In 2001, while practicing my speech “Ouch!” in front of an Advanced Toastmasters Club, I was shocked and perplexed by a comment from two of the advanced members. At this point I had given my speech several times and had received an enormous variety of feedback. I thought I had heard it all. This comment,…
Ever wonder what a World-Class coach sees that you do not? You are about to find out. I got together with World Champion’s Mark Brown and Ed Tate, had a mini-watch party, and then did a speech contest debrief with our Stage Time Members. Sometimes even coaches disagree on some points, but often our perspectives…
Ep. 88 The Unforgettable Les Brown “LIVE YOUR DREAMS!” Millions have heard these words by the legendary Les Brown, who opens up to Mark and Darren about his incredible journey, which includes giving free speeches to 7-year-olds, hiding in the men’s room afraid to face his audience, and much more. His seasoned advice will help any speaker become unforgettable! Want…
One of my favorite shows on TV was Mythbusters. I love what they do and how they do it. They scientifically confirm or deny urban legends and myths in a fun way. It got me thinking about some of the classic myths about presentations. Early in my speaking career, I received one of the worst…
The Results are in! Have you been doing the challenge? Is it helping? It sure has helped people who were “ALL IN.” I sat down with five people who committed to the challenge. Watch these mini interviews and hear for yourself what they experienced. Some of what they say may just surprise you! It did…
Yup! You are the C.E.O. of your dream. Is that scary? Is that an eye-opener? Think about it. You can delegate, hire consultants, have teachers, but you are still 100% responsible. Yes, 100%. It’s your dream, not your parents, not your kids, not your friends. It’s yours. Think about it. Dreams are yours. The desire…
When you get negative unsolicited feedback, how does it make you feel? Do you get defensive? Do you react or respond? Do you let it get the better of you? Do you change the way you do things, or dig in your heels deeper? It’s been said that you know you’ve “made it” when people start despising you,…
We all have a past. Some memories are good, and some memories painful, but they all make us who we are. Adversities and lack of misfortunes shape us, like it or not. I was fortunate to grow up in a loving home in Auburn, a small town in central Massachusetts. My dad, a Veteran, worked…
We all have moments of wonder as a youngster. We can easily be impressed. Did you ever notice the memories that stick with us, good and bad, are the ones connected with a deep emotion? That emotional memory peg is why we remember the moment. It becomes etched in your brain forever and can be…
Collateral growth? What does that mean? It’s a learning effect you may not be fully capitalizing on. Never heard of it? I just coined this self-development phrase based on a recent experience. (It is also a medical term, but I’m taking credit for my version in our industry. Tee hee.) What does it mean? Let’s…