In a recent conversation with my co-host, Mark Brown, and our fellow World Champion of Public Speaking, Ed Tate, we explored the role of AI in crafting messages that move people. The insights may surprise you.

When Ed Put His Championship Speech Through AI

Back in 2000, Ed Tate won the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking with a speech that has since been studied and celebrated for its humor and humanity. Out of curiosity, he recently fed that very speech into an AI tool to see how it would “improve” it.

The result? Disappointment.

AI stripped out about two-thirds of the humor and humanity. What came back sounded like a professor’s lecture—structured, yes, but flat. The laughter and warmth that connected Ed to 35,000 competitors and millions of audience members were gone.

As Ed put it: “If you’re in the band, you—the human—are the lead singer. AI is not the background singers. It’s just a tool.”

Connection Over Convenience

Ed shared another story. At a recent event, audience members were tasked with creating a playful “adult lemonade stand.” Half the room ran straight to AI for ideas. The other half relied on their own creativity.

Guess who won?

The humans.

Why? Because they were connected to their content. They weren’t just reading from a screen—they were engaged, invested, and committed. That emotional connection made all the difference.

The Danger of Losing Your Voice

This isn’t just an AI issue. As coaches, Mark and I constantly remind speakers: You are the CEO of your speech. We’re consultants, editors, and sounding boards—but at the end of the day, it’s your name on the keynote, your story on the stage, and your voice the audience needs to hear.

I’ve seen clients hand over their writing entirely to AI. And honestly? The result often doesn’t sound like them. It might be polished, but it’s not personal. A good turn of phrase here or there? Sure. But strip away your authentic voice, and the message falls flat.

Mark put it best: “AI can be helpful. But beyond anything else, it has to be your voice, your style, and your personality that shine through.”

Helpful Intern, Not Ghostwriter

Think of AI as an intern. It can give you a few ideas, help with structure, or even suggest alternative phrasing. But you wouldn’t hand your intern the keys to your career-defining keynote and walk away.

Your voice is what audiences connect with. Your stories, your experiences, your humor, your humanity—that’s what makes a presentation unforgettable.

A Word of Caution

AI isn’t neutral. It can make us lazy if we’re not careful. If you let it do all the work, you risk losing the very skills that make you a communicator worth listening to.

Mark voiced a real concern: younger generations growing up on AI tools may skip the hard but essential work of mastering language, vocabulary, and storytelling. Rely too heavily on AI, and we risk dumbing ourselves down.

Ed shared a personal moment that illustrates this perfectly. After asking AI to “make a text message kinder” before sending it to his wife, her first response was: “Did you use AI? This doesn’t sound like you.”

Even in something as small as a text, authenticity matters.

The Bottom Line

Yes, use AI. Use it to brainstorm, to spark ideas, to tighten a phrase. But never outsource your voice. Start with yourself, end with yourself, and let AI only live in the middle.

If you want to create presentations that last, you can’t let a tool do the heavy lifting of connection. Machines can write words, but only you can deliver heart.

As Ed reminded us: “If AI does all the work, what do we need you for?”

That’s a mic-drop moment.

Your Turn:
Have you experimented with AI in your speechwriting? Did it help—or did it strip away your voice? Drop a comment and let’s keep this conversation going.

And if you know a speaker who’s leaning too heavily on AI, share this with them. Because if you’re going to invest time in preparing a presentation, make it unforgettable.

Would you like me to also draft a catchy Substack title and subtitle options (like “AI Won’t Win You a Speech Contest” or “Why Robots Can’t Replace Your Voice”) so you have some choices for grabbing attention?

You said:

sure, please give me 5 options.

ChatGPT said:

Perfect — here are five catchy title + subtitle pairings you could use for your Substack post based on the podcast episode:

1. AI Won’t Win You a Speech Contest

Why authentic voice and human connection still beat algorithms every time.

2. Your Voice > Artificial Intelligence

How to use AI as a helper without losing what makes your presentation unforgettable.

3. The Danger of Letting Robots Write Your Speech

Lessons from three World Champions on keeping humanity in the spotlight.

4. AI as Your Intern, Not Your Ghostwriter

Practical insights for speakers who want efficiency without sacrificing authenticity.

