PODCAST · education
Unforgettable Presentations
by 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.
Episodes
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Ep. 373 UNFORGETTABLE AUTHENTICITY WITH ALLISON SHAPIRA
How important are AUTHENTICITY and BELIEVABILITY for a professional communicator? Hall of Fame speaker, author, Harvard Adjunct Lecturer and former opera singer Allison Shapira tackles this question in a lively conversation with Darren and Mark. Drawing from her experience with diplomacy…
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Ep. 372 WHY WE ROOT FOR THE UNDERDOG WITH ANGELO PIZZO
A common idiom says, "Everyone loves an underdog story." Today, Mark and Darren explore that concept with acclaimed American screenwriter and producer Angelo Pizzo, whose films include the iconic classics 'HOOSIERS' and 'RUDY.' They discuss the challenges and philosophy behind writing compelling...
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Ep. 371 BRING YOUR STORY TO LIFE WITH RICH HART
Technology has become an important tool for presenters, and few know more about this than Rich Hart, CEO and Founder of Global Media Studios in Atlanta, GA, USA. Mark and Darren speak with Rich about using video and technology to tell their stories, common storytelling mistakes, demo video…
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Ep. 370 YOUR UNFORGETTABLE CAREER WITH BETTY GARRETT
What has become most important to meeting planners in the 2020s? What do speakers need to be successful? How can a speaker's bureau help? After 31 years as the founder and CEO of Garrett Speakers International (GSI), Executive Coach Betty Garrett joins Mark and Darren for a frank discussion about...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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.…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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Ep. 357 ARE YOU TAKING THEM ON A DETOUR?
Darren LaCroix says, "The most important part of a presentation is the thought process in the listener's mind." As presenters, we have to be aware of this continually. In this episode, Darren and Mark explore ways that speakers send audiences on 'mental detours,' and dilute their messages…without...
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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...
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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…
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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…
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Ep. 348 - GO BACK TO YOUR WELL?
It's not unusual for presenters to 'move on' from past presentations. Toastmasters is a good example. Today, Darren and Mark encourage you to 'go back to the well' and revisit old presentations. They may hold new value today. SNIPPETS: • Maintain a story folder; an old story may have new...
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Ep. 347 YOU DON'T KNOW?
Can you ever truly know the full impact of your presentations? Today, Mark and Darren provide the answer by sharing anecdotes, experiences, and insight gained from their combined 60 years on the platform. SNIPPETS: • The vast majority of your audience will never tell us how we impacted them • You...
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Ep. 346 - THE TWO BIGGEST PROBLEMS?
Speakers must exude confidence to inform, inspire, and influence. However, EGO and SELF-DOUBT can have a significant impact on us and our audiences. Darren and Mark offer advice on how to effectively manage both and serve our audiences well. SNIPPETS: • Don't undervalue your experiences • "You…
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Ep. 345 - YOU? YOUR?
Our messages must serve our audiences, and two words are most helpful in achieving that goal. Darren and Mark expound on the power and value of the words 'YOU' and 'YOUR,' as well as their unforgettable impact on our audiences. SNIPPETS: • 'YOU' and 'YOUR' are enormously powerful words • Examine...
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Ep. 344 YOUR RELATIONSHIPS?
The concept of relationship selling is not uncommon, but today, Mark and Darren go beyond selling to explore the greater value of building relationships. SNIPPETS: • Build relationships beyond the booking • Use relationships to recommend others • Relationships provide opportunities to serve • A...
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Ep. 343 SUCCESS BACKWARDS?
There's a story behind every booking. Today Mark and Darren examine how our 'booking stories' can reveal what is necessary to get more bookings now. SNIPPETS: • Go back to the well • Revisit the decisions that led to previous bookings • Trace the full path of the booking • Identify people who…
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Ep. 342 NERVOUS? INSECURE? PERFECT!
Feeling nervous before a presentation or feeling insecure when facing an intimidating audience can be positive. That may seem counterintuitive, but Mark and Darren clarify in today's episode. Drawing on their combined 60+ years of lessons learned, they provide advice and specific techniques for...
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Ep. 341 FIVE STORY ESSENTIALS – PART 2
Stories can transform presentations, and when certain essentials are met, a story can be unforgettable. Today's episode is the second of a two-part conversation about five story essentials…tools which, when used effectively, will make your story unforgettable. This is PART 2 of 2. SNIPPETS: •...
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Ep. 340 FIVE STORY ESSENTIALS – PART 1
Everyone enjoys a good story, and unforgettable stories contain certain essentials. In this episode, Mark and Darren expound upon three of their five story essentials, showing not only how they work, but why. This is PART 1 of 2. SNIPPETS: • STORY is a FORCE MULTIPLIER • Define the...
