisdom, insight, and perspective to older presentations Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University:
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Ep. 347 YOU DON’T KNOW?
04/16/2026
Ep. 347 YOU DON’T KNOW?
Can you ever truly know the full impact of your presentations? Today, Mark and Darren provide the answer by sharing anecdotes, experiences, and insight gained from their combined 60 years on the platform. SNIPPETS: • The vast majority of your audience will never tell us how we impacted them • You get only one shot at that audience • Seek to grow continually • When competing, focus more on your message than on the trophy • Dollars follow impact • Go all-in on your message • Strive for more • Have a meaningful ‘heartset;’ focus on serving your audience • Think about how your audience will apply your message • When you’re told you had impact, ask HOW • If helpful, revise your presentation based on the impact Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 346 - THE TWO BIGGEST PROBLEMS?
04/09/2026
Ep. 346 - THE TWO BIGGEST PROBLEMS?
Speakers must exude confidence to inform, inspire, and influence. However, EGO and SELF-DOUBT can have a significant impact on us and our audiences. Darren and Mark offer advice on how to effectively manage both and serve our audiences well. SNIPPETS: • Don’t undervalue your experiences • “You are uniquely qualified to serve the person you once were.” - Rory Vaden • “One man’s mundane is another man’s magnificent.’ – Mark Brown • Your life story can inspire and give hope • Someone in your audience will relate to your emotions and experience • Check your ego at the door • Be coachable • Crave qualified feedback • Don’t let ego hinder future opportunities • Look for value in every evaluation Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University:
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Ep. 345 - YOU? YOUR?
04/02/2026
Ep. 345 - YOU? YOUR?
Our messages must serve our audiences, and two words are most helpful in achieving that goal. Darren and Mark expound on the power and value of the words ‘YOU’ and ‘YOUR,’ as well as their unforgettable impact on our audiences. SNIPPETS: • ‘YOU’ and ‘YOUR’ are enormously powerful words • Examine your ‘I/YOU Ratio’ • These words draw audiences in • Usage makes our content relatable and relevant • They engage people’s brains • Put your audience in your story • Change ‘I’ to ‘YOU’ in stories with “IMAGINE:” • Replace ‘I’ with ‘YOU’ with “PICTURE THIS:” • Avoid “You guys” • Replace “How many of you have…” with “Have you…”
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Ep. 344 YOUR RELATIONSHIPS?
03/26/2026
Ep. 344 YOUR RELATIONSHIPS?
The concept of relationship selling is not uncommon, but today, Mark and Darren go beyond selling to explore the greater value of building relationships. SNIPPETS: • Build relationships beyond the booking • Use relationships to recommend others • Relationships provide opportunities to serve • A relationship may not bear fruit immediately • Seek to give before seeking to get • Bring you and your personality to every assignment • Ask yourself: What do others think of you • A ‘no’ can be beneficial when you maintain a relationship • Be the client’s favorite • Show genuine interest in your client beyond the business relationship • Analyze your ‘failures;’ a lack of success may have led to success
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Ep. 343 SUCCESS BACKWARDS?
03/19/2026
Ep. 343 SUCCESS BACKWARDS?
There’s a story behind every booking. Today Mark and Darren examine how our ‘booking stories’ can reveal what is necessary to get more bookings now. SNIPPETS: • Go back to the well • Revisit the decisions that led to previous bookings • Trace the full path of the booking • Identify people who could help lead to your next booking • Ask: “What was I doing back then, that I need to start doing again?” • Recover abandoned tools, tips, and techniques • Apply new technology to ‘old school’ principles • Go back to the principle of relationship-building • Reconnect with prospects who said ‘No’ • A ‘No’ could be a ‘Not now” • Analyze your ‘failures;’ a lack of success may have led to success Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 342 NERVOUS? INSECURE? PERFECT!
03/12/2026
Ep. 342 NERVOUS? INSECURE? PERFECT!