5. Can AI Make Your Speech Better?

The surprising truth from World Champion speakers who put it to the test.

Subscribe now

Every memorable presenter customizes. The average presenter merely mentions the event name or flashes a logo on their slides. That is not customization. That is courtesy.

True customization is deeper. It is intentional. It is strategic. And it is the difference between an audience listening politely and an audience leaning forward, thinking, “This is for me!”

You Are Not Paid to Give a Speech

Make no mistake, you are paid to serve the audience. That perspective has guided me since the night before the 2001 World Championship of Public Speaking, when Mark Brown pulled me aside. He reminded me that I had the privilege of 2000 lives for seven minutes. That moment has shaped my preparation ever since.

Most speakers do not prepare thoroughly enough to customize effectively. Some do not even think about customizing. Yet meeting planners and audiences notice instantly when a presentation feels crafted for them.

In fact, the testimonials from a recent keynote all highlighted one thing. They said I customized everything. They noticed that I walked the halls, attended other sessions, interviewed people, and tied in stories from the very event they were attending. They noticed because so few speakers do it.

Customization Is Connection

Early in his international speaking career, Mark accepted an opening keynote assignment in the Middle East. At the end of the event, the meeting planner noted that he had customized his presentation to serve the audience, while the closing speaker delivered a generic back-pocket talk. Years later, attendees still remembered details from Mark’s customized message.

Why was Mark so memorable? Connection. Audiences know when you create content for them. They also know when you don’t.

Customization Is Not Complicated

One of the biggest misconceptions is that customizing requires rewriting your entire speech. It does not. Professionals rarely write new speeches for each audience. They customize, within a proven structure.

This is where the FRIPP speech model becomes a game-changer. When your keynote has a strong framework, customization becomes ‘plug-and-play.’ You can insert audience stories, quotes from speakers earlier in the event, photos, and fresh examples because you know exactly where they belong.

Here’s an example:
At a recent keynote in Las Vegas, I built several custom moments by:
• Interviewing attendees in the hallway to learn their dreams.
• Tying the previous day’s celebrity keynote quote directly into the point I was making.
• Using real photos from onsite conversations.
• Connecting specific audience members, like Travis and Jim, to the themes of the presentation.
• Honoring mentors and first timers.
• Responding to last-minute requests, like bringing the 30-and-under attendees onstage.

These moments did not require rewriting my entire keynote. They required curiosity, attention, and a structure that allowed me to insert adjustments without affecting the flow of my presentation.

Why Customization Creates Impact

Customization allows you to simultaneously:

1. Indicate genuine care.

2. Demonstrate preparation.

3. Signal respect for the audience.

4. Validate your audience’s identity and shared experience.

5. Prove your message is not canned.

6. Create an unforgettable emotional connection.

Earlier, I mentioned attendees Travis and Jim. During my presentation, I put a photo of Travis on the screen and shared his dream. He felt seen. I acknowledged Jim, an industry mentor, and several attendees took time to find and congratulate him. Later, I highlighted first-timers and younger professionals, and they felt valued.

Customization builds community in the room. It ties your message to your audience’s reality.

The Process Behind Customizing

If you want to customize well, here is my quick-start approach:

1. Interview at least ten people who will be in the audience.
   Ask the event planner to give them a heads-up…ideally two weeks before the event.

2. Ask better questions.
   Why me? Why this topic? What is top of mind? What are their current challenges?

3. Understand the organization’s culture.
   Who are the mentors? Who are the first timers? Who is retiring? Who is thriving?

4. Walk the halls.
   The best insights come from informal conversations.

5. Arrive a day early if possible.
   Interact with attendees. Like gold, they provide stories, examples, quotes, and validation.

6. Use their language.
   Use their terminology, acronyms, and buzzwords.

7. Insert custom content into a solid structure.
   The FRIPP model shines here. You know exactly where to place custom content.

Customization is not chaos. It is precision guided by preparation and structure.

The Bottom Line

If you want to be unforgettable, you must take customization seriously. Audiences feel it. Meeting planners appreciate it. And your impact multiplies.

Pain points help you understand your audience. Customization helps your audience feel understood.

