Unforgettable Presentations

Darren LaCroix, Mark Brown

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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25 episodes
weekly
Avg 35 min
English

Episodes 25

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#351
Thursday · 52 min
Ep. 369 GREATNESS WITH DON YAEGER AND PATRICIA FRIPP
How does one achieve greatness in one career, then do the same in another? Today, Darren and Mark find out from best-selling author and Hall-Of-Fame speaker Don Yaeger, and his coach, Hall-Of-Fame speaker Patricia Fripp. They discuss Don's transition from professional writing to world-class public speaking and examine Patricia's role as his professional coach. SNIPPETS: • Greatness is an iterative process • Feedback is the breakfast of champions and champions eat breakfast • Anybody worth their salt hires a coach • Conduct pre-calls with prospective coaches to find the right coach for you • Don't expect to be a good speaker if you don't spend time focused on it • If you can't say anything worthwhile in 3 minutes, you don't deserve an hour • Watch game film with your coach • Watch your videos pretending that the speaker is someone else • Conduct post-speech calls with clients • Reverse your 'I/YOU' ratio • Be intentional in everything you do • Remain humble Work with Don Yaeger https://www.DonYaeger.com Work with Patricia Fripp https://www.Fripp.com Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
#368
September 10 · 1 hr 44 min
Ep. 368 - 2026 World Championship of Public Speaking - THE CHAMPS CRITIQUE
The 2026 Toastmasters International World Championship of Public Speaking was held in August, and this special episode was requested by many. Darren and Mark are joined by fellow World Champions David Brooks (1990), Ed Tate (2000), Lance Miler (2005), and Aaron Beverly (2019) as they offer their observations and share their thoughts on the 2026 Finals. SNIPPETS: • The WCPS should be the best speakers in their best setting. • The WCPS should be a showcase event and a marketing tool • Energy at contest time is critical • Get audience perspectives on what works and what doesn't • Avoid using local references • Don't stop when you make a mistake in rehearsal • Provide levity amidst heavy moments • The speaker who wins the audience wins the contest • Give the audience something different • Be demographically strategic • Measure pauses in heartbeats; a pause is a device • Silence is a message • Disturb the audience's predicted thinking patterns • Internalize your message to better handle on-stage mishaps Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
#367
September 3 · 55 min
Ep. 367 UNFORGETTABLE WRITING WITH VINCE ANTONUCCI
It's been said that great speeches aren't written; they're re-written. Today Darren and Mark learn the ins and outs of great writing from author/speaker/minister Vince Antonucci. His techniques are simple and practical, and when applied well, they will help you to become UNFORGETTABLE. SNIPPETS: • Be clear; clarity counts • Simplicity and clarity are genius • Avoid speaking in abstractions • Never assume that your audience knows anything • Avoid the curse of knowledge • Be concrete instead of abstract • Write the way you speak • GHOST writing is really COLLABORATIVE writing • The first chapter, sentence, and line are most important • Edit at the word level • Simplify, simplify, simplify • Rehearse out loud • Apply the 10 Phases of Speech Writing
#366
August 27 · 46 min
Ep. 366 STORIES THAT CHANGE LIVES WITH STEPHEN KENDRICK
How do we find stories that change lives? In this episode, Mark & Darren get answers from award-winning filmmaker Stephen Kendrick of the Kendrick Brothers. They dive into story techniques and the mindset behind powerful storytelling. Stephen's tips will help you to become UNFORGETTABLE. SNIPPETS: • Use realistic context • Lead with a teaser, create a hook, and keep them curious • Help them understand, agree, commit and become ambassadors/advocates • Edit wisely, sometimes rearranging scenes • Shepherd the audience's emotions • Land with truth that matters • Don't impress, IMPACT • Love your audience and serve their needs • Your experience carries weight, tell your story • Don't impress, IMPACT • Distill your message and make sure they get the gold • Use rhythm and pauses • Be humble, but confident Stephen Kendrick's upcoming theatrical release: October 16, 2026 https://flywheelignitionofthesoulmovie.com/ Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
August 20 · 20 min
Ep. 365 YOUR BRAINSTORM BUDDY?
Peer collaboration may be just what you need to get breakthroughs and insights. Reflecting on a recent CREATE YOUR UNFORGETTABLE KEYNOTE 3-Day workshop, Darren & Mark discuss the benefits of both having and being a brainstorm buddy. They also expound on the value of having brainstorm buddies from unexpected sources. SNIPPETS: • Gives a different perspective • Has a heart to help • Opens our thinking • Have a Zoom coffee • Draw from the expertise of others • Look outside your industry • Consider neighbors, teens, and others in your social circle • Tap into a brain unlike yours • They help you to be more creative in less time • They can help you test new material • AI helps, but cannot replace human interaction Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
August 13 · 50 min
Ep. 364 SPEAKING TO DIVERSE AUDIENCES – ASIF ALI, DEWAN TO PRINCE OF ARCOT