Feeling 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
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Ep. 341 FIVE STORY ESSENTIALS – PART 2
03/05/2026
Ep. 341 FIVE STORY ESSENTIALS – PART 2
Stories can transform presentations, and when certain essentials are met, a story can be unforgettable. Today’s episode is the second of a two-part conversation about five story essentials…tools which, when used effectively, will make your story unforgettable. This is PART 2 of 2. SNIPPETS: • Identify a GUIDE/GURU, a source of wisdom, insight, guidance, and help • The guide need not be a human • Letters, pets, or inanimate objects could be guides • The guide may say very little but still be very effective • You cannot be your own guide/guru • The hero must undergo a TRANSFORMATION • The audience must clearly see the hero BEFORE and AFTER • The audience must witness the change take place • 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
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Ep. 340 FIVE STORY ESSENTIALS – PART 1
02/26/2026
Ep. 340 FIVE STORY ESSENTIALS – PART 1
Everyone enjoys a good story, and unforgettable stories contain certain essentials. In this episode, Mark and Darren expound upon three of their five story essentials, showing not only how they work, but why. This is PART 1 of 2. SNIPPETS: • STORY is a FORCE MULTIPLIER • Define the HERO/protagonist/main character • Help your audience to SEE the character • Give the audience a reason to identify with the character • Give one physical and one emotional characteristic • Consider giving a character name • Be very clear on the hero’s DESIRE; declare what they want • Get to the depth of desire…WHY they have the desire • Listeners lean in to the WHY • Establish the CONFLICT, the challenge, the obstacle • Escalate the conflict, and escalate it even more • Show the INTERNAL and EXTERNAL conflict • Use inner dialogue, the voice inside a character’s head Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 339 YOUR UNFORGETTABLE MISSION WITH SUSIE SINGER CARTER
02/19/2026
Ep. 339 YOUR UNFORGETTABLE MISSION WITH SUSIE SINGER CARTER
How are writing and producing films connected to delivering presentations and storytelling? Mark and Darren get answers from award-winning filmmaker/director/producer/actress Susie Singer Carter as she shares her perspective on telling powerful stories. Her insight provides tools for telling memorable stories that resonate with any audience. SNIPPETS: • Avoid being preachy • You can confront and entertain in a seamless manner • Balance your message without being too heavy • Resonate with as many people as possible • Let your audience shift their perspective and see themselves in your story • Find the memorable moments in your story • Don’t be married to any part of your story; editing is key • Uncover organic humor • Give your audience permission to laugh • Your title should be like a book cover, and your content must support it • Tell your story from the heart • Leave a call to action that galvanizes LINKS TO HER FILMS: ' Susie’s YouTube Channel: Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 338 DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING!
02/12/2026
Ep. 338 DIDN’T SEE THAT COMING!
Every once in a while, speakers encounter circumstances that they didn’t see coming. How can you handle them and make the best use of them in the future? Today, Darren and Mark share their experiences and offer meaningful suggestions for handling situations that you don’t see coming. SNIPPETS: • Situations occur that will keep you in check • You never know when your misfortune can serve others • Anticipate the unanticipated • Ask: What can go wrong • Cover all your bases • Leave a good buffer of time before you present • Arrive a day early • Contact event planner with challenges immediately • If you get a gut feeling, follow it • Have a back-pocket Plan B • Don’t be afraid to over-communicate • Learn from experiences that you didn’t see coming Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University:
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Ep. 337 INSIDER SECRETS OF THE SPEAKING BUSINESS WITH FORD SAEKS
