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
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: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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Ep. 320 "WORTH THE RISK" WITH TAYLOR CANDELLA
Would you be willing to face an international audience of thousands with a clear message about personal faith? Today, Mark and Darren talk with a man who did just that in the 2025 World Championship of Public Speaking. Taylor Candella shares his path to the final and the conviction that drove him to take a significant risk. Taking a risk can make you unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Don't listen to negative voices • Commit to your promise • Take a risk • Push yourself to compete • Select your test audience • Feel the room in advance • If speaking first in competition, set the tone • Get ready with your 'race day ritual' • The reward should outweigh the risk • Deliver your risky message respectfully • Speak with CONVICTION 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. 321 SOUL ON FIRE MOVIE WITH JOHN O'LEARY
Imagine a life-threatening tragedy, a miraculous fight for recovery, later speaking to more than 2,700 global audiences, and then the international release of a major motion picture about your life. That's the story of today's guest as Mark and Darren have a heart-to-heart chat with John O'Leary, subject of the 2025 film SOUL ON FIRE. John shares his journey and offers firm yet loving advice on professional speaking. He also dispenses wisdom and encouragement on living a meaningful life, from a perspective that will help any presenter to become unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Don't run from your scars • Don't seek an average life • Say "Yes!" • Love your life even when it's ugly • Your life: What GIFT • You're invited to become a hero • Remind others what courage looks like amidst pain • You must step through the process of building your presentation • Become better at building your business • Tell the truth • Be wide open to feedback • Seek bigger impact; bigger stages and bigger paychecks will follow • Focus on your craft and be humble Check it out: https://soulonfiremovie.com/
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Ep. 319 "EXCUSE MY SLIDE, BUT…"
Perhaps you've heard a speaker say something like, "Excuse my slide!" Today Darren and Mark talk frankly about why speakers make excuses for poor slides and offer firm suggestions for preparing and presenting effective, professional slides. SNIPPETS: • One slide, one point • If you have a lot of detail, put it in a handout • You must be able to defend your slides • Think of what the audience sees • What does the audience need to know? • Simplify your slides • Use fewer words on the slide, then explain as you present • Magnify the point you wish to make Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
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.
Ireland