EPISODE · Jun 2, 2026 · 42 MIN
How a Shy Introvert Became World Champion of Public Speaking | Darren LaCroix
from Stay Hungry · host Matthew Malan
(This video was originally uploaded on the Speak Arizona YouTube channel. Go check them out at speakarizona.com)What makes a speech connect, land, and win? In this special Speak Arizona episode, Matt Malan steps into the host seat for a live workshop with Darren LaCroix, the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. Darren gives real-time feedback on Matt's Division contest speech and breaks down practical ways to make a message more memorable. They explore how to use dialogue instead of narration, create vivid scenes, build emotional moments, speak directly to the audience, and stay coachable on the path to stronger communication. Perfect for Toastmasters, speakers, leaders, and presenters who want to turn a good speech into one that truly connects.Key takeawaysUse dialogue to create a scene instead of simply narrating what happened.Make the audience feel like you are speaking to them one by one.Build speeches around emotional moments, not just events.Add sensory detail to help listeners see, hear, feel, and remember the story.Stay coachable because the right feedback can completely change a speech.Chapters00:00 - Intro and why this episode matters for speakers01:52 - Matt welcomes Darren LaCroix to Speak Arizona02:25 - The International Speech Contest journey04:25 - Darren's first speech and learning to be coachable08:04 - Why clarity matters more than cleverness13:43 - What Darren notices first in Matt's speech18:55 - How to step in and out of a scene19:30 - Use "you" language to connect with one listener at a time21:45 - Turn narration into dialogue and emotional moments26:55 - Introduce characters with vivid detail30:00 - Use sensory details to build a memorable scene34:04 - Stage Time University and the value of stronger feedback39:05 - Darren's final advice: decide to be world classWatch Matt's full 2nd Place Contest Winning Speech:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWtvZWwhblIAbout the guestDarren LaCroix is the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. After a rough first comedy club set, he committed to mastering the craft of speaking and eventually became a world champion. Today, Darren helps presenters, executives, professional speakers, and trainers become more unforgettable on stage through his coaching, keynote work, books, and Stage Time University.Contact• Websites: https://darrenlacroix.com/https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/• Book: 17 Minutes To Your Dream: How To Get The Breakthroughs You Need - https://amzn.to/4egHy2qAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
What this episode covers
(This video was originally uploaded on the Speak Arizona YouTube channel. Go check them out at speakarizona.com)What makes a speech connect, land, and win? In this special Speak Arizona episode, Matt Malan steps into the host seat for a live workshop with Darren LaCroix, the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. Darren gives real-time feedback on Matt's Division contest speech and breaks down practical ways to make a message more memorable. They explore how to use dialogue instead of narration, create vivid scenes, build emotional moments, speak directly to the audience, and stay coachable on the path to stronger communication. Perfect for Toastmasters, speakers, leaders, and presenters who want to turn a good speech into one that truly connects.Key takeawaysUse dialogue to create a scene instead of simply narrating what happened.Make the audience feel like you are speaking to them one by one.Build speeches around emotional moments, not just events.Add sensory detail to help listeners see, hear, feel, and remember the story.Stay coachable because the right feedback can completely change a speech.Chapters00:00 - Intro and why this episode matters for speakers01:52 - Matt welcomes Darren LaCroix to Speak Arizona02:25 - The International Speech Contest journey04:25 - Darren's first speech and learning to be coachable08:04 - Why clarity matters more than cleverness13:43 - What Darren notices first in Matt's speech18:55 - How to step in and out of a scene19:30 - Use "you" language to connect with one listener at a time21:45 - Turn narration into dialogue and emotional moments26:55 - Introduce characters with vivid detail30:00 - Use sensory details to build a memorable scene34:04 - Stage Time University and the value of stronger feedback39:05 - Darren's final advice: decide to be world classWatch Matt's full 2nd Place Contest Winning Speech:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kWtvZWwhblIAbout the guestDarren LaCroix is the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking. After a rough first comedy club set, he committed to mastering the craft of speaking and eventually became a world champion. Today, Darren helps presenters, executives, professional speakers, and trainers become more unforgettable on stage through his coaching, keynote work, books, and Stage Time University.Contact• Websites: https://darrenlacroix.com/https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/• Book: 17 Minutes To Your Dream: How To Get The Breakthroughs You Need - https://amzn.to/4egHy2qAs an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
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How a Shy Introvert Became World Champion of Public Speaking | Darren LaCroix
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