Ep. 40 The Keys to Your Unforgettable TED Talk So you want to give a TED or TEDx talk. What do event organizers and TEDs coaches look for? What are the DOs and DON’Ts of a successful talk? Darren and Mark chat with experienced TEDx coaches Cathey Armillas and Mike Davis as they pull back the curtain and give…
When was that last time you received unsolicited feedback? Did it hurt? Did you dismiss it or take it personally? The way we process all of the feedback we acquire is critical to whether we, our presentations, and our skills grow or shrink. If you have been through some of my programs you know that…
WOW! History was made this year at the World Championship of Public Speaking. For the first time since the contest began in 1938, three women took the top three spots. Nice! Ramona J. Smith is only the fifth woman to win, ever. Congrats to every person who competed! The biggest question is, did you grow…
Ever seen something that’s just brilliant? As you may know, I’m a huge fan of Dunkin’ Donuts. If you had been sitting next to me in my car with the top down, you would have felt the warm Vegas sun, smelled the fresh-brewed coffee, and heard me laugh out loud as we pulled through and…
It happens every year about this time. It is speech contest time in Toastmasters world. 35,000 contestants from around the world are competing to become the World Champion of Public Speaking. Whether or not you are a speech contestant, there is a lesson here for you and me. I admire people who have the courage…
At this time of year, after the holiday and before the end of the year, you may reflect back and look forward to the New Year fast approaching. I felt that this article, one of my most-read classics from three years ago, was perfect for today. Even if you have read it before, it may…
Turn down stage time? Darren? Yup! It’s not often I turn down stage time, but there does come a point in your career it’s the right thing to do. In my early days of stand-up comedy, I learned the key to becoming great was stage time. The more often you get up on stage, the…
What kind of audience intimidates you most? How do you feel when you wake up that morning to face them? What goes through your mind? We all have our favorite audiences and because they are our favorites it is easy to connect with them. We are opened to it. Our mindset is different when approaching…
If you had a chance to meet a favorite celebrity who would it be? What would you ask them? If you had dinner with them would you be paying attention to more than just their words? I know I would. Last weekend while speaking at a conference in Canada I heard a story that still…
Want to leave a lasting impression on your audience? Ever wonder which is more important in communication — sincerity or charisma? If you were in Vegas, which would you put your money on? Last week I was speaking at a conference in Florida. When my schedule allows, I arrive a day early to immerse myself…