Podcast · Learning

Unforgettable Presentations

by Darren LaCroix, Mark Brown · English · Learning

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 be

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 35 min
Latest: 15 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

15 Oct 2026 · 38 minNew

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, politics and navigating difficult questions from hostile audiences, Allison offers sage advice on audience-focused, authentic service. SNIPPETS: • Acknowledge opposing viewpoints • Be believable • Practice Strategic Authenticity • Be real on stage • Be prepared and polished, but not perfect • Show respect…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E372 · 8 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
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 underdog stories, as Angelo reveals techniques for fostering audience connection and creating emotional experiences. SNIPPETS: • Don't think about the odds • Have blind faith and a strong vision • Use your own voice • The essence of all drama is conflict. No conflict, no drama • Connect the audience…
E371 · 1 Oct 2026 · 41 min
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 quality, home studio setup, professional attire, and more. SNIPPETS: • Use video to tell your story • Have a written plan in place • You need quality video • Your low point can be relatable • Use a solid structure • Lighting, video, and sound quality resonate and reach the audience. • For virtual…
E370 · 24 Sep 2026 · 46 min
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 working with a bureau, what works in today's speaking business…and what doesn't. Applying her insights will put you on the path to being unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Be trustworthy • Invest time in building a relationship with a bureau • Big egos are a red flag • Bureaus don't sell speakers; they sell…
E351 · 17 Sep 2026 · 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 •…
E368 · 10 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 45 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…
E367 · 3 Sep 2026 · 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…
E366 · 27 Aug 2026 · 47 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…
20 Aug 2026 · 21 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…
13 Aug 2026 · 51 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…
E363 · 6 Aug 2026 · 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 •…
E362 · 30 Jul 2026 · 45 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…
E361 · 23 Jul 2026 · 23 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…
E360 · 16 Jul 2026 · 41 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…
E357 · 9 Jul 2026 · 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…
E358 · 2 Jul 2026 · 34 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…
E356 · 18 Jun 2026 · 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…
E355 · 11 Jun 2026 · 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 •…
E354 · 4 Jun 2026 · 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…
E353 · 28 May 2026 · 35 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…
E352 · 21 May 2026 · 20 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…
14 May 2026 · 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 •…
E350 · 7 May 2026 · 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,…
E349 · 30 Apr 2026 · 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 •…
E348 · 23 Apr 2026 · 14 min
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 significance • Don't discard/delete 'old' material • "Unearth the old, uncover the GOLD" – Mark Brown • Revisit old presentations • Look for new value in old presentations • Review, revise, rework, reinvent • Enlist your list to learn what has resonated over time • New experiences can enhance old material •…
E347 · 16 Apr 2026 · 18 min
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 get only one shot at that audience • Seek to grow continually • When competing, focus more on your message than on the trophy • Dollars follow impact • Go all-in on your message • Strive for more • Have a meaningful 'heartset;' focus on serving your audience • Think about how your audience will…
E346 · 9 Apr 2026 · 26 min
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 are uniquely qualified to serve the person you once were." - Rory Vaden • "One man's mundane is another man's magnificent.' – Mark Brown • Your life story can inspire and give hope • Someone in your audience will relate to your emotions and experience • Check your ego at the door • Be coachable •…
E345 · 2 Apr 2026 · 14 min
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 your 'I/YOU Ratio' • These words draw audiences in • Usage makes our content relatable and relevant • They engage people's brains • Put your audience in your story • Change 'I' to 'YOU' in stories with "IMAGINE:" • Replace 'I' with 'YOU' with "PICTURE THIS:" • Avoid "You guys" • Replace "How many of…
E344 · 26 Mar 2026 · 25 min
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 relationship may not bear fruit immediately • Seek to give before seeking to get • Bring you and your personality to every assignment • Ask yourself: What do others think of you • A 'no' can be beneficial when you maintain a relationship • Be the client's favorite • Show genuine interest in your…
E343 · 19 Mar 2026 · 32 min
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 could help lead to your next booking • Ask: "What was I doing back then, that I need to start doing again?" • Recover abandoned tools, tips, and techniques • Apply new technology to 'old school' principles • Go back to the principle of relationship-building • Reconnect with prospects who said 'No' • A…

About Unforgettable Presentations

Unforgettable Presentations is a English learning podcast from Darren LaCroix, Mark Brown. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Darren LaCroix, Mark Brown
Language: English
Category: Learning
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 35 min
Latest episode: 15 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1477002072

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