Unforgettable Presentations
257 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago - ★★★★★ - 101 ratingsAttention 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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Episodes
Ep. 106 Meet 2021 World Champion of Public Speaking Verity Price
September 02, 2021 12:00 - 54 minutes - 101 MBImagine that 25 years of your life story includes writing songs as a teenager in Cape Town, South Africa, singing professionally in Nashville, Tennessee, acting on television and in movies, building a professional speaking career, and becoming the 2021 World Champion of Public Speaking. It would be a great read…and Verity Price has lived it. She chats with Darren and Mark, elaborating on her unique journey and revealing her secrets to being unforgettable. These include getting coached, focus...
Ep. 105 The Unforgettable Research Of Ryan Estis
August 26, 2021 12:00 - 49 minutes - 96.9 MBHow do you take client customization to the next level…and beyond? Sales, Leadership and Business Expert Ryan Estis uses original, personalized research to ‘know more about the client than they know about themselves’. He reveals to Mark and Darren the value of curiosity, observation, self-inspection, and the desire to ‘skill up’. He also shares his secret to mastery, and the mindset that will make any speaker unforgettable. Snippets: • The best teachers are students • Where are you goin...
Ep. 104 Virtual is Not Going Away!
August 19, 2021 12:00 - 31 minutes - 58.5 MBCompetence at virtual presentations has become a necessity, and industry experts confirm that presenters MUST have this skill in their arsenal because as hopeful as we may be for ‘the good old days’, virtual is NOT going away. Stage Time University faculty member and Certified World Class Speaking Coach Mike Davis joins Darren and Mark as they passionately discuss simple yet powerful ways to create a professional-looking virtual studio...without breaking the bank. Snippets: • A standing ...
Ep. 103 A Story You Won't Forget With Rena Romano
August 12, 2021 12:00 - 39 minutes - 72 MBFrom childhood abuse to contemplating suicide to Oprah to the TEDx stage, Rena Romano has a story you won’t forget. Now a respected speaker, author and coach, Rena opens up to Mark and Darren about her journey, and the powerful lessons she learned along the way about positivity, purpose, and perspective. She also shares techniques for personal development, marketing, and audience impact…techniques that can make any speaker unforgettable. Snippets: • Coaches hire coaches • Comparison kil...
Ep. 102 When It All Goes Wrong!
August 05, 2021 12:00 - 54 minutes - 101 MBThe lights go out in the middle of your presentation. Your tech fails right before you start. You have 15 minutes to deliver your 1-hour speech. Your audience inexplicably gives you blank stares during your entire presentation. Darren and Mark connect with Certified World Class Speaking Coach Mike Davis, and Hall of fame speaker Jim Cathcart to discuss methods for dealing with the unexpected. Knowing how to respond when it all goes wrong will help you to be unforgettable. Snippets: • Fix...
Ep. 101 First Be An Unforgettable Person With Jim Cathcart
July 29, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 114 MB“If you want to be an unforgettable speaker, you have to be an unforgettable person.” This acorn of wisdom is one of many that Hall Of Fame Speaker Jim Cathcart reveals as he chats with Darren and Mark. He also shares timeless strategies for audience engagement, story-telling and subject matter mastery…necessary skills that will help any speaker to become unforgettable! Snippets: Say something worth hearing. We are vehicles of value. Practice your stories during regular conversations...
Ep. 100 The Legendary Brian Tracy
July 22, 2021 12:00 - 44 minutes - 83.4 MBHe started out with nothing, had multiple failures, and even slept in his car! Today, Brian Tracy is a speaking LEGEND! He sits down with Mark and Darren sharing his experiences and wisdom learned at ‘the school of example’, including the two KEY QUESTIONS every speaker must ask and answer after every presentation. Listen, and learn from a legend how any speaker can become unforgettable! Snippets Fail your way to success. Read, Read, READ! Preparation is the key. Debrief every pres...
Ep. 99 The 2021 Master of Influence
July 15, 2021 12:00 - 26 minutes - 49 MBSince 1993, the National Speakers Association (NSA) has recognized those who have influenced the speaking profession in a significant way with the Master of Influence Award. In 2021, that honor was given to Toastmasters International. How are the organizations different? How can they complement each other? Mark and Darren answer these questions and more as they unpack the value of both organizations to them, and to countless other speakers. Learn how the NSA and Toastmasters can help you to ...