If you want to master this process and build a keynote that is powerful, customizable, and valuable to event planners, join us for our Unforgettable Presentations workshop. We will guide you step by step through the FRIPP speech model and show you how to deliver a keynote that is both polished and deeply customized.

If you are going to take the time to prepare a presentation, make it unforgettable.

Check out our next workshop: Own the Stage, Jan15-17 in Vegas:

https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/workshops/own-the-stage/

It often comes down to the tools you use—the words, rhythms, and devices that shape your message and stick in your audience’s minds. In a recent conversation on Unforgettable Presentations, Mark Brown and I revisited his 1995 World Championship speech, “A Second Chance,” and pulled apart some of the rhetorical devices that made it so memorable.

Here’s the beautiful thing: Mark didn’t even realize he was using them at the time. His coach, 1990 World Champion David Brooks, helped him see the power of words. Three decades later, those techniques still hold up—and they can transform your own signature story or keynote.

Why Rhetorical Devices Matter

You may already have strong stories. But with a little wordsmithing, those stories can land more deeply, connect more emotionally, and elevate your credibility. Rhetorical devices aren’t just “fancy writing”—they’re tools to help your audience feel your message, not just hear it.

Even if it’s not part of your natural style, sprinkling in a device or two can make your speech more poetic, more sticky, and more unforgettable.

Example 1: Hyperbole

In his championship speech, Mark told the audience:

“I’ve seen Beauty and the Beast 13 times since last Monday.”

Of course, he hadn’t. But every parent or grandparent in the audience immediately related. Kids do beg to watch the same film over and over. The humor worked because the exaggeration felt true.

That’s hyperbole—an intentional overstatement that gets a laugh, makes a point, and creates connection.

Pro Tip: Choose specific and unusual numbers. “13” is funnier and more memorable than “10” or “20.”

Example 2: Alliteration

Mark also said:

“The music, the magic, the mystery… but the message.”

Notice the rhythm. The repeated M sounds make it catchy. He even added a fourth word—message—to highlight the true heart of his speech.

Alliteration works because it gives your audience a sense of melody. It’s not just information—it’s an experience.

Pro Tip: Don’t just rely on the words. Vary your pacing, tone, and even your stage position for each phrase. Deliver one “M” to the left side, one to the center, one to the right. Then step forward for the punch. That combination of verbal and visual amplifies the device.

Example 3: Parallelism

Later in the speech, Mark described journalist Pat Harper as she immersed herself in the life of the homeless:

“She dressed as they dressed. She walked as they walked. She lived as they lived.”

That’s parallelism—repeating a structure so the audience locks onto the rhythm. It reinforces the image, makes the point crystal clear, and draws listeners into the scene.

Mark enhanced it by using stage movement: miming her clothing, shuffling his steps, shivering against the cold. The words set the rhythm; the delivery made the story unforgettable.

How This Applies to You

You don’t have to re-write your entire speech to start. Pick one of your signature stories and ask:

• Where could hyperbole add humor or relatability?

• Could alliteration make a key point more memorable?

• Is there a moment where parallelism could heighten emotion and rhythm?

Try layering in just one rhetorical device. Then practice delivering it with variety in tone, movement, and energy.

Remember: these tools aren’t about showing off your vocabulary. They’re about serving your audience—helping them feel, remember, and act on your message.

Final Thought

Mark’s speech was delivered 30 years ago, but the techniques remain timeless. As he said at the end of our episode:

“Don’t forget—how can I use hyperbole, alliteration, and parallelism to deliver my unforgettable presentation?”

If you want your stories to stick, don’t just tell them. Craft them. Use the tools that move hearts, open minds, and make your message truly unforgettable.

It sounds noble, authentic, and genuine. But here’s the hard truth: passion without preparation rarely transforms an audience.

Darren recalls learning this the hard way. “Early in my career, I resisted writing down my speeches. I told my coach, David McElhaney “I’m a bullet point guy, I just need to be in the moment.”

That was fine until I finally saw one of my talks transcribed. Let’s just say, I almost threw up in my mouth. Yes, I was passionate. But passion doesn’t always equal clarity. Speaking from the heart is good—but your heart is not the best editor.”

