Shows
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 307 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 4 A weak presentation closing can dilute your message and at worst, nullify your impact. In Part 4 of this series, Mark and Darren explore both principles for a solid closing, and mistakes that inexperienced presenters tend to make. This episode covers Step #5: CREATE YOUR COMPELLING CLOSE. SNIPPETS: • Your close should reinforce your premise • There are several closing options • Select the most appropriate closing for your specific presentation • The DIALOG CLOSE is a flexible and easy option • A compelling clo...2025-07-1021 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 306 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 3 “Open STRONG!” This is Darren’s advice in Part 3 of this series as he and Mark explain the ‘WHY’ and the ‘HOW’ behind an unforgettable presentation’s opening. This episode covers Step #4: CREATE YOUR STRONG OPENING SNIPPETS: • Set the stage with your introduction • Your opening sets up your premise • The opening sets the trajectory of the listeners’ experience • Open strong • Explore various opening options • Use effective opening words • Be concise and precise 2025-07-0325 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 305 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 2 In Part 2 of this series, Darren and Mark discuss the importance…and the benefits…of having a world-class presentation structure. This episode covers Step #3: STRUCTURE THIS! SNIPPETS: • The ‘Tell them, tell them, tell them’ structure is rudimentary and limited • The ‘Tell a story make a point’ structure lacks cohesiveness • Good structure gives your audience clarity and gives you confidence • The Fripp Speech Model provides the perfect structure • Solid structure makes your content digestible • An effective structur...2025-06-2619 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 304 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 1 An unforgettable presentation requires an unforgettable process. Today Mark and Darren begin breaking down their 7-Step speech process, laid out in their book DELIVER UNFORGETTABLE PRESENTATIONS. This episode covers STEP #1: FINDING YOUR CONTENT, and STEP #2: CLARITY, CLARITY, CLARITY! SNIPPETS: • You need an unforgettable process • It’s your responsibility to give your audience next steps • FIND CONTENT from your own life and experience • Don’t undervalue your expertise • Start with what you know • Build your story...2025-06-1929 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 301 PREPPING FOR THE ROAD At some point in your speaking career, you will have to travel…sometimes overseas…and it’s important to be prepared. Proper preparation includes getting ready for your presentation, and more. Darren and Mark break down their preparation process and provide tools to help any speaker prepare for their unforgettable presentation. SNIPPETS: • Prepare tech tools for your presentation • Prepare to be present • Create a TRAVEL CHECKLIST • Bring travel adapters/chargers • Pack for at least one extra day ...2025-05-2927 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 300 YOUR VIDEO INTRO? Perhaps you’ve seen a poor introduction, or a well-written one poorly delivered. In this episode, Mark and Darren give insight into the power of a video introduction and share two examples to show how a good video introduction can help you to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • A good video intro connects your audience to you • It connects your audience to your subject • Keep the content simple • Include still photos • It tells a story in itself • It’s a tea...2025-05-2221 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 299 ACCELERATE YOUR BOOKINGS WITH LINKEDIN – RICHARD BLISS LinkedIn has become the business ‘go-to’ platform, but many users haven’t been using it properly. Today, Mark and Darren talk with LinkedIn expert Richard Bliss about the mistakes and best practices for maximizing LinkedIn to accelerate your business. SNIPPETS: • LinkedIn is a business platform • Don’t use LinkedIn like social media platforms • Social media activities are counterproductive on LinkedIn • Emojis can interfere with the intent of your content • Emojis have different meanings to different demographics 2025-05-1530 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 298 THE 11TH HOUR Webster’s Dictionary defines The 11th Hour as “the latest possible time before it’s too late.” Today Darren and Mark give examples of 11th hour speaking situations and offer advice on how to be unforgettable by performing professionally at the 11th hour. SNIPPETS: • We are paid to make 11th hour decisions • True professionals perform at the 11th hour • Be aware that meeting planners often face 11th hour challenges • Build relationships by serving others in their 11th hour • Be awa...2025-05-0824 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 297 WHAT LANDED? When reviewing their speech recordings, speakers often look for what DIDN’T go well. Today, Mark and Darren invite you to focus on the positive, and to look first for what LANDED. This will help you to identify your strengths, and approach areas for improvement with a positive mindset. SNIPPETS: • Find the magic moments • Determine what worked • Identify the times you connected • Gauge audience reaction • We can’t see our best while we are on the stage 2025-05-0113 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 296 THE POWER OF THE RE-WRITE 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 2025-04-2418 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 295 “NARRA-LOG?” 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 dialog2025-04-1720 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 294 “BETTER” MINDSET 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 com...2025-04-1026 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 293 NEED A BREAKTHROUGH? 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 mast...2025-04-0320 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 292 WHAT KEEPS YOU FROM GETTING BOOKED WITH JENNIFER LIER 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 no...2025-03-2740 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 291 GET FOUND GET SEEN GET BUSINESS WITH FORD SAEKS 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 2025-03-2028 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 290 YOUR UNFORGETTABLE IMAGE WITH JERRY METELLUS 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 • M...2025-03-1332 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 289 BE UNFORGETTABLE IN THE MEDIA WITH PILAR ORTIZ 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...2025-03-0645 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 288 YOUR VOICE WITH MILLIAN QUINTEROS 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 ...2025-02-2741 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 287 ARE YOU TOO CLOSE? 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...2025-02-2019 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 286 PREPARATION MOTIVATION! 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 •...2025-02-1319 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 285 YOUR BACK POCKET SPEECH? 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...2025-02-0617 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 282 COMMUNICATE UNFORGETTABLY WITH LEE COATE 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…INSPIRE2025-01-1641 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 281 CONNECT THROUGH THEIR CHALLENGES? 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 • Befor...2025-01-0921 min
Scale The ChaosEpisode 5: Using Humor to Spark Creativity & Drive Innovation with Chris McGuire Part 2 | Scale The Chaos PodcastIn this engaging episode of Scale The Chaos, Rhonda Lea sits down with humor and storytelling expert Chris McGuire, a veteran writer-producer for TV shows including Comedy Central Roasts and Martha & Snoop’s Potluck Dinner Party. Together, they explore how humor can elevate workplace creativity, stimulate innovation, and foster a culture of engagement and enjoyment.