Most presenters serve a niche audience, but how should they navigate serving diverse audiences? Today Mark and Darren talk with Nawabzada Mohammed Asif Ali, Dewan to the Prince of Arcot, from the Royal Family in Chennai, India. Asif shares the techniques and mindset that he applies to address a broad range of audience demographics…from kids to diplomats to United Nations audiences. His expertise and experience will help any presenter to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Read widely • Be willing to share your knowledge • Be eager to learn from young and more mature alike • Help young people to turn information into knowledge • Help different generations to have confidence in each other • Understand how generations change over time • Enjoy speaking and the audience will enjoy it too • Get energy from every audience regardless of age, and give it back to them • Become like every audience • Choose appropriate language for specific audience demographic and situation • Be minimal with the media • Be flexible Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
#363
August 6 · 51 min
Ep. 363 CONNECT QUICKLY WITH HIGH-STAKES AUDIENCES
Darren often says: "We must connect before we can educate, inspire or persuade." Today, Darren and Mark talk with veteran late-night comedy writer and Human Humor Detector Chris McGuire about the importance of connecting quickly. Chris lays out a proven strategy that will help any presenter to connect early and effectively…especially when speaking to high-stakes audiences. SNIPPETS: • You must connect early • Audiences immediately want to know what's in it for them • Become a pain point detective • Show that you see them and you get them • Use the language of the room • Open a case file • Verify you research • Use 'bits' and 'run a comedic play' to do the heavy lifting • Use location humor • Use custom humor • Without connection, content is irrelevant
#362
July 30 · 44 min
Ep. 362 BE UNFORGETTABLE ON LINKEDIN WITH RICHARD BLISS
"LinkedIn is always changing! How do we stay current?" This question is on the minds of many, and today Mark and Darren get answers from LinkedIn Top Voice Richard Bliss. As they discuss critical changes to the platform, Richard shares the simple but necessary adjustments that will help us maximize our reach on LinkedIn. SNIPPETS: • LinkedIn is BUSINESS MEDIA, not a social media platform • We must change our mindset about the platform • It tracks and analyzes our behaviors • It will warn users and suspend them if necessary • Beware LinkedIn jail • Be purposeful and show your value in your profile • Your ABOUT section should not be a resume/CV • You are on stage on LinkedIn • Don't just be a cheerleader with 'likes' and 'congrats' • Ditch multiple hashtags; they fragment your message • Use 100-150 words to accompany videos, which should be 30 seconds or less • Saving posts is a value indicator • LinkedIn is your digital identity, it provides legitimacy Attend Richard and Darren's Workshop August 7-8, 2026 https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/workshops/linkedin-deep-dive-for-professional-speakers/ DISCOUNT CODE : POD25 Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
#361
July 23 · 22 min
Ep. 361 KEEPERS AND ACTION ITEMS?
There is no guarantee that audiences will remember every nugget and act after a presentation. This is especially true when leading workshops and multi-day programs. Darren and Mark expound on two tools that make this easier: KEEPERS and ACTION ITEMS. They explain how these tools help program attendees retain content and follow up on their own action plans more consistently. SNIPPETS: • KEEPERS are 'ahas', ACTION ITEMS are to-dos • Keepers can come from the presenter(s) and other attendees • Invite attendees to share their Keepers and Action Items • Common Keepers show what 'lands' • Allocate 2 or 3-minute periods to update throughout the day • Sharing their Keepers & Action Items is an engaging experience • Keepers & Action Items show ROI to managers • Inspire Action Items that are immediately implementable • Verbalizing Action Items is a public declaration of commitment Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
#360
July 16 · 40 min
Ep. 360 VIRTUALLY ENGAGING?
Virtual presentations are here to stay and as presenters we must keep our audiences interested and engaged, sometimes for multi-day programs. Mark and Darren have conducted virtual programs for several years and today they are joined by Stage Time University faculty member Mike Davis as they share proven techniques for keeping virtual audiences engaged. SNIPPETS: • Have a co-host or co-presenter • Be prepared for technical difficulties • Dress professionally on camera • Avoid eating/drinking on camera unless it is germane • Be aware that your audience faces multiple distractions • It is our responsibility as experts to provide relevant content. • Practice and record your presentation • Watch as an audience member • Address potential distractions in your background • Master PACE ELEMENTS • Own your platform Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
#357
July 9 · 28 min
Ep. 359 WHAT'S A STORY DIG?
Stories well told can be inspiring, entertaining and enlightening. However, sometimes speakers inadvertently omit the most compelling elements of their stories. Today Darren and Mark discuss the STORY DIG…a process for excavating the backstory, character motivation, and emotional depth that the speaker is too close to see themselves. SNIPPETS: • Get a qualified coach to ask the right questions • Dig deeper • There's a WHY behind every story • Uncover the emotional component behind the story • Find what goes beyond the hero's apparent primary goal • Look for relatable details that connect your audience to you • Find moments that help you to tell a better story • When we are too close to our story, we miss compelling moments • Uncover material that you may not use…yet • Unearth forgotten experiences • Find the gold inside you Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
#358
July 2 · 33 min
Ep. 358 STORYTELLING MISTAKES?