Why Passion Alone Falls Short

Audiences don’t just need your emotions; they need your message delivered in a way that sticks. You might feel connected while speaking, but if your structure is unclear, your words may never land.

As Mark points out: “What you have in your mind doesn’t always come out of your mouth—at least not the way you expect.”

That’s why preparation matters. Without editing, the best intentions can turn into rambling. Without structure, even the most heartfelt story can become a train wreck.

Think about it: if your audience leaves entertained but unchanged, was your presentation truly unforgettable?

The Power of Transcription

Here’s the secret: you can’t edit what you don’t see.

That’s why we encourage speakers to first speak freely—yes, from the heart—into a recording device. Then get a transcript. (Today, tools like AI transcription make this easy.)

When you read your own words, you’ll notice something eye-opening: what you thought you said and what you actually said aren’t the same. That’s where the real work begins.

Editing allows you to shorten, sharpen, and structure your message so the punch words land—and then give them room to breathe.

Prepare From the Heart

We’re not saying you shouldn’t speak from your heart. We’re saying you should prepare from the heart.

Preparation honors your audience. It shows you care enough to refine your message so it can reach their hearts, not just yours.

Yes, there’s vulnerability in speaking from the heart. But there’s greater impact when your vulnerability is combined with clarity. Passion plus structure equals connection.

As we often tell our clients: Words prepared from the heart, spoken from the heart, will land on the heart.

A Challenge for You

If you’ve been relying on winging it, here’s our challenge:

1. Record yourself delivering your next talk as if the audience is in front of you.

2. Transcribe it—use AI tools, software, or even just your phone.

3. Read it back with a critical eye. Highlight what works, circle what doesn’t, and ask: How can I say this better in fewer words?

4. Edit with your audience in mind. Your story is still your story, but now it’s shaped to serve them.

Yes, it takes effort. But ask yourself: ”Do I care more about my own comfort, or my audience’s transformation?

Final Thought

Anyone can stand on stage and speak from the heart. But unforgettable presenters prepare from the heart. They refine, structure, and sharpen their words so the audience doesn’t just hear passion—they feel impact.

So, the next time you’re tempted to “just wing it,” remember: your heart may inspire you, but preparation ensures you inspire others.

👉 Do you want to dive deeper into crafting unforgettable presentations? Check out Stage Time University, where we provide world-class coaching to help presenters move from good… to unforgettable.

If you’ve been in the speaking world for any length of time, you’ve probably heard that mantra before. But here’s the truth: even the most seasoned professionals sometimes resist it. Why? Because rewriting requires humility, time, and a willingness to revisit what already “worked.”

Yet it’s exactly this discipline—the power of the rewrite—that separates good presenters from unforgettable ones.

Why Rewriting Matters

Many presenters deliver a talk, hear the applause, and decide it’s “done.” But a standing ovation doesn’t mean your story has reached its full potential. The best speakers don’t stop at good—they ask: How can I make this even better?

The answer lies in reviewing and rewriting quickly, not months or years later. Within days of delivering a talk, sit down with your recording, re-live the moments, and identify where you lost energy, over-explained, or missed opportunities for humor or drama.

Is it uncomfortable to watch yourself on video? Absolutely. But the question is: Do you want to feel comfortable, or do you want to be world-class?

From “Ew” to “Ah”

When Mark and I coach CEOs and leaders, we encourage them to look for what we call the “ew” moments—the awkward phrases, the over-telegraphed lines, or the places where delivery falls flat. A single unnecessary word can dilute an audience’s experience.

For example, one client described a moment in a story as “embarrassing” before the audience had a chance to feel it. That one word robbed the moment of discovery. By cutting it, the same story shifted from predictable to powerful.

That’s the essence of rewriting: small refinements that turn “ew” into “ah.”

One Reason Another Mark is Booked Often at a High Fee

At a recent event, speaker Mark Scharenbroich shared a story in two versions. The first was strong, any speaker would’ve been happy with it. But then he showed a rewritten version. Same story, tighter delivery, more intrigue, greater impact.

The difference was undeniable. That’s the power of not settling for version 1.0.