EP. 98 COACHING RESULTS Denise Marek
July 08, 2021 12:00 - 42 minutes - 79.1 MB“My stories are now UNFORGETTABLE!”, says Denise Marek, award-winning speaker and author, eight months after being coached by Mark and Darren LIVE on Episode 65. She shares her amazing results after incorporating their recommendations, explains how her speaking and writing have improved, and proves that qualified coaching can make you unforgettable.
Ep. 97 Live Coaching With Maureen Zappala, Imposter Syndrome Expert
July 01, 2021 18:49 - 55 minutes - 102 MBIn this episode, Darren and Mark work with Maureen Zappala on the opening story in her keynote. They help her to more deeply embrace the significance of clarifying context, re-living the emotion of the moment, escalating conflict in a story, and using callbacks to make the message sticky. These potent adjustments will help her, and YOU, to deliver UNFORGETTABLE presentations.
Ep. 96 Your Speakers Journey
June 24, 2021 12:00 - 37 minutes - 70.4 MBHave you ever felt like you’ve stopped making progress? Or that you should toss a story because you don’t think it works? Using case stories from a few of their coaching clients, Darren and Mark offer encouragement and insight about the ‘mile markers’ on YOUR speaker’s journey. They also unpack three principles to keep you on track to being unforgettable.
Ep. 95 Do What Most Wont
June 17, 2021 12:00 - 35 minutes - 67.1 MBTo be unforgettable we must be willing to do what most presenters won’t, even when it is painful. Today Mark and Darren unpack three ‘must-do’ habits that are often overlooked. Adopting and practicing these habits will help you to continuously elevate your level of performance and become unforgettable.
Ep. 94 Your Story Makeover
June 10, 2021 12:00 - 37 minutes - 69.5 MBYou probably have stories that you have told over and over. How could you possibly make them better? Darren and Mark reveal a three-step ‘makeover’ process to help you identify and clarify the shifts in your stories, give your audience a deeper understanding your characters, and make your presentation unforgettable.
Ep. 93 Hybrid Speaking
June 03, 2021 12:00 - 38 minutes - 71.2 MBAs the world slowly emerges from the pandemic, in-person events are opening up. But between virtual and in-person, there’s the HYBRID event, where some attend in person, and others attend virtually. Join Mark and Darren as they discuss 5 things you need to know to deliver an unforgettable presentation at every hybrid event.
Ep. 92 Wisdom of the Aged
May 27, 2021 12:00 - 18 minutes - 34.6 MB“When I was your age…” Those words have prompted many of us to roll our eyes as someone older tries to tell us about “The good old days”. Darren and Mark examine the insight and experience of older members of society, showing how the wisdom of the aged can help us to be unforgettable.
Ep. 91 Closer to Home
May 20, 2021 12:00 - 27 minutes - 51.2 MBWe’ve all heard inspirational stories of famous people and celebrities, and they’ve been overused for years. Today Mark and Darren examine an untapped resource…family, relatives, friends, and even pets! A powerful source of inspirational stories could be sitting at your table or on your sofa. Listen in and you’ll discover quickly that unforgettable stories are closer to home!
Ep. 90 The Unforgettable Storytelling Technique Of Kindra Hall
May 13, 2021 12:00 - 58 minutes - 117 MBWhy tell stories? How do you make them unforgettable? Kindra Hall replies using her story journey from ‘unofficial elementary school storyteller’ to National Champion Storyteller to author of ‘Stories That Stick’, which debuted at #2 on the Wall Street Journal Bestseller list. She chats with Mark and Darren about the lessons she learned at the mile markers, and her potent technique for unforgettable storytelling.
Ep. 89 Why are you REALLY there?
May 06, 2021 12:00 - 38 minutes - 71.9 MBYou’ve got the ‘gig’ and you’ll get to showcase your expertise and experience. But why are you REALLY there? Darren and Mark answer this question by exploring, expounding and answering four deeper questions. Their responses will provide clarity and give you direction you need to make your next presentation unforgettable!
Ep. 88 The Unforgettable Les Brown
April 29, 2021 12:00 - 42 minutes - 83.3 MB“LIVE YOUR DREAMS!” Millions have heard these words by the legendary Les Brown, who opens up to Mark and Darren about his incredible journey, which includes giving free speeches to 7-year-olds, hiding in the men’s room afraid to face his audience, and much more. His seasoned advice will help any speaker become unforgettable!
Ep. 87 The Gold in the Old!
