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.

Ep. 306 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 3 07/03/2025

Ep. 305 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 2 06/26/2025

Ep. 304 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 1 06/19/2025

Ep. 303 TOP 10 MISTAKES - PART 2 06/12/2025

Ep. 303 TOP 10 MISTAKES - PART 2 In 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 /episode/index/show/unforgettablepresentations/id/36857585

Ep. 302 TOP 10 MISTAKES - PART 1 06/05/2025

Ep. 302 TOP 10 MISTAKES - PART 1 Over 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 /episode/index/show/unforgettablepresentations/id/36857530