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Ep. 339 YOUR UNFORGETTABLE MISSION WITH SUSIE SINGER CARTER
How are writing and producing films connected to delivering presentations and storytelling? Mark and Darren get answers from award-winning filmmaker/director/producer/actress Susie Singer Carter as she shares her perspective on telling powerful stories. Her insight provides tools for telling...
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Ep. 338 DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING!
Every once in a while, speakers encounter circumstances that they didn't see coming. How can you handle them and make the best use of them in the future? Today, Darren and Mark share their experiences and offer meaningful suggestions for handling situations that you don't see coming. SNIPPETS: •...
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Ep. 337 INSIDER SECRETS OF THE SPEAKING BUSINESS WITH FORD SAEKS
Emerging presenters and professional speakers want to know best practices and proven processes for running a successful speaking business. You would be hard-pressed to find a more reliable source than business growth innovator and Hall of Fame speaker, Ford Saeks, co-founder of the Million Dollar...
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Ep. 336 CREATING MAXIMUM IMPACT WITH FORD SAEKS
What does it take to create maximum impact while serving your audience? To find out, Mark and Darren chat with business growth innovator and Hall of Fame speaker, Ford Saeks. Ford clearly lays out principles, practices, and perspectives that presenters must embrace to create maximum impact and...
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Ep. 335 OWN THE STAGE
Anyone can give a presentation, but what does it take to truly OWN the stage? Calling back to a recent OWN THE STAGE 3-day workshop, Darren and Mark provide some key insights and principles that will help any presenter to own the stage and deliver an unforgettable presentation. SNIPPETS: • Care...
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Ep. 334 TAKE INVENTORY?
To meet customer demand, organizations take inventory, then replenish and upgrade their offerings. As a presenter, it's wise to take inventory of your speech…and everything that surrounds it. Today, Mark and Darren focus on your Speech Skills Inventory and offer suggestions for upgrading your...
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Ep. 333 THE FOUR CORNERS?
Audience members can have different experiences depending on where they sit in a meeting venue. Darren and Mark explain and give some sage advice on how the meeting space can maximize your audience's experience. SNIPPETS: • Arrive at the venue at least a day early if possible • Sit in the four...
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Ep. 332 FIVE WAYS TO BECOME A CHARACTER VOCALLY
Last week Darren and Mark shared effective ways to embody characters physically. Today, they share the impact that we can have when we do the same with vocal techniques. SNIPPETS: • Selectively use dialogue instead of narration • Vary your vocal volume • Volume variances depict emotion • Energy…
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Ep. 331 FIVE WAYS TO EMBODY A CHARACTER PHYSICALLY
Our stories are more vivid when we embody the characters, and today, Mark and Darren explore simple yet effective ways to embody characters physically. With these techniques, characters are easily identifiable without a word. SNIPPETS: • Use their gait and walk as the character would walk •...
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Ep. 330 YOUR PERSONAL PAIN POINTS
It's always helpful to know your audience's pain points. However, your pain points can be an avenue to building a relationship with them. Today, Darren and Mark share how to do just that, with ideas that can help you be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Explore your pain points • Pain points are...
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Ep. 329 ARE THEY LISTENING
Once in a while, an audience is less emotive than most, leaving a speaker to wonder, "Are they listening?" Mark and Darren discuss that question today while providing perspective, context, and solid suggestions for presenting well in those circumstances. SNIPPETS: • Always be present • Bring your...
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Ep. 328 "I JUST NEED..."
"I just need…" is a phrase that eager speakers often use when asking for advice. Oftentimes it's followed by "a few tweaks," "a punch-up," "to add humor," "a little polish," or something similar. Today, Darren and Mark analyze this simple phrase and offer a perspective that will inspire you to...
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Ep. 327 ASK!
There is a popular adage that says, "If you don't ask, the answer is always 'No'." In this episode, Mark and Darren talk about the benefits of asking for guidance, and how to respond, regardless of the answer. Asking can be your game-changer. SNIPPETS: • The answer is in the asking • When you…
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Ep. 326 CUSTOMIZING YOUR PRESENTATION
One way to increase audience buy-in is to customize your presentation. Today, Darren and Mark dive into the why and how of customization. Applying these ideas will help any presenter to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Customizing isn't just using the company's logo and name on your slides • Do some...
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Ep. 325 THE POWER AND PURPOSE OF PAIN POINTS
To truly win your audience, you must identify and address their pain points. In this episode, Mark and Darren discuss the importance of understanding them and offer suggestions for uncovering them. SNIPPETS: • Pain points are triggers • Learn your audience's pet peeves, pain points, and...
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Ep. 324 ARE WE HAVING FUN YET?
The business of speaking can bring myriad complications and stressors. But in the midst of all that, Darren and Mark offer a reminder to enjoy the privilege of the speaking experience. Remaining joyful despite all that comes our way, will help those around us to see us as unforgettable. SNIPPETS…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
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.
HOSTED BY
Darren LaCroix, Mark Brown
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