Unforgettable Presentations

  Have you considered re-writing one of your previous stories? In today’s episode, Darren and Mark encourage you to examine your previous presentations with the goal of improving, enhancing, and re-writing. A re-write can elevate your content, enhance your performance, and most importantly amplify your impact.    SNIPPETS: • Great speeches aren’t written; they’re re-written   • Revisit previous presentations   • Watch videos of your speeches   • Review with a critical eye   • Identify what you did well, and areas for improvement   • Make review and re-write part of your routine   • Put ‘WORLD CLASS TIME’ on your calendar   • Start with one area…a story/idea/slide deck/segment   • Choose when to replace narration with dialog   • Examine characters and decide: ‘remove or remain?’   • Seek ways to enhance the audience’s experience     Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

How do you find a balance between narration and dialog? NARRA-LOG! Like one of Mark and Darren’s clients, you may think, “That sounds like a NARROW LOG!” Today our co-hosts talk about bridging the gap between too much narration/not enough dialog…and vice versa…using that ‘narrow log.’ They give guidance on using both techniques effectively to build your unforgettable presentation.   SNIPPETS:   • Find the right balance between narration and dialog   • Look for key emotional shifts in your story   • You may need to reel in the dialog   • Avoid creating a soliloquy   • Don’t create a stage play • Decide when narration serves best   • Choose two or three ‘dialog moments’   • In dialog, more than one character must speak or react   • Use dialog to increase conflict, show a revelation, and reveal the aftermath   • Reactions tell the story   Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com  

Darren and Mark encourage their clients to review their scripts and ask, “How can I say this better with fewer words?” Today they discuss how having a better mindset can transform your presentation, improve your business, and make you unforgettable.    SNIPPETS:   • Ask: What can I make, say, or do better?   • Re-evaluate your presentations, programs, and processes   • Revisit your digital footprint   • Cut superfluous content   • Consider the audience’s mindset • Do a debrief   • Random comments can provide better options   • Find better marketing strategies   • Give your audience a better experience   • Build better relationships with clients and meeting planners   Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

At some point, you may feel stuck in your business, doing the same thing over and over, without any measurable progress. Today Mark and Darren have an off-the-cuff discussion about ways to get breakthroughs on your path to becoming unforgettable.    SNIPPETS:   • Reach your ‘enough is enough’ point   • Revisit your habits   • Adopt a new perspective   • Seek qualified help   • Find a mentor • Be humble and sincere   • Be a sponge   • Join a mastermind   • Say ‘Yes’ when a pro offers to help   • Apply their advice   • Breakthroughs come from growth Join us for Game Changers: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/workshops/game-changers-2025/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

We all want to get booked but we often lack the skills and knowledge to land the gig…on the best terms. Speaker bureau executive Jennifer Lier sits down with Darren and Mark to reveal the obstacles that keep you from getting booked, and the ‘must haves’ that will get you gigs and make you unforgettable.    SNIPPETS:   • YOU are your company, brand, and product   • It’s hard for you to negotiate your own gigs   • Let your bureau be your advocate   • Bureaus will not seek you out   • Bureaus look for speakers delivering at 25-30 events annually   • Most bureaus look for speakers earning $7,500+ per speech   • Bureaus speakers with fees under $10K   • Treat the bureau as your partner   • Have non-branded marketing materials ready   • Have TWO shareable demo videos: 3-5 minutes and 30 minutes   • Have a website that aligns with your brand   • Bring the bureau a gig   • Give the bureau a reason to work with you     Check out Game Changers: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/workshops/game-changers-2025/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

To get more business, your prospects need to know you exist. Today, Mark and Darren talk with Hall-Of-Fame speaker and million-dollar business growth innovator Ford Saeks Ford offers practical, business building wisdom to help you get found, get seen, and get business.    SNIPPETS:   • Be great on stage   • Master your craft   • Google yourself to see what your prospects see   • Have a solid digital footprint   • Use LinkedIn, YouTube and TikTok   • Content is a commodity   • Don’t tie your identity to a delivery method   • Lead with benefits   • Help your audience to DISCOVER, UNCOVER and REVEAL   • It’s not about selling; it’s about serving   • Treat AI like an expert, monitor it as an intern Discount Code: Ford20   Check Out Game Changers: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/workshops/game-changers-2025/

Your headshot is a critical component in your marketing material. So how do you look your best, and BE your best on camera? Darren and Mark get answers from Las Vegas-based celebrity photographer Jerry Metellus as they talk about the how and why of an unforgettable profile photo.   SNIPPETS: • Amplify what already is   • Don’t be trapped in an image of what you think you should be   • Remember who you are   • Don’t become fake in front of the lens   • Maintain a positive demeanor   • When sitting for a photo, find the joy   • Your photo tells a story   • Your photo can be your ambassador   • Show up STRONG in your photo   • Let your brand show through you   • Interview potential photographers to make sure you are a good fit   Join us for Game Changers! https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/workshops/game-changers-2025/  