April 22, 2021 12:00 - 33 minutes - 63.1 MBDo you have a story, a presentation, a sermon or experience that you haven’t used in a long time? Maybe you think it’s past its ‘USE BY DATE.’ Darren and Mark explain why and how to revisit the old, find the GOLD and rediscover the value that can make your next presentation unforgettable!
Ep. 86 Live Coaching With Denise Banks-Grasedyck, Speaker, Author
April 15, 2021 12:00 - 1 hour - 130 MBToday Mark and Darren help Denise Banks-Grasedyck uncover the power of her stories using ‘triads’…the power of three. Denise learns how characters and contrast can reinforce any message, and how to quickly identify a central theme. Her UNFORGETTABLE response? “As coaches, you are each amazing in your own right, however, together you are FIRE! TNT!”
Ep. 85 Unforgettable Body Language with Blanca Cobb
April 08, 2021 12:00 - 58 minutes - 108 MBHow can you tell if you’re connecting with your audience? How can you make your characters come alive? How can your face, hands and body help to drive your message home? Body language expert Blanca Cobb shares…and shows…how your body language can engage your audience, magnify your message and make you unforgettable!
Ep. 84 Your Unforgettable STRETCH
April 02, 2021 00:07 - 43 minutes - 81.3 MBWhat happens when you STRETCH? Darren and Mark chat with four of their speaking students, Kory May, Amanda Mae Gray, Sara McGill, and Kathi Kulesza, about their stretch; the #77DayVideoChallenge. Their new relationships, international speaking opportunities, and business growth are proof that your stretch can expand your influence, increase your productivity, and make you unforgettable!
Ep. 83 The Unforgettable Capt. Charlie Plumb
March 25, 2021 12:00 - 56 minutes - 112 MBAfter spending almost 6 years as a Prisoner of War, writing a book so people will STOP asking about it, giving over 400 FREE speeches, and telling stories for more than 45 years, the legendary Cap’t. Charlie Plumb sits down with Mark and Darren to explain it all. He shares techniques, dispenses wisdom, and gives advice that will put YOU on the path to being unforgettable!
Ep. 82 Prop-ology
March 18, 2021 13:00 - 31 minutes - 58.4 MBProps can be powerful tools for supporting your premise and reinforcing your message. Should you use them? Why? When? How? Mark and Darren provide answers and offer examples that will help you to use props effectively and make your presentation unforgettable.
Ep. 81 Do You Have Open Loops?
March 11, 2021 14:00 - 36 minutes - 69 MBWithout knowing it, we sometimes leave unanswered questions in the minds of our audience…open loops that we don’t close. Today Darren and Mark examine 4 such loops and explain how to close them to make your presentation unforgettable.
Ep. 80 Five Closing Mistakes
March 04, 2021 14:00 - 31 minutes - 58.6 MBIf you’ve ever left a presentation wondering, “Is that it?” it’s possible that the speaker didn’t close convincingly. Mark and Darren discuss 5 common closing mistakes…which they themselves have made…and offer simple yet solid solutions to help you close your unforgettable presentation with clarity and confidence.
Ep. 79 Your Failure Story
February 25, 2021 14:00 - 32 minutes - 61.1 MBPerhaps you’ve failed, at something, at some time. If you’d rather not share it, that’s normal. Today Mark and Darren discuss failures…and share a few of their own…as they show the value of failure lessons, and the action that you take afterwards. Listen, and learn how to be unforgettable through the power of your well-told failure story.
Ep. 78 The World's First Humor Engineer with Drew Travin
February 18, 2021 14:00 - 57 minutes - 106 MB‘HUMOR ENGINEER.’ Somehow those two words just don’t seem to belong together. Today Mark and Darren chat with Drew Tarvin, the world’s FIRST humor engineer, who proves (with 9.1 MILLION TEDx talk views) that IT professionals and engineers can be funny, and how improv, stand-up, rap, puns, visual humor, and structure can help us develop The Skill of Humor. Listen, laugh and learn to be unforgettable with Humor That Works!
Ep. 77 We Double Dog Dare You!
February 11, 2021 14:00 - 28 minutes - 53.3 MBDid you ever accept a dare when you were younger? Or did you choose the comfortable path and ‘play it safe?’ As presenters, it’s easy to get comfortable doing what we do well. In this episode, Darren and Mark DOUBLE DOG DARE you to serve your audiences by stretching yourself in a new way and they provide guidance that will help you to be unforgettable.