Too many speakers deliver their first solid draft for years. But when you put in the extra effort to refine, you transform your presentation into your greatest marketing tool. As we’ve heard Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker, Michael Rayburn say:

“If you’re not getting paid what you want as often as you want, the problem is your speech.”

World-Class Time

Here’s a mindset shift: don’t just schedule “review time” on your calendar. Call it world-class time.

When you label it this way, you reframe the task from a chore into an investment. This is the time that turns good into great, great into unforgettable.

World-class speakers build this habit. They don’t wait eight months until the next big keynote to re-evaluate. They review within days. They rewrite one story at a time. They ask, What can I improve? A slide? A line of dialogue? A character? And they put in the work.

The Rewrite in Action

Rewriting doesn’t always mean cutting words. Sometimes it means reordering sections, heightening a character’s role, or swapping narration for dialogue. Other times, it’s simply about trimming the fat, taking a nine-word sentence and making it seven, without losing meaning.

The key is focus. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to overhaul an entire talk at once. Choose one section, one story, one slide. Refine it. Watch it again. Then move on to the next.

That small, consistent commitment is what elevates a presentation from “pretty good” to “unforgettable.”

A Challenge for You

Darren LaCroix re-wrote his World Championship and delivered it live 22 times. 22 Re-Writes and practice runs. Mark had even more re-writes. That was for a contest. Consider how important it is for paid keynote speaker or a corporate presenter pitching their company? It is your reputation, your business and your best marketing to be rebooked. If you are an emerging speaker, develop this critical skill now. It’s a choice.

Here’s some tough love: if you’re not willing to watch your own video, why should anyone pay you? Ouch.

Record everything. Review quickly. Rewrite consistently. That’s the path to unforgettable.

So this week, carve out some world-class time. Pull up a recording of your most recent talk. Identify one “ew” moment. Rewrite it until it becomes an “ah” moment.

Because the power of the rewrite isn’t just about polishing words—it’s about honoring your audience with the best version of your story.

✅ Want more tools to refine your presentations? Explore StageTimeUniversity.com, where we provide proven paths and world-class feedback for speakers committed to unforgettable impact.

How did I become so fortunate to have so many? Reflecting on both mentoring others and being mentored, here's what experience has taught me:

#1 ~ Work harder than anyone else.
This one may seem obvious, but it needs to be addressed. Those who work the hardest stand out. It's easy to see. It's also easy to see when people are trying to "be seen"as working harder than everyone else. Mentors have seen it all. They probably have many people seeking their advice. Consider the experience of a tenured high school sports coach. There are new students each year, and each year the coach deals with talent, lack of talent, and ego. Each student is vying for starting positions on the team. Often, some pretend to give it their all.

In my high school football days, that was me. Since I was kind of a wimpy kid, throughout my junior year, I saved up some energy and dogged it and over-dramatized my wind sprints workout a little bit. I was trying to look like I was putting out all my effort, but really didn't want to work that hard. Looking back, it's easy to see that I wasn't fooling my coach.
The summer before senior year, I decided I wanted a starting position and I'd do whatever it took to get there. I started running four miles a day in off-season. I started lifting weights hard three times a week. I went to a Holy Cross College football camp, as well. Most of the guys on the team didn't prepare that much.

Because I committed, not only did I change my mind, but my body was soon to follow. I wasn't a wimp anymore. My coaches noticed. Thank goodness most people are lazy. It's easy to stand out if you work harder than anyone else for an extended period of time. Savvy mentors can spot it a mile away.

Remember... you are seeking the mentor. Why would a mentor help you if you aren't willing to work hard?

#2 ~ Have more courage than anyone else.
You've probably heard me quote my mentor, Vinnie Favorito, who taught me the value of stage time. He also used to say to me, "Darren, I don't care if you bomb onstage, I care if you don't go up on stage." The reason we get a mentor is to change how we think, feel, or act in a certain area of our life. This is usually because we have a goal we want to achieve. What Vinnie was really telling me that mattered in his eyes was courage. He didn't care if I made mistakes. He cared if I was willing to be uncomfortable.

Why would a mentor continue to help you if you don't show courage?

