Unforgettable Presentations
243 episodes - English - Latest episode: 17 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.
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed
Episodes
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!
Ep. 56 How to Create Unforgettable Magic Moments
September 18, 2020 03:08 - 1 hour - 116 MBUnforgettable presentations have MOMENTS…scenes, conversations, statements, and emotions that resonate with the audience or with the presenter. These are the moments that remain in our minds and hearts. Darren and Mark talk about three specific categories of Magic Moments, provide examples from their experiences, and offer advice on both identifying and creating magic moments…moments that will make your presentations UNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 55 The Art of Unforgettable Story Crafting with Craig Valentine
September 12, 2020 05:07 - 52 minutes - 97.5 MBThat ‘Nudge Your Neighbor’ moment; when the speaker starts to tell a story you’ve heard before, so you nudge your neighbor and say, “You’re going to LOVE this!” Darren and Mark talk with master story-crafter Craig Valentine about the ins and outs of story craft, some common mistakes that even seasoned experts make, and the power of The Foundational Phrase in the story crafting process…tools that will help you to create ‘Nudge Your Neighbor’ moments, and make you UNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 54 Create Your Legenday Story with Michael Hauge Your Unforgettable Story
September 03, 2020 13:00 - 1 hour - 116 MBEntertainment superstar Will Smith calls him ‘The Legend’. Michael Hauge is a story expert and Hollywood script consultant to the stars. Today he responds to Mark’s and Darren’s questions about stories and gives insight into the nuances of not only preparing, but also presenting legendary stories. Applying his wisdom, gained from over 40 years in Hollywood, will lead you to story mastery, and help you to be UNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 53 LIVE COACHING with Michelle Villalobos, Superstar Activator
August 27, 2020 13:00 - 41 minutes - 77.8 MBHave you ever wondered what it’s like being coached on your story? Today you get a peek behind the coaches’ curtain as Darren and Mark guide Michelle Villalobos, member of the Million Dollar Speaker Group, through the process of enhancing one of her signature stories. Learn how the application of simple yet potent techniques like The Foundational Phrase, The Power of Contrast, and The Punch Phrase will transform your stories, which may already be very good, and make them UNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 52 How To Use Unforgettable Hot Seats With Ford Saeks
August 20, 2020 13:00 - 43 minutes - 80.4 MBImagine yourself in the HOT SEAT, as an expert grills you with questions, with the only goal of showing you how to enhance your presentations, streamline your processes, and increase your revenue. Mark and Darren spend some time with Hall of Fame speaker and business growth strategist Ford Saeks, as he reveals how using HOT SEATS effectively will elevate your effectiveness, ‘punch up’ your presentations, and make you UNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 51 Everyone is Funny with Comedian Butch Bradley
August 13, 2020 19:00 - 58 minutes - 108 MBFrom tiny obscure comedy clubs to television specials to stages on 3 continents, Butch Bradley has conquered the comedy world. But what techniques has he mastered that will help ANY presenter to be unforgettable? The answers flow…along with the funny…as he sits down with Mark and Darren and dispenses wisdom and experience proving that ‘EVERYONE IS FUNNY’, and the with the right attitude, effort and allies, anyone can be UNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 50 Choose to Be Unforgettable
August 08, 2020 17:51 - 49 minutes - 92.8 MB“An unforgettable presenter is an imperfect presenter striving to be unforgettable.” So says co-host Darren as he and Mark share 10 choices that every presenter should make to alter their mindset, hone their craft, and elevate their performance level. Use this as a checklist. By continually striving to improve, regardless of your experience as a presenter, you can achieve new heights of proficiency and excellence, and deliver presentations that are UNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 49 Where To Find The Gold In Your Life
July 31, 2020 06:12 - 32 minutes - 61.7 MB“Look for those events in your life that brought you pain...and go deeper into the pain. Audiences will identify…and connect with your vulnerability.” These words from Michael Hauge, Hollywood Script Consultant to the stars, are the basis for a frank heart-to-heart as Mark and Darren talk about mining your life to find the GOLD. It’s difficult to revisit painful experiences, and in this episode, our co-hosts reveal how finding the PURPOSE in your PAIN can uplift your audience, transform thei...
Ep. 48 How To Use The Unforgettable Fun Factor
July 23, 2020 19:00 - 31 minutes - 59.6 MB“Having fun allows me to do what I love without any great pressure.” says Olympic double gold medalist Ester Ledecka of the Czech Republic. As presenters, we work hard on our craft and do our best to shine on stage. Sometimes our focus is so lasered, we forget to have FUN. In this episode, Darren and Mark share stories and experiences with having fun on the platform, and the principles and lessons they have learned over a combined 50 years of speaking. This episode will help you to take some...
Ep. 47 How To Be An Unforgettable Communicator with David Henderson
July 18, 2020 04:08 - 1 hour - 115 MBHow can we improve as communicators daily? Former prosecutor David Henderson, civil rights attorney, Toastmaster, and educator has answers. He has been published in Newsweek & the Washington Post, and appeared on MSNBC & CNN. David, Mark & Darren talk about showing emotion, becoming a better writer, and overcoming the fear of being authentic in front of a jury. Find out how effective communication makes a meaningful contribution to someone’s day and manifests in REAL LIFE application. It’s n...
Ep. 46 How to Be Unforgettable Year After Year with Jeanne Robertson
July 10, 2020 15:38 - 55 minutes - 103 MBWhere can you continue to find fresh material every day? Every month? Every year? For more than 55 YEARS? Legendary speaker, ‘Grandma Gone Viral’ with 97million YouTube views, and Hall of Fame humorist Jeanne Robertson reveals her secrets in this lively discussion with Darren and Mark. Jeanne shares how to train your ears to find new stories each day, how to collect 400 original story ideas each year, how to adapt to changing times to keep your material fresh, and how to create UNFORGETTABLE...
Ep. 45 Be Practical, Creative And Unforgettable with Freddie Ravel
July 03, 2020 16:43 - 56 minutes - 105 MB“Business is a dance between the practical and the creative,” says today’s guest. Mark and Darren sit down Grammy-Nominated musician, Freddie Ravel who toured with Brazilian master Sergio Mendes, directed the legendary band Earth, Wind and Fire. Hear his story of how performing for Dr. Deepak Chopra lead him to become an internationally acclaimed Keynote Maestro. This episode is loaded with nuggets of wisdom on how you can be practical, creative, and UNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 44 Your Unforgettable Ask
June 27, 2020 01:39 - 41 minutes - 76.5 MB“Your last words LINGER.” So says Hall of Fame speaking legend Patricia Fripp. You may have delivered a presentation containing hilarious humor, powerful stories, and relatable characters. But do your last words include an ASK for your audience? Darren and Mark unpack the critical role your ask can play, and reveal ways in which a powerful and strategic ask can make your presentation UNFORGETTABLE!
Ep. 43 Your Unforgettable First Words
June 18, 2020 21:00 - 52 minutes - 97.1 MBDo your first words FASCINATE, or FRUSTRATE? Your opening lines can make or break your presentation, and your audience will either tune in, or check out. Darren and Mark offer a number of opening techniques which, when used well, will engage your audience immediately, and help to make your talk UNFORGETTABLE!