Ep. 76 Does Your Presentation Need a Little Salt?
February 04, 2021 13:00 - 27 minutes - 51.5 MBIt’s easy for a presentation to become a lecture, as we spoon-feed the audience with the knowledge we want to share. Mark and Darren investigate the value of creating curiosity and using a tease…adding a little ‘salt’…to make your presentation unforgettable.
Ep. 75 The Blessings in Your Battles
January 28, 2021 20:22 - 23 minutes - 45.2 MBWhen life hits, it’s hard to ‘look on the bright side’. Darren and Mark offer specific strategies for seeking out the blessings in our battles, to give our audiences hope and deliver presentations that are uplifting and unforgettable.
Ep. 74 Impromptu You! Ready?
January 21, 2021 14:00 - 38 minutes - 72.6 MBYou’re suddenly asked to ‘say a few words’ at a special occasion, or to replace a no-show speaker at the last minute. Are you nervous, or are you READY? Mark and Darren share effective tools and a simple yet effective strategy for handling any impromptu speaking situation, all to help you to beUNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 73 Being Funny Isn't About Trying To Be Funny With Judy Carter
January 14, 2021 14:00 - 43 minutes - 81.4 MB“If you’re trying to be anything other than yourself, you’re playing a game called ‘YOU LOSE!’” So says magician, coach, and speaker Judy Carter, author of THE COMEDY BIBLE. Darren and Mark can’t keep the chuckles away as Judy expounds on HOW and WHY funny works…and doesn’t. Her insights will help you uncover the funny, and be UNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 72 Do You REALLY Give Your Audience What THEY Need? Part 3
January 07, 2021 14:00 - 41 minutes - 77.3 MBIn this final episode of a 3-part series, Jacob and Linda share their need for authenticity, originality, proven processes, and hope. Finally, Carolyn, the meeting planner, reveals how to become the rising star she wants to book. Mark and Darren expand on these, and more, to help you to be unforgettable.
Ep. 71 Do You REALLY Give Your Audience What THEY Need? Part 2
December 31, 2020 13:00 - 30 minutes - 57.4 MBToday we hear from 3 more audience members, Gavin, Kristoff & Mark, as they reveal what they are REALLY thinking during your presentation. Darren and Mark provide insights on quoting sources, re-imagining old material, engaging your audience, and more…techniques which will to help you to be unforgettable.
Ep. 70 Do You REALLY Give the Audience What THEY Need? - Part 1
December 24, 2020 17:27 - 28 minutes - 53.5 MBIf your audience members could personally tell you what they really need, would you adjust your content or your presentation? Mark and Darren hear from 3 anonymous audience members and respond with practical, proven advice on how you can be unforgettable by REALLY serving your audience.
Ep. 69 Virtual Training Mistakes; 9 NO-NOs
December 18, 2020 17:40 - 1 hour - 132 MBVirtual training done well can be delightful. Done poorly, it can be disastrous. Darren, Mark & guest host Ed Tate, CSP take a deep dive into 9 NO-Nos of virtual training and show how to avoid being boring, keep your attendees engaged, and ultimately deliver unforgettable virtual training programs.
Ep. 68 Unforgettable Movie Moments
December 10, 2020 14:00 - 31 minutes - 58.5 MBDo you know that favorite movie scene when there’s a plot twist, a change in a character, a revelation, or a shock? Think STAR WARS Episode V when Darth Vader tells Luke Skywalker, “I am your father.” That was a MOMENT! Mark and Darren discuss ‘MOVIE MOMENTS’ and how to both set them up, and use them effectively to make your presentations unforgettable.
Ep. 67 Create Unforgettable Analogies With Pastor Josh Teis
December 03, 2020 14:00 - 42 minutes - 78.8 MBIt’s tough creating a new presentation 50 times a year, and keeping your audience engaged week after week, but Pastor Josh Teis does just that. In this episode, he opens up to Darren and Mark about his methods and his messages. He explains his technique for using analogies and shares how comedians and PIXAR help him to beUNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 66 Your Family's Treasure
November 26, 2020 06:29 - 36 minutes - 69 MBDo you remember the times when your family got together for holidays, anniversary celebrations or special occasions? The laughter you shared, the memories you made, and the tales you told? Mark and Darren talk about the hidden TREASURE in our families’ stories and offer specific ideas for finding and sharing the treasure that can make your family stories unforgettable.