Chris shares valuable insights into using levity to overcome creative roadblocks, the role of humor in building cohesion, and why leaders should encourage a “fun mindset” within their teams. Tune in for practical tips on implementing humor strategies in your workplace, from creati...2024-11-0221 min
Unforgettable PresentationsEp. 237 The Unforgettable MC with Michael Davis?Sit down with Darren and Michael Davis as they cover what it really takes to make an event flow, the MC. Michael is not only a speaker and a TEDx Coach, he has been MCing Lady and the Champs and Game Changers for over a decade. Unforgettable events have unforgettable MCs. World-class MCs have skillsets that many do not even think about. Whether you want to be an MC, speaking at a large event or running one, get a deeper understanding of the role they play. It is critical to the success of the event. ...2024-03-0728 min
Unforgettable PresentationsUnforgettable Habits A new year often brings New Year resolutions. Today Mark and Darren offer four unforgettable habits to help you take your presentations…and your business…to a new level in 2024 and beyond. SNIPPETS: • Take a TOP 5 Inventory • Disconnect to reconnect • Marketing has changed; find a way that works today • It is our job to reach out to clients and stay TOP of mind • Share fresh ideas • Reach out, and reach back • Get TOP Level professional feedback on your marketing and presentation • Change sal...2024-01-0435 min
The Overcomer’s PodcastS12: Episode 12 - Darren LaCroix’s ‘From Chump to Champ’ StoryWhat would you dare to dream if you knew you would not fail? That was the question that reignited Darren's childhood dream.
It was not luck that made Darren the go-to person in his industry; it was pure effort and the right direction with the right mentors and coaches. As he said, surround yourself with the right people who will pick you up when you fail.
Darren LaCroix is the co-host of the Unforgettable Presentations podcast and also the coauthor of two books, "Laugh & Get Rich" and "The Speaker’s Edge." Through his live workshops an...2023-12-2248 min
Marketing With A Book PodcastHow To Speak Like A Champion With Darren LaCroix & Mark BrownJoin the Indie Books family of speakers and authors for a roundtable discussion of how to have more impact and influence.
This week we are joined by Darren LaCroix & Mark Brown to discuss "How To Deliver Unforgettable Presentations". Darren LaCroix and Mark Brown, along with Hall of Fame Speaker Patricia Fripp, are coauthors of the book Deliver Unforgettable Presentations: How To Speak To Be Remembered And Repeated In-Person, Online And Onstage. LaCroix and Brown are both past Toastmasters World Champions of Public Speaking. They are the cohosts of the Unforgettable Presentations podcast. Through their live workshops and Sta...2022-09-2335 min
Confident Storytelling PodcastInspirational Interview - World Champion Speaker Darren LaCroixIn this most awaited episode of Small Town Bigger Dreams Podcast, I had the privilege to interview 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking Darren LaCroix who is also an accredited speaker as well as Certified Speaking Professional (CSP), the only person in the world to hold these 3 titles together.
