Ep. 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 from the audience’s perspective   • Learn what your audience is thinking   • We can be too close to our favorite and signature stories   • Work with a qualified coach   • We can be so close that we miss ‘blind spots’   Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

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   • Record yourself   • Walkthrough with those who have been there before you   • Listen for ‘cringe moments; if I cringe, I must correct   • The walkthrough forces you to go all in   • Engage in preparation motivation for your next presentation   Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

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 can I provide?”   • Create awareness. If they aren’t aware of you, they can’t hire you   • Don’t get ready; stay ready (Craig Valentine)   • Keep a file of potential back-pocket presentations   • You have more material than you know   • Be natural Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

Sometimes speeches sound…well…speechy! Darren and Mark challenge you to examine your content and offer advice for ensuring that your authenticity shines through in every presentation.   SNIPPETS: • Be conversational   • Create a transcription   • Use tools like Microsoft Word’s DICTATE feature   • You can’t edit what you don’t write down   • Write for the eye, not for the eye   • Bullet-point your ideas   • Use keywords   • Avoid ‘cop-speak’   • Don’t over-complicate   • Be natural

Our senses can play a significant part in giving our audience an unforgettable experience. Today, Mark and Darren talk about the power of the sense of smell and share how you can use it effectively in your stories.   SNIPPETS: • Use V.A.K.S.   • Use smell as you relive your experiences   • Smell can create a visceral audience response   • Use smell to transport yourself to the scene first   • Then use smell to transport your audience to the scene   • Physically show your response to an odor, scent, or aroma   • Let your face and body reflect your emotional response   • Let the audience ‘sense’ the scene   • Let the moment linger; give the audience time to feel it   • Use the contrast between the expectation from a smell, and the reality                                             • Don’t overdo it                                                                                                          

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…INSPIRE   • Avoid ‘speaking down’ to your audience; speak eye-to-eye with them   • Audiences appreciate it when you delf-depreciate   • Avoid using technology as a crutch   • Let technology accompany, not distract   • Beware of going overboard with props   • Be aware of what resonates with your audience                                             • Identify speaker whose style matches yours and learn from them     Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/   Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

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   • Before your presentation, have hallway conversations with attendees   • Find out if they have solutions   • Name-drop; tell the story of your hallway conversation   • For connection, use photos with attendees in your presentation                                             • Encourage attendees to collaborate and share best practices Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/

Can you ‘up your game’ in 2025 make it your best year yet? Darren and Mark offer solid suggestions for upgrading your program, your presentation, and your presence in the marketplace. Applying these principles and practices will put you firmly on the path to being unforgettable...and making this YOUR BEST YEAR YET!   SNIPPETS: • It’s YOUR RESPONSIBILITY   • Assess your presentation and your business with the goal to improve   • Consider upgrading your speech title   • Revisit your content (open/close, structure, humor, delivery, stories)   • Review your video/audio recordings; what can you enhance?   • Upgrade your introduction, perhaps start using a video   • Rebrand if necessary   • Start or re-launch a newsletter   • Be intentional about social media presence; pick a platform                                             • Attend GAME CHANGERS conference at Stage Time University   • Collaborate with others   • Collaborate with a Mastermind, get a coach, attend industry conferences  

What does it take to deliver an extremely sensitive and emotional story, and why would you do it in the first place?   Darren and Mark get answers from ‘serial entrepreneur’ CEO Smoke Wallin as he explains why he shared his sensitive story to 2,000 CEOs. His answers will provide guidance and wisdom for anyone who is ready to tell their unforgettable sensitive story.   SNIPPETS: • Share your story to help others   • Think it through and compose your talk with sensitivity to your audience   • Don’t shock your audience   • Be very clear on your purpose and intent   • Only share after you feel called to share    • Share when you are ready   • Telling your story can unlock the container that chains your life   • Define and refine the message   • Your story is a gift; give it freely   • Share for the right reasons                                             • Decouple your identity enough to have detachment from the pain   Check out his speech: https://youtu.be/jhz3q-baDuA?si=jiC8EmokkTJY2X_U

Confidence. Every presenter needs it, especially when facing an unresponsive audience or dealing with the unexpected.   In today’s episode, Mark and Darren provide strategies for building your confidence and delivering your unforgettable presentation.   SNIPPETS: • Confidence is critical   • Not every audience responds emotionally and supportively   • Confidence doesn’t come by accident   • Prepare well   • Internalize your content   • Test your material in a low-risk environment like Toastmasters   • Ego is a confidence-killer   • Draw confidence from your TOP 5   • Build your confidence by listening to your best work regularly                                             • Collect testimonial texts, e-mails and videos   • Inspire your audiences, clients and prospects to have confidence in you