Ep. 197 – Are You A Lamplighter? This question is based on the role of the lamplighter: a person employed to light and maintain gas streetlights. Today Mark and Darren explore ways that we, as presenters, can be lamplighters for our audiences. One of your jobs is to light the path of those who follow…
Who Earns More, a Keynote Speaker or Trainer? My answer may surprise you. If you dream of doing either at the world-class level, this insight may matter greatly. I wish someone told me this back when I started. It could have helped me avoid frustration and help me to start earning more sooner. I’ve been…
Ep. 196 – Unforgettable Preparation “So many presenters mistake memorization for preparation” says Darren, as he and Mark reveal some powerful principles for preparing and delivering unforgettable presentations. SNIPPETS: Don’t memorize; internalize Avoid rehearsing just to remember the words; rehearse to remember the idea Use STAGEOLOGY to anchor your ideas to specific places on…
Ep. 195 What’s Your One Thing? As presenters we are often tempted to teach our audience everything we know. Mark and Darren drill down on the importance of, and methods for giving each audience one clear idea in every presentation. SNIPPETS: Be completely clear on one specific idea Don’t depend on implication; rely on declaration…
Ep. 194 – Are You A Selfish Presenter? The term ‘Selfish Presenter’ may seem harsh, but today Mark and Darren talk about one way we deny our audiences the full experience of our presentations. We give great value when we use the spaces between our words wisely. SNIPPETS: Give your audience time to process your…
“I went through four hours of hair and makeup to listen to this bull—t?” This was Steven Tyler, complaining about the background noise at the USS Midway location for the San Diego auditions. He’s said some crazy things as a judge on American Idol. He also said something in an interview that was so brilliant…
Ep. 193 – Think Three Presentations Ahead It’s easy to focus on your next presentation based on the occasion, especially when you have customized it for a specific audience. Today Darren and Mark offer advice on thinking about the future value of your presentation. Speech contestants often prepare for a specific contest, then set the…
Ep. 192 – Nine Ways to Prove Your Point No matter how pithy your point may be, you have to PROVE it to your audience. Today Darren and Mark offer nine ways to do so, while establishing a deeper connection to your audience. You need not use all nine at once, but when chosen selectively…
Ep. 191 Which Feedback Should You Use? You deliver your presentation, then well-meaning friends and would-be advisors offer their feedback. However, their recommendations vary widely. Which do you implement? Mark and Darren share their experience and offer specific guidelines and a process for deciding which feedback you should use. SNIPPETS: • Facilitate your audience feedback…
Ep. 190 Critical Step #2 To Be Unforgettable Mark and Darren have oft said that the first step to an unforgettable presentation is A CLEAR MESSAGE, but what is Step #2? In this episode they describe your Foundational Phrase and explain how a well-crafted Foundational Phrase can make your presentation unforgettable. Create a Foundational Phrase…