Unforgettable Presentations Darren LaCroix, Mark Brown

You will be on the platform in FIVE MINUTES. What goes through your head? How can you get ready to SHINE? Darren and Mark share how to maximize your last five minutes before stage time to be unforgettable.
 
SNIPPETS:
 
• Be prepared…and be PRESENT
 
• Ground yourself, and center yourself
 
• Apply any method that serves you best
 
• Prayer, meditation, silence, walking, vocal exercises, physical movement
 
• Speaking is a privilege…and a RESPONSIBILITY
 
• Prepare like a pilot…do a full ‘instrument cockpit check’
 
• Create a routine
 
• Prepare to deliver DEEPER

What can clown presence teach us about being unforgettable presenters? Darren and Mark find out from Don Colliver, comedian, improvisor, director, writer and clown. He shares his insights and experience on audience engagement and reveals how to make every presentation FUN…for you and your audience.
 
SNIPPETS:
• Take IMPROV classes; improvised can be better than prepared
 
• Train yourself to lose your audience then get then back
 
• When you err, acknowledge your humanity and move on
 
• Wrap your error in a callback
 
• Find joy and pleasure, like having a meal with your audience and serve them
 
• Enjoy ‘le jeu’ – the game
 
• Keep curiosity and compassion for your audience
 
• We don’t need jokes; acknowledge the moments and find humor there
 
• Use engagement activities to reinforce your points

A speaker at an event you’re attending can’t make it and someone asks YOU to step in on very short notice. Are you READY? Today Mark and Darren share insights on how and why to be ready for any presentation opportunity. They also disclose the benefits, to you and others, of being ready. 
SNIPPETS:
• Don’t GET ready; KEEP ready
 
• Identify the opportunity, jump on it, own it
 
• Have a ‘front pocket’ speech ready to go at all times
 
• Attend events with a servant’s heart
 
• Introduce and offer yourself to meeting planner an event staff
 
• Ask yourself what presentation you would give if a speaker doesn’t show up
 
• Be willing to fill the void; you will make the meeting planner the hero
 
• New relationships; the speaker who couldn’t show, audience, event planner
 
• If you get stuck, refer another presenter; others will refer you, so BE READY

Does a speaker need more than one coach? Can a speaker have too many coaches? What if I know several equally qualified coaches; should I use them all? In this episode, Darren and Mark tackle this thorny issue and offer specific guidance on coach selection…to help you deliver your unforgettable presentation.
SNIPPETS:
• Pick ONE coach
 
• Choose a coach who understands your backstory
 
• Choose a coach who appreciates your style
 
• Be careful who you listen to
 
• Equally qualified coaches can give conflicting advice  
 
• Each coach has their own ninja skill
 
• If you select a team of coaches, decide on your head coach
 
• You are the CEO of your speech
 
• Bring suggestions to your head coach and trust them to guide you

What makes a pro SHINE? Today Mark and Darren identify three techniques that true pros use to be unforgettable.
 
SNIPPETS:
 
• Engage the audience instantly
 
• Stand out before you even say a word
 
• Be fully present
 
• The first second and a half is critical
 
• Note cards are not a liability  
 
• Don’t be concerned about perfection
 
• Love the audience, love the moment
 
• Work the room in your style
 
• Do what you must to hit your points and serve your audience
 
• Sit in audience seats beforehand to get their perspective

Stories can greatly enhance any presentation but they can be confusing if characters aren’t clearly identified. In today’s discussion, Darren and Mark explore the value of naming characters and they offer ideas for making your characters unforgettable.
 
SNIPPETS:
• Name every character for clarity
 
• Allow the audience to see the characters
 
• Avoid giving two characters similar names (Jane, Jean, Joan)
 
• Give a physical and characteristic and a personal trait
 
• Amalgamate characters for simplicity  
 
• Tell the emotional truth
 
• Use adjective names to describe characters (Patty Party Pooper)
 
• In conversation, let the characters address each other by name