02/05/2026
Ep. 337 INSIDER SECRETS OF THE SPEAKING BUSINESS WITH FORD SAEKS
Emerging presenters and professional speakers want to know best practices and proven processes for running a successful speaking business. You would be hard-pressed to find a more reliable source than business growth innovator and Hall of Fame speaker, Ford Saeks, co-founder of the Million Dollar Speakers Group. In today’s conversation with co-hosts Mark and Darren, he reveals five insider secrets that will help you build an unforgettable speaking business. SNIPPETS: • Be great on stage, on screen, and on demand • Hit your audience’s key targets • Share data, information, knowledge, wisdom, and tactics • Have a clear value proposition • Identify the problem you solve that people will pay you to eliminate • Establish your revenue model • Create a menu of services • Display your menu clearly on your website • Don’t tie your identity to a delivery method • Maintain an active digital footprint • Develop a coherent, lifestyle-friendly sales and marketing playbook • Use social media tools, a blog, podcasts, etc. • Apply the ‘Create, Borrow, Buy’ technique Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University:
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Ep. 336 CREATING MAXIMUM IMPACT WITH FORD SAEKS
01/29/2026
Ep. 336 CREATING MAXIMUM IMPACT WITH FORD SAEKS
What does it take to create maximum impact while serving your audience? To find out, Mark and Darren chat with business growth innovator and Hall of Fame speaker, Ford Saeks. Ford clearly lays out principles, practices, and perspectives that presenters must embrace to create maximum impact and become unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Your impact depends on your intent and your audience's reception • Always provide high value • Your keynote is judged by its description • Your description and bio should be benefit-driven and compelling • You must be coachable, open-minded, proactive, and accountable • When using AI, never lose the human loop • Use AI wisely and strategically • Don’t get seduced by technology • Always offer ways for clients to learn more from you • Future-cast and be a guide • You’re responsible TO clients, not FOR them • It’s not what you know; it’s what you do • EXECUTE Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 335 OWN THE STAGE
01/22/2026
Ep. 335 OWN THE STAGE
Anyone can give a presentation, but what does it take to truly OWN the stage? Calling back to a recent OWN THE STAGE 3-day workshop, Darren and Mark provide some key insights and principles that will help any presenter to own the stage and deliver an unforgettable presentation. SNIPPETS: • Care more about being world class that delivering one good presentation • Structure is important; the order matters • Great speeches aren’t written; they are re-written • Be willing to experiment • Let your audience picture the scene and characters • Reactions tell the story • Use the stage as a prop • People often see the result, not the work • World-class doesn’t happen alone • Your audience helps you write your speech • With effort and help, anyone can own the stage Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 334 TAKE INVENTORY?
01/15/2026
Ep. 334 TAKE INVENTORY?
To meet customer demand, organizations take inventory, then replenish and upgrade their offerings. As a presenter, it’s wise to take inventory of your speech…and everything that surrounds it. Today, Mark and Darren focus on your Speech Skills Inventory and offer suggestions for upgrading your speech over the next 12 months SNIPPETS: • Upgrade your speech • Decide how you want to improve each facet of your speech in 12 months • Your speech title is your unique identifier • Craft an unforgettable Foundational Phrase • Tell better stories, and tell stories better • Transform case studies into case stories • Improve laugh lines • Rewrite your introduction • Consider a video introduction • Work on your open and close • Use Toastmasters as a practice ground • Let audiences give you their perspective Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 333 THE FOUR CORNERS?
01/08/2026
Ep. 333 THE FOUR CORNERS?