#3 ~ Be coachable.
Take their advice, please! As World Champion Craig Valentine says, "Seek education, not validation."

In the early '90s when my goal was to become a comedian, I knew that I didn't know. I was hungry. I was a sponge. In 2001, when I met Mark Brown, the 1995 World Champion, the first thing he asked me to do was write out my speech. I passionately tried to convince him that was not my "style."I almost argued with him. That was not how I created a speech. I needed to be present and in-the-moment. I didn't want to be tied down to a script. He politely and gently reminded me that I came to him for coaching. Yikes!

It was a wake-up call. I had to become hungry again and let go of my ego. Even though I was starting to get paid as a professional speaker at that time, I was far from world-class. I needed to become a sponge again. I needed to be coachable... again. I wrote out the speech and realized just how bad it really was. Ouch.

Why would a mentor invest their time in you if you aren't coachable?

#4 ~ Respect their time and space.
In the '90s Alan Weiss, PhD offered fellow NSA Chapter members an opportunity to take him to lunch and "pick his brain."He is absolutely brilliant and I could afford to buy him lunch, so I'm on it. Since I had limited financial resources I wanted to make the most of this brilliant man's time. For a week prior, I kept a notepad handy and jotted down every question I could possibly think of to ask Alan. Though Alan intimidated me, I hoped I wouldn't choke up if I had the questions with me.

Not only did it help me get a lot out of the lunch, it impressed him. He told me I was the most prepared person he had ever had for one of his lunches. Wow. Doesn't everyone do that? I guess not. When I used to do skype mentoring calls with people one-on-one I would suggest the same to the people I was mentoring. It's easier to come up with better questions ahead of time than "in the moment."And, you'll add even more to that list based on the flow of the conversation.

Each month, when I do my Get Paid to Speak group mentoring calls, the people who prepare and send their questions in ahead of time get more out of the calls.

My time with Alan helped me see the value of respecting his time. This spilled over into learning from another mentor when I lived in Oklahoma -- Jim Stoval. Whenever I asked Jim for advice, I respected his time so much, I disciplined myself to not ask for more advice until I implemented all of the prior advice. Jim never insisted I follow through first, but I conditioned myself to do so before asking for any more advice.

I remember getting an opportunity to talk to David Brooks, 1990 World Champion of Public Speaking, on the phone. It was an honor to get his time. I remember the opportunity happened last minute and that day I had driven my motorcycle to work. The time that worked for him was in the middle of my drive to practice my speech at a Toastmasters club. It's almost impossible to talk on the phone while driving a motorcycle. I drove as far as I could after work to get as close to the club as possible before the scheduled time for our call. To this day, I can see the place I pulled over on the Mass. Turnpike to talk to David.
It cracks me up when people ask me for mentoring and haven't read my articles or watched my videos that I give away online for free. Really? I understand that some people may not be able to afford some of my learning programs. But, I've taken the time to publish my advice through articles and videos online, and they won't look there first?! Why should I give them my time? To me, it feels like a lack of respect.

What mentor would give you time, if you don't respect it?

#5 ~ Your success stories are the best "thank you."
Mentors don't always hear from students after the coaching, but most usually like to hear about your successes. Success stories are usually accompanied by an inspiring story of courage.

A couple years ago, Mykola Latansky, an emerging Russian motivational speaker, approached me in the hallway at an NSA Convention. (Hear what he said to me... Scroll down to the first video on this page). Mykola told me that he had invested in my Get Paid to Speak by Next Week program and in his 4th year in the business, he was going to hit a million dollars. Very cool! I have yet to do that in a single year. How do you think that made me feel? I wasn't jealous, I was psyched! I'm also very sure that he was hungry and I'm not his only mentor.

This year, at the NSA Convention, I sat and listened to him speak at a learning lab. I was excited for his opportunity to speak there. His program was great. His success story inspired me to not only want to know more about him, but also to learn from him.
Have you told your mentors of the success you've had?

#6 ~ Ask yourself, "What do they want?"
Honestly, I'm still a bit surprised that I get to share the stage with Judy Carter, Patricia Fripp and the other World Champions of Public Speaking. How did it happen? Though often we put mentors up on a pedestal and think they have it all, we need to remember that even mentors are human. They may have more talent, skills, or knowledge than us in one area, but rarely do people have it all.