A media interview is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your expertise and serve a broader audience. How can you get the opportunity, and what should you do to maximize that opportunity? In today’s episode, Mark and Darren talk with speaker, author and coach Pilar Ortiz, former TV reporter, news anchor, producer and director. Pilar gives sage advice for handling media interviews, staying top of mind with the media.      SNIPPETS:   • Say ‘yes’ to the opportunity   • Prepare bullet points and practice out loud   • Be succinct and give short answers in soundbites   • Just answer the question and make it easy for the audience to   • Select THREE key nuggets   • Create a story for your interviewer   • Show the producer how your expertise and serve their audience   • Make your topic newsworthy   • Make yourself a resource by referring other experts   • Build relationships with media personnel   • Watch interviewers and familiarize yourself with their style   • Wear clothes that fit well Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

Your voice is your instrument, so how do you keep it in top shape? Today, Darren and Mark sit down with Millian Quinteros, a voiceover artist, audio producer, podcast consultant, and voice care/maintenance coach. Using his own story of struggling with vocal issues, Millian explains some common voice-care mistakes, and offers practical advice to help you keep your instrument well-tuned.      SNIPPETS:   • The voice is the symphony of the heart   • Your voice tells people who you are   • Treat your voice like a professional   • Use vocal warm-ups and cool-downs   • Avoid alcohol and caffeine.   • If you partake, drink room temperature water at a 1:1 ratio   • Adopt proper posture when speaking   • Hum gently first thing in the morning   • Use diaphragmatic breathing in a steamy shower   • Hydration is key, with ROOM TEMPERATURE water   • When travelling, arrive at your destination a day early to acclimate   • Voice rest for a few hors can be very helpful     Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

Mark says, “One man’s mundane is another man’s magnificent.” We sometimes fail to see the magnificence in our stories because we’re too close to them. Today Darren and Mark explain why we may be too close, and suggest ways to broaden our perspective      SNIPPETS: • Start with a big block of clay   • We can be so close that we can’t identify the magnificent in our story   • Video-record yourself telling your story   • Present to a test audience   • Look at your story from the audience’s perspective   • Learn what your audience is thinking   • We can be too close to our favorite and signature stories   • Work with a qualified coach   • We can be so close that we miss ‘blind spots’   Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

What can be the motivation to go ‘all in’ as you prepare to deliver your next presentation? Mark and Darren look at the motivation for preparation and explain the value of a presentation walkthrough…with a live audience.   SNIPPETS: • When hour ego is at stake, you put in more work   • Put your rehearsal on the calendar, preferably 2 weeks out   • Work with a coach   • Walkthrough with your peer group as your audience   • Rehearse as if it’s game day   • Record yourself   • Walkthrough with those who have been there before you   • Listen for ‘cringe moments; if I cringe, I must correct   • The walkthrough forces you to go all in   • Engage in preparation motivation for your next presentation   Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

What is a ‘back pocket speech?’ When do you need it? How do you use it? All good questions! Darren and Mark provide answers…and ideas for making your ‘back pocket speech’ unforgettable.   SNIPPETS: • It’s not if…but when you have to fill in for another speaker   • Be prepared   • Make the meeting planner look good, and build your reputation   • Make it a habit at a conference to offer to speak if a speaker doesn’t show up   • Ask yourself, “What more can I provide?”   • Create awareness. If they aren’t aware of you, they can’t hire you   • Don’t get ready; stay ready (Craig Valentine)   • Keep a file of potential back-pocket presentations   • You have more material than you know   • Be natural Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

Sometimes speeches sound…well…speechy! Darren and Mark challenge you to examine your content and offer advice for ensuring that your authenticity shines through in every presentation.   SNIPPETS: • Be conversational   • Create a transcription   • Use tools like Microsoft Word’s DICTATE feature   • You can’t edit what you don’t write down   • Write for the eye, not for the eye   • Bullet-point your ideas   • Use keywords   • Avoid ‘cop-speak’   • Don’t over-complicate   • Be natural

Our senses can play a significant part in giving our audience an unforgettable experience. Today, Mark and Darren talk about the power of the sense of smell and share how you can use it effectively in your stories.   SNIPPETS: • Use V.A.K.S.   • Use smell as you relive your experiences   • Smell can create a visceral audience response   • Use smell to transport yourself to the scene first   • Then use smell to transport your audience to the scene   • Physically show your response to an odor, scent, or aroma   • Let your face and body reflect your emotional response   • Let the audience ‘sense’ the scene   • Let the moment linger; give the audience time to feel it   • Use the contrast between the expectation from a smell, and the reality                                             • Don’t overdo it                                                                                                          