Ep. 65 Live Coaching With Denise Marek, Worry-Management Expert
November 19, 2020 14:00 - 1 hour - 126 MBTake another peek behind the coaches’ curtain as Darren and Mark show Denise Marek, award-winning speaker and author, how minor adjustments can have major impact. Listen as they explain how techniques like The Pause Pedestal, replacing statements with questions, the power of Reaction, and the Magic of Moments will make your good stories UNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 64 Lessons from the Master Mentor David Brooks
November 13, 2020 16:41 - 56 minutes - 104 MBImagine: Winning the World Championship of Public Speaking with a timeless message, pioneering unconventional attire & audience response, and mentoring several other finalists and champions, including co-hosts Darren and Mark. Meet David Brooks, hear his journey, glean from his experience, and learn how excellent writing can make your presentation UNFORGETTABLE! If you are a Toastmaster this is a must listen episode. Why? If you ever heard a World Champion at any District conference, you m...
Ep. 63 WHY?
November 06, 2020 04:16 - 33 minutes - 62 MBHave you clarified your why lately? What drives you to get on stage…or online…and deliver a presentation? We all have our reasons, and they may vary greatly. Today Darren and Mark dive into the ‘NEW WHY’…the deeper motivation behind why we present. They explore how looking beyond technical expertise, eloquence, and the accolades we receive, will help us to be unforgettable.
Ep. 62 Shatter Norms With A Deep Message: Linda-Marie Miller
October 29, 2020 17:00 - 1 hour - 111 MBRacism is a highly volatile social issue. Tackling it head-on, to a global audience, breaks the mold, yet the 2020 World Championship Of Public Speaking 1st-Runner-Up Linda-Marie Miller did just that. Why that subject? What was her speech development process? Why use placards? Darren, Mark, and guest co-host Ed Tate get these answers and more during an unforgettable conversation about anUNFORGETTABLE PRESENTATION!
Ep. 61 Humor for the Un-Funny
October 23, 2020 01:03 - 41 minutes - 78 MBHow do you put a smile of the faces of your audience, or make them laugh out loud…especially when you KNOW you aren’t funny? Mark and Darren understand all too well, having both been branded ‘un-funny’ since childhood. In this episode, they share some simple yet effective formulas for finding the funny, and being unforgettable.
Ep. 60 How to Handle a Controversial Subject with Sadika Kebbi
October 15, 2020 16:30 - 52 minutes - 97.8 MBHow do you deliver a potentially controversial presentation with grace and dignity, yet be effective without being offensive, and ultimately become UNFORGETTABLE? Mark and Darren get answers from Lebanese storyteller and academic Sadika Kebbi, as she expounds on the power of a personal story and reveals her unique techniques for making her presentations UNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 59 How to Make Your Special Occasion Speeches Unforgettable
October 09, 2020 14:29 - 1 hour - 119 MBWhat happens when 2 World Champions are each asked to officiate a wedding for the first time? How do they approach it? Perhaps you will be asked to deliver a Best Man’s Speech, a toast, a roast, a eulogy or to officiate a wedding. How can you make it unforgettable? Mark and Darren break down their 5-step preparation process and show the importance of good structure for unforgettable special occasion presentations. Get tools and insights to help you deliver an unforgettable one-time special o...
Ep. 58 How To Be Unforgettable Off Balance With Dan Thurmon
October 01, 2020 16:08 - 58 minutes - 108 MBWith the global pandemic, it seems the whole world has been thrown off balance. How can you still be impactful? What if you’re a presenter and performer who relies on a large stage, unusual props, and extensive physical activity? How do you pivot to a virtual experience? In this lively…and sometimes visually amazing…conversation with Darren and Mark, author/acrobat/Hall-Of-Fame speaker Dan Thurmon provides answers and proves that you can live your life off balance on purpose, and be UNFORGET...
Ep. 57 The Story Behind the 2020 World Champion Speaker, Mike Carr
September 24, 2020 19:48 - 56 minutes - 104 MBWhat does it take to ‘out-speak’ 35,000 global contestants to become the first VIRTUAL World Champion of Public Speaking? Mark and Darren chat with the 2020 WCPS Mike Carr about the ups and downs of his speaking journey, lessons learned along the way, and his now famous and unforgettable use of the virtual platform to create a unique audience experience. Tune in for tips and techniques that will help make you UNFORGETTABLE!