After a failed business in 1992, Darren LaCroix took the stage in a Boston comedy club and bombed miserably. It was horrible. The headliner that night told him to “keep his day job.” Friends told him that his dream of making people laugh for a living was crazy and stupid. He did...2022-01-1443 min
This Shit WorksFrom Chump to Champ: The Power of Habits with Darren LaCroixHas anyone ever said to you, “don’t quit your day job”. This is such a sh!t thing to say, because it implies that if you aren’t proficient at something from the beginning, then you never will be and you should give up trying. One of the biggest mistakes you can make in business is thinking that things will come to you quickly. Believing that anyone has ever become an overnight success.Listen in as I talk with the one and only Darren LaCroix, the author of two books: Laugh & Get Rich and The Speaker’s Edge. He...2022-01-0543 min
Become your own Superhero podcastThe world champion of Public Speaking, Mr Darren Lacroix!In 1992 Darren was listening to a cassette while driving when he heard Brian Tracy ask, “What would you dare to dream if you knew you wouldn’t fail?” He was shocked. Darren thought, “I’d make people laugh!” What? Friends and family told him he was crazy because he just wasn’t funny.With no talent and not a funny bone in his body he committed the one habit his mentors insisted on, “Never turn down stage time.” He didn’t. In fact, he drove 2.5 hours to Portland Maine to go on stage for 5 minutes for free. Then he drove back t...2021-09-3057 min
Marketing With A Book PodcastHow To Get More Stage Time with Darren LaCroixJoin the Indie Books family of speakers and authors for a roundtable discussion of how to have more impact and influence. This week we are joined by Darren LaCroix, author of "17 Minutes To Your Dream."
Darren LaCroix’s journey is a real-life underdog story filled with humor and hope. After a failed business in 1992, Darren took a dare and took the stage at an open-mic night at a Boston comedy club. He bombed miserably. It was horrible. The headliner that night told him to "keep your day job, kid." Friends told him that his dream of making pe...2021-08-0455 min
The Power of Story and ScienceDarren LaCroix: Get the Book!In this episode, you will get to meet one of my speaking mentors, Darren LaCroix. Apart from being the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking, Darren is an inspiration to me because he continues to hone his craft and to help other speakers do the same. If he can become a comedian without a funny bone in his body, you can be an effective speaker—even if you’re an introvert!
Here are three ways to continue learning from Darren:
Listen to the “Unforgettable Presentations” podcast with Mark Brown at https://www.unforgettablepresentationspodcast.com/
Go to ht...2020-11-0536 min
Goodbye Past...Hello PurposeHow Do You Get from Chump to Champ?Join me today as I interview Darren LaCroix, a speaker, author, coach and podcast host! Darren is an International World Champion Speaker. He is CEO of Stage Time University where he's created community that helps people master their messages and create unforgettable stories. His goal is for speakers to plant seeds of hope in the hearts of audiences, changing the world one presentation at a time. He believes that together, we are merchants of hope. Come along as Darren shares his story of chump to champ: how he turned his Subway shop into a non-profit organization, and how he went...2020-02-1746 min
Powerhouse ExpertsSuccess Secrets You Learn By Mastering Public Speaking, Darren LaCroixChampion Speaker, Coach, Trainer Darren LaCroix shares on today's episode how to go from ordinary to extraordinary by simply mastering the art of Public Speaking. Listen in as our hosts Stormie Andrews and De 'Borah Fortune Stott dig into the comical journey that lead Darren to create Stage Time University which now trains TOP business leaders from around the country. Resources: https://stagetimeuniversity.com/ https://darrenlacroix.com/ http://top10speakingmistakes.com/ Darren's Books: Laugh and Get Rich The Speaker's Age2018-07-2455 min
Evolve to WinAre You Being Heard? with Darren LaCroixWhen you speak in front of others they’re listening, but are you BEING HEARD? That’s the question that Darren LaCroix asks us in this episode of Mastermind with Heather Christie. From his bold move into stand-up comedy, and the stumbles he had along the way, to his discovery of the world of professional speaking and his ascent to the World Champion of Public Speaking, Darren shares the trials, tribulations and takeaways he’s come through and come away with.It all starts with the question, ‘what would you do, if you knew you wouldn’t fail?’ Darren answe...2017-08-0735 min
Small Business Straight Talk | Productivity, Time Management, Mindset, & Business StrategiesThe Silent Profit Thief With Darren LaCroix, WCPS, AS, CSPAre you being robbed of your time, money, and opportunities without even knowing it? Improving your productivity will bring you more peace, more enthusiasm, more momentum, and more money. In this episode, I sit down with World Champion of Public Speaking winner, speaking coach, and the brains behind the very successful Stage Time University, Darren LaCroix as he walks us through his entrepreneurial journey, the tactics he has used to keep himself on the fastest path to achieving his goals, and why it’s important to embrace organization. We also talked about an easy way to...2017-05-2233 min
Success Charger with Scott CookseyEp 14 Darren LaCroix - 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking on Grit - Mentors - AuthenticityIn 2001, Darren LaCroix outlasted over 20,000 competitors from around the globe to become the World Champion of Public Speaking. In Toastmasters circles, Darren's story is quite well known. In this interview, however, Scott Cooksey asks Darren, one of his earliest mentors in the business of speaking to pull back the curtains not on how he achieved his climb to the top, but the grit it takes to stay there. Add in just a dash of what YOU can do to become your own champion of fulfilling success on your terms (Hint: It involves finding a mentor)..because the road to aut...2015-11-1049 min