There's usually something that they still want or need. Figuring that out begins by asking that question. When I got my first "real comedy show,"it was because I helped a comedy club owner fill the room with my following.

When I entertained the notion of even doing a first Champ Camp with Patricia Fripp, I considered what she wanted and why she might work with me. I discovered that she loved showing up and teaching. She didn't love finding the hotel room, negotiating contracts, registering people and setting the room. It's a lot of work, but if that's what it took to share the stage with her, it was a no brainer. She wanted to show up and teach. It's the same as I would want, and do get, when speaking at other people's events.

In order to make sure Patricia would want to do a second event; the event must be content-rich, attendees must be transformed and it must be financially profitable. Learning from her, I wanted to be her favorite person to do business with.

What mentor wouldn't appreciate help getting what they want?

#7 ~ Ask.
Mark Brown said to me: "Darren, I can not answer a question you do not ask." Brilliant! Mentors appreciate humility. If you know everything, you don't need a mentor. If you're afraid of asking a "stupid question,"you're missing out on the answers. If you're afraid to ask somebody to be your mentor, you need to work on your confidence. I'm surprised when I get emails asking if I will mentor or coach a friend of theirs.

Really? Why are you asking for someone else? Why are they not asking me themselves? That just tells me they're putting me on a pedestal way too high -- which is not cool -- or they don't have the confidence to ask for themself. That's a red flag! If you lack that much confidence, you may take some of my advice too literally. That concerns me a bit.
As Patricia Fripp says, "If you don't ask, the answer is always 'no.'" Now, it still could be 'no'even if you do ask. That's OK. But, what if they say 'yes'?

I wish I could mentor more people one-on-one. There's just not enough time in the day with all the requests I get. I share as much content as I can through my blog, YouTube, and through live presentations. When people want one-on-one coaching now I lead them to group coaching at live Champ Camps and our international online community, World Champions' EDGE. If they want to learn about the business of speaking, I suggest my Get Paid to Speak group mentoring program. These are ways for me to serve someone who is hungry to learn the business and offer it at a very affordable price.

Mentors are people, too! They have wants, needs and desires. Judy's letter allows me to see what I did right. I found a niche and focused on being the best to serve that niche. I'm not saying I am the best, but I'm better each year than I was the year before. I try to live my saying, "Resolve to Evolve."

I have a signed picture in my office by Dave Fitzgerald, another one of my comedy mentors who helped me create the Humor Boot Camp. Next to his photo, he wrote, "You have affected my life in a way that can not be measured. The direction I am now going in is because of you." Wow. I was just a "wanna be"when he met me. I saw how much his humor could inspire people with cancer, so I insisted that he check out the National Speakers Association. He did, and through that he emerged from the comedy stage into the professional speaking market. I couldn't mentor him, but I could lead him to people who could.

Where do you want to go? What do you want to become? Don't try to impress a potential mentor, they've seen it all. Have integrity, work hard, be coachable and have the right intention. Who knows! You may not only attract a great mentor, you may also change their life.

I'd love to hear from you... please share your comments below!
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If you want to deliver presentations that stick with your audience long after the applause fades, here are three critical practices that will transform how you prepare and perform.

1. Build on a Proven Structure

Too many presentations are built on hope: “I’ll start with something interesting, say a few things in the middle, and wrap it up.” That’s not structure—that’s spaghetti.

Think of structure as the foundation of a house. Without it, everything wobbles. A strong presentation needs:

• A compelling opening that grabs attention.

• Three clear points or “pillars” to support your message.

• A powerful closing that ties back to the opening.

That last piece is pure gold. When your close connects back to your opening, it creates a satisfying sense of completion for your audience. It feels intentional. It feels professional. And most importantly, it makes your message memorable.

2. Tell Unforgettable Stories

Everyone tells stories. But unforgettable stories? Those take thought, intention, and refinement.