Audience members can have different experiences depending on where they sit in a meeting venue. Darren and Mark explain and give some sage advice on how the meeting space can maximize your audience’s experience. SNIPPETS: • Arrive at the venue at least a day early if possible • Sit in the four ‘worst’ seats in the house • See what the audience sees • If necessary, reset the angle of large screens in conference rooms • Be aware of distracting sounds from neighboring breakout rooms • Ask: “What is the audience HEARING?” • Move the platform lectern to the side and back if feasible • Educate meeting/event planners about logistical concerns • Make the environment conducive to learning • Ask: “What adjustments can I make to facilitate learning?” • Make it a habit to connect with the four corners of the room Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University:
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Ep. 332 FIVE WAYS TO BECOME A CHARACTER VOCALLY
01/01/2026
Ep. 332 FIVE WAYS TO BECOME A CHARACTER VOCALLY
Last week Darren and Mark shared effective ways to embody characters physically. Today, they share the impact that we can have when we do the same with vocal techniques. SNIPPETS: • Selectively use dialogue instead of narration • Vary your vocal volume • Volume variances depict emotion • Energy and intensity do not have to be loud • Modify vocal pitch appropriately • Different speaking rates can show demeanor and state of mind • Use congruent facial expressions • Attitude and posture can say a lot about a character • Body language will show emotion • Stress, fatigue, pain, and illness can be portrayed with body language • Employ an accent when comfortable, competent, and confident • Be careful not to offend when using accents • Use age-appropriate vocal characterizations Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University:
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Ep. 331 FIVE WAYS TO EMBODY A CHARACTER PHYSICALLY
12/25/2025
Ep. 331 FIVE WAYS TO EMBODY A CHARACTER PHYSICALLY
Our stories are more vivid when we embody the characters, and today, Mark and Darren explore simple yet effective ways to embody characters physically. With these techniques, characters are easily identifiable without a word. SNIPPETS: • Use their gait and walk as the character would walk • Identify and portray mannerisms • Observe family members to show character quirks – ‘QUIRKOLOGY’ • Suspend quirky movements to show emotional change • Look for your own mannerisms by recording and watching yourself on video • Use congruent facial expressions • Attitude and posture can say a lot about a character • Body language will show emotion • Stress, fatigue, pain, and illness can be portrayed with body language Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 330 YOUR PERSONAL PAIN POINTS
12/18/2025
Ep. 330 YOUR PERSONAL PAIN POINTS
It’s always helpful to know your audience’s pain points. However, your pain points can be an avenue to building a relationship with them. Today, Darren and Mark share how to do just that, with ideas that can help you be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Explore your pain points • Pain points are connectors • Give your audience the gift of your story • Capture your pain points and the lessons learned • Find common pain points in travel stories • Uncover the joy in your pain • Your pain can change their perspective • There is power in your pain • Your pain story can trigger your audience’s memories and experiences • Ask yourself: “What was my worst (fill in the blank) • Ask friends and family about frustrations and pet peeves Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 329 ARE THEY LISTENING
12/12/2025
Ep. 329 ARE THEY LISTENING
Once in a while, an audience is less emotive than most, leaving a speaker to wonder, “Are they listening?” Mark and Darren discuss that question today while providing perspective, context, and solid suggestions for presenting well in those circumstances. SNIPPETS: • Always be present • Bring your ‘A GAME’ • Don’t let a stoic audience affect your mission • External factors may affect audience response • Not every audience emotes • Create an environment that is conducive to listening • Be aware of the atmosphere and read the room • Consider the context of the event • Look for the audience member who is ALL-IN • Feed the audience members who feed you • Find a way to eliminate a center aisle when possible Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 328 "I JUST NEED..."
12/04/2025
Ep. 328 "I JUST NEED..."
“I just need…” is a phrase that eager speakers often use when asking for advice. Oftentimes it’s followed by “a few tweaks,” “a punch-up,” “to add humor,” “a little polish,” or something similar. Today, Darren and Mark analyze this simple phrase and offer a perspective that will inspire you to examine it more closely. This episode will help you identify what you REALLY need, to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • You don’t know what you don’t know • Don’t just add a little humor; uncover it • Your NEED could only be a WANT • You may need much more than you think you do • Learn what you need by watching yourself on video • Consult pros and experts • Change “I just need” to “What do I need?” • Set ego aside • Determine what’s best for your audience • Leave no stone unturned as you strive to serve your audience • Seek ways to improve on every presentation Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University:
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Ep. 327 ASK!
11/27/2025
Ep. 327 ASK!