Everyone appreciates a story, and the difference between a good story and an unforgettable story comes down to a few mistakes that many speakers make. In this episode, Mark and Darren discuss common storytelling mistakes, offer ways to avoid them, and share techniques for making your stories unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Do a walkthrough with a proven process • Learn what constitutes a 'well-told story' • Avoid narration only • Include a solid setup to provide context • Identify 'COMPELLEMENTS' – compelling moments in each story • Don't forget emotional shifts • Clarify the hero's 'DE-WHY-RE'…their deeper WHY • Commit to digging deeper • Include dialogue infused with emotion • Decide when to use internal dialogue Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
#356
June 18 · 37 min
Ep. 356 HOW COACHING TRANSFORMS
Following up on last week's episode, Darren and Mark talk with Philip Riggs, A VIP client at their recent OWN THE STAGE 3-DAY presentation coaching workshop. Philip shares the lessons and insights that empowered him to transform his speech almost overnight and earned him a standing ovation on Day 3. He also explains ways that he changed as a result of the coaching process. SNIPPETS: • Be determined to learn • Stretch yourself • Be open to learning from others, even if they are strangers • Make your content 'YOU-focused' • Look for every area of your speech that needs improvement • Prioritize two or three areas to work on • The work is hard, push through • There's a difference between knowing what to do and how to implement it • You can experience mind-blowing transformation in three days • Implement the feedback from qualified coaches Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
#355
June 11 · 57 min
Ep. 355 HOW COACHING MAKES A DIFFERENCE
Can coaching make a big difference, especially if you are fairly accomplished and experienced? In this episode, Mark and Darren get answers from four clients who participated in a recent OWN THE STAGE 3-DAY presentation coaching workshop. Bernadette, Glenn, Elaine, and Beth share their experiences, offer their perspective, and explain the benefits. They prove that qualified coaching can help any presenter to become unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Evokes your humanity • Forces you to humble yourself • Uncovers humor • Provides AHAs • Makes speeches light-years better • Helps you learn to discern • Trains your ear • Builds confidence in your material • Provides a 360° experience • Evokes conversational style • Gets you unstuck • Provides a great roadmap • Helps you live impactful moments • Gets you past your mess Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
#354
June 4 · 24 min
Ep. 354 Do You Have It?
Ep. 354 DO YOU HAVE IT? People crave the 'it factor'…presence, confidence, charisma, and eloquence. Today, Darren and Mark discuss another 'it'…courage. From their experience, they share the type of courage every speaker needs, to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Have the courage to be coached • Be courageous enough to get coached in public, in the company of strangers • Be vulnerable • Invest in your growth • Be bold enough to think differently • Commit to the process • Don't be afraid to push back on feedback • Be flexible and adapt • Look for different ways to improve • Be willing to break it so you can fix it Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
#353
May 28 · 34 min
Ep. 353 THREE ACTIONS MOST WONT TAKE TO BE UNFORGETTABLE
As presenters, we want to be our best on the platform. Many of us attend workshops and seminars, purchase and devour resources, and practice diligently. However, something might be missing. Today, Mark and Darren discuss specific actions that some speaker's won't take, the reasons for avoiding those actions, and the benefits of taking those actions…all if which can help any presenter to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Go beyond stage time • Record presentations • Watch and listen from the audience's perspective • Review old recordings, compare them with latest version, track your growth • Look for the 'WELL DONE' and the 'WORK ON' • Identify what resonated unexpectedly • Recordings help you become more audience-aware • Research and customize • Show your client that you're not delivering a 'back-pocket' speech • Apply a personal touch • Get qualified coaching • Solicit help in all aspects of the speaking business Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
#352
May 21 · 19 min
Ep. 352 UNFORGETTABLE COLLABORATION
"I'm a keynote speaker. I'm a solopreneur. I'm building MY brand. Won't collaboration dilute my brand?" This is a valid concern, and in this episode, Darren and Mark discuss the 'ups and downs' of collaboration. Sharing their experiences, they show the significant benefits of collaboration and offer advice on choosing the right collaborators for you. SNIPPETS: • Choose your collaborators carefully • Collaborate with partners with complementary skills and strengths • Combining strengths makes both collaborators stronger • Don't think selfishly • Think of the best way you can serve your audience • Find out what people need • Collaborate with the person best qualified to meet your clients' needs • Collaborate with people who go all-in • Consider who else you could serve whom you wouldn't serve well alone • Create a win-win-win • Seek compatible collaborations Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
May 14 · 30 min
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
#350
May 7 · 20 min
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: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com
#349
April 30 · 24 min
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: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

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