Delivering presentations every week is challenging…no doubt about it. Delivering to the same audience every week magnifies that challenge. How can you be unforgettable in those circumstances? Today Lee Coate provides Mark and Darren with the techniques that help him to consistently communicate unforgettably.   SNIPPETS: • Communication is more than structure and what’s on the page   • Develop your own voice and style   • Communication is a by-product of an individual’s character   • Don’t be an actor   • Don’t perform…INSPIRE   • Avoid ‘speaking down’ to your audience; speak eye-to-eye with them   • Audiences appreciate it when you delf-depreciate   • Avoid using technology as a crutch   • Let technology accompany, not distract   • Beware of going overboard with props   • Be aware of what resonates with your audience                                             • Identify speaker whose style matches yours and learn from them     Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

Your audience wants to know that you ‘get’ them. Today Mark and Darren examine ways to connect with your audience, identify their challenges, and help solve their problems.   SNIPPETS: • Audiences appreciate your genuine interest in them   • Ask different individuals in your client’s organization   • Look for challenges, frustrations, and pet peeves   • Identify common concerns   • Bridge the gap between your content and their world   • If possible, attend events a day early and be observant   • Before your presentation, have hallway conversations with attendees   • Find out if they have solutions   • Name-drop; tell the story of your hallway conversation   • For connection, use photos with attendees in your presentation                                             • Encourage attendees to collaborate and share best practices Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/

Can you ‘up your game’ in 2025 make it your best year yet? Darren and Mark offer solid suggestions for upgrading your program, your presentation, and your presence in the marketplace. Applying these principles and practices will put you firmly on the path to being unforgettable...and making this YOUR BEST YEAR YET!   SNIPPETS: • It’s YOUR RESPONSIBILITY   • Assess your presentation and your business with the goal to improve   • Consider upgrading your speech title   • Revisit your content (open/close, structure, humor, delivery, stories)   • Review your video/audio recordings; what can you enhance?   • Upgrade your introduction, perhaps start using a video   • Rebrand if necessary   • Start or re-launch a newsletter   • Be intentional about social media presence; pick a platform                                             • Attend GAME CHANGERS conference at Stage Time University   • Collaborate with others   • Collaborate with a Mastermind, get a coach, attend industry conferences  

What does it take to deliver an extremely sensitive and emotional story, and why would you do it in the first place?   Darren and Mark get answers from ‘serial entrepreneur’ CEO Smoke Wallin as he explains why he shared his sensitive story to 2,000 CEOs. His answers will provide guidance and wisdom for anyone who is ready to tell their unforgettable sensitive story.   SNIPPETS: • Share your story to help others   • Think it through and compose your talk with sensitivity to your audience   • Don’t shock your audience   • Be very clear on your purpose and intent   • Only share after you feel called to share    • Share when you are ready   • Telling your story can unlock the container that chains your life   • Define and refine the message   • Your story is a gift; give it freely   • Share for the right reasons                                             • Decouple your identity enough to have detachment from the pain   Check out his speech: https://youtu.be/jhz3q-baDuA?si=jiC8EmokkTJY2X_U

Confidence. Every presenter needs it, especially when facing an unresponsive audience or dealing with the unexpected.   In today’s episode, Mark and Darren provide strategies for building your confidence and delivering your unforgettable presentation.   SNIPPETS: • Confidence is critical   • Not every audience responds emotionally and supportively   • Confidence doesn’t come by accident   • Prepare well   • Internalize your content   • Test your material in a low-risk environment like Toastmasters   • Ego is a confidence-killer   • Draw confidence from your TOP 5   • Build your confidence by listening to your best work regularly                                             • Collect testimonial texts, e-mails and videos   • Inspire your audiences, clients and prospects to have confidence in you  

Your audience can hear your story, but can they SEE it? Today Mark and Darren explore ways that you can prompt your audience to go beyond just hearing your story, to experiencing it...right at the beginning. These simple techniques will help your audience to see your unforgettable story.   SNIPPETS: • Telling your story is like creating a painting   • Share 2 or 3 details about the setting   • Let the audience paint the picture   • Let the audience see one visual and one emotional character detail   • Non-verbal depictions can paint a clear picture   • Dialog can be very descriptive   • Descriptions of characteristics and clothing are highly effective   • Your entire audience need not see the SAME thing; they must see SOMEthing   • Test your story by creating an audience (NSA, Toastmasters, Mastermind etc.)                                             • Ask them what they saw and respond to feedback   • Be creative and compelling