There is a popular adage that says, “If you don’t ask, the answer is always ‘No’.” In this episode, Mark and Darren talk about the benefits of asking for guidance, and how to respond, regardless of the answer. Asking can be your game-changer. SNIPPETS: • The answer is in the asking • When you ask, you can become a mentor magnet • Ask humbly, sincerely, honestly, and respectfully • Learn all you can during your client pre-event call • Ask more than one person/expert • Be coachable and take their advice • Respect their time and expertise • Clarify your intent behind your ask • Don’t ask another question until you’ve followed the previous instructions • Be understanding when the answer is ‘No.’ • Don’t take ‘No’ personally • If the answer is ‘No’, ask for a referral or another resource Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 326 CUSTOMIZING YOUR PRESENTATION
11/20/2025
Ep. 326 CUSTOMIZING YOUR PRESENTATION
One way to increase audience buy-in is to customize your presentation. Today, Darren and Mark dive into the why and how of customization. Applying these ideas will help any presenter to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Customizing isn’t just using the company’s logo and name on your slides • Do some homework and conduct research on your client • Get permission to speak with 10 significant audience members beforehand • Learn all you can during your client pre-event call • Two weeks in advance, find out what’s top-of-mind for your audience • Arrive at the event at least a day early • Attend mixers and social gatherings at the event • Pay attention to hallway conversations • Connect your material to their world • Be flexible enough to make adjustments in the moment • Use the Fripp Speech Model; it is easily customizable • Replace one of your stories/examples with one from your client • Take photos and video at the event and insert them into your presentation Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 325 THE POWER AND PURPOSE OF PAIN POINTS
11/13/2025
Ep. 325 THE POWER AND PURPOSE OF PAIN POINTS
To truly win your audience, you must identify and address their pain points. In this episode, Mark and Darren discuss the importance of understanding them and offer suggestions for uncovering them. SNIPPETS: • Pain points are triggers • Learn your audience’s pet peeves, pain points, and frustrations • Identify what’s top-of-mind to your audience • Our responsibility is to connect our content to their pain • Understanding pain points shows that you care • To connect, you must first understand • Understanding pain points can help you build community • Research and confirm their pain points • ASK about their pain points • Stories from your life will connect to your audience’s experience Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University:
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Ep. 324 ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?
11/06/2025
Ep. 324 ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?
The business of speaking can bring myriad complications and stressors. But in the midst of all that, Darren and Mark offer a reminder to enjoy the privilege of the speaking experience. Remaining joyful despite all that comes our way, will help those around us to see us as unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Choose to find the fun…and the funny • Remember your WHY • Accept the challenges that come in the industry • Relax. Breathe. Focus • Use your frustrations as speech material • Never lose perspective • Don’t forget the privilege • Be thankful for the opportunity
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Ep. 323 IT’S NOT THE SPEECH YOU GIVE...
10/30/2025
Ep. 323 IT’S NOT THE SPEECH YOU GIVE...
It’s easy to present principles, practices, and procedures, but the value is diminished when the speaker lacks experience. Today, Mark and Darren talk about the significance of bringing the lessons learned from your own successes and failure…the lessons that give you credibility and help make you unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Bring YOU to every presentation • No one pays for regurgitated wisdom • Transfer value from your own experience • Share lessons from the life you live • Credibility has an impact on your reputation • Get experience in the area of your focus • Let your passion drive you to do research • Use your personal stories • Live it, then give it Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 322 WHAT COMEDIANS KNOW THAT SPEAKERS DON’T WITH CHRIS MCGUIRE
10/23/2025
Ep. 322 WHAT COMEDIANS KNOW THAT SPEAKERS DON’T WITH CHRIS MCGUIRE
Speakers often open a speech with a greeting, a story, a strong statement, or a question. However, comedians use a technique that many speakers haven’t mastered. Humorist, Hollywood producer, and Stage Time faculty member Chris McGuire sits down with Darren and Mark to expand on this technique and shows how any presenter can find gold mines that can make you unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Do what comedians do • It’s all about connecting first • Use a ‘warm open’; don’t jump right in or use small talk. • “Before we get started…” • Establish Commonality through Incongruity • Uncover the Gold Mines like the humble surroundings • Address the elephants in the room • Talk about what you have in common with the audience • Respect and connect • Your audience should feel that you wrote your speech just for them • Use callbacks • Sharpen your Humor Detector Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University:
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