What makes a story unforgettable? Emotion. When your story triggers laughter, empathy, or inspiration, you’re not just informing—you’re transforming. People may forget your bullet points, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

Here’s the test: three days, three weeks, or even three months after your presentation, what will people remember? Not your statistics. Not your slides. But that story you told about the customer who almost quit—or the personal moment when you faced failure and bounced back stronger.

The right story lingers. It becomes the hook your audience hangs the rest of your message on.

3. Get Feedback and Internalize

This one may surprise you, but it’s the difference between an average presentation and an unforgettable one: feedback.

The fastest way to improve is not more rehearsal in your head—it’s getting in front of someone else and hearing their reaction. Present it. Walk it out in the room. Then ask for feedback and make adjustments.

This practice helps you internalize instead of memorize. Why does that matter?

Because when you’re memorizing, you’re in your head. And when you’re in your head, your emotions are dead.

Internalizing frees you to be present with your audience. To connect. To let your authentic self come through.

Even after all these years—and even though I do this for a living—I still walk through my presentations aloud, in the room, making tweaks every time. That’s how world-class presenters stay world-class.

The Takeaway

If you want to improve your presentations, don’t get lost in fancy slides or overstuffed content. Instead, double down on the three essentials:

1. Structure – Build on a solid framework.

2. Stories – Make them unforgettable through emotion.

3. Feedback – Internalize, don’t memorize.

Do these consistently, and your presentations won’t just inform—they’ll inspire.

If you’d like to dive deeper, I’ve created thousands of training videos on storytelling, structure, and delivery. Be a sponge. Keep learning. And let me help you deliver truly unforgettable presentations.

👉 What’s the biggest challenge you face when preparing a presentation? Reply and let me know—I may cover it in an upcoming post.

P.S. If you’re serious about mastering the art of speaking, check out StageTime University — where good presenters become UNFORGETTABLE!

Get details:

https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/workshops/the-funny-story-workshop

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The good news? Once you know what these pitfalls are, you can avoid them and immediately elevate your presence on stage.

Mistake #1: Starting Weak

Most presenters waste the first 60 seconds with pleasantries, disclaimers, or agenda slides. The truth is, your audience is deciding in those first moments if you’re worth listening to. Open with a story, a bold statement, or a question that grabs attention.

Mistake #2: No Clear Point

A speech without a clear message is like a ship without a rudder. If you can’t summarize your core point in a single sentence, your audience won’t remember it either.

Mistake #3: Too Much Information

Presenters often drown their audience in data, slides, and jargon. Remember: clarity beats complexity. Your role is not to show how much you know, but how much the audience can use.

Mistake #4: Reading Slides

Your slides are a visual aid, not a script. If your audience can read your slides, they don’t need you. Use visuals to reinforce your message, not replace your delivery.

Mistake #5: Lack of Stories

Facts tell, but stories sell. A well-placed personal story can create connection, evoke emotion, and make your point unforgettable.

Mistake #6: Poor Transitions

Even strong content can feel scattered if you don’t guide the audience smoothly from one idea to the next. Think of your transitions as bridges that carry the audience along your journey.

Mistake #7: Ignoring the Audience

Some presenters get so caught up in their own words that they forget who they’re there for. Engage with eye contact, ask questions, and pay attention to the energy in the room.

Mistake #8: No Practice

“Winging it” is the fastest way to lose credibility. Rehearsal doesn’t make you sound stiff—it makes you sound confident. World-class speakers don’t leave performance to chance.

Mistake #9: Weak Closing

Too many talks end with “That’s all I have.” A closing should be a call to action, a challenge, or a final story that echoes in the audience’s mind. Your last words are what linger.

Mistake #10: Forgetting to Connect Emotionally

Information alone rarely inspires action. To move people, you must connect head and heart. Emotion is the bridge between ideas and action.

The Path to Unforgettable

Avoiding these 10 mistakes doesn’t mean you’ll instantly become unforgettable—but it clears the path. Great presentations aren’t built on perfection; they’re built on intentional choices.

So before your next talk, ask yourself: Which of these mistakes am I still making—and what will I do differently?

Your audience doesn’t just want information. They want transformation. And that begins with you choosing to be unforgettable.

Want more world class insights? Get 3 Secrets to Be Unforgettable:

https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/unforgettable-presentations-training/