Unforgettable Presentations

Ep. 332 FIVE WAYS TO BECOME A CHARACTER VOCALLY

Last week Darren and Mark shared effective ways to embody characters physically. Today, they share the impact that we can have when we do the same with vocal techniques. SNIPPETS: • Selectively use dialogue instead of narration • Vary your vocal volume • Volume variances depict emotion • Energy and intensity do not have to be loud • Modify vocal pitch appropriately • Different speaking rates can show demeanor and state of mind • Use congruent facial expressions • Attitude and posture can say a lot about a character • Body language will show emotion • Stress, fatigue, pain, and illness can be portrayed with body language • Employ an accent when comfortable, competent, and confident • Be careful not to offend when using accents • Use age-appropriate vocal characterizations Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

Ep. 331 FIVE WAYS TO EMBODY A CHARACTER PHYSICALLY

Our stories are more vivid when we embody the characters, and today, Mark and Darren explore simple yet effective ways to embody characters physically. With these techniques, characters are easily identifiable without a word. SNIPPETS: • Use their gait and walk as the character would walk • Identify and portray mannerisms • Observe family members to show character quirks – 'QUIRKOLOGY' • Suspend quirky movements to show emotional change • Look for your own mannerisms by recording and watching yourself on video • Use congruent facial expressions • Attitude and posture can say a lot about a character • Body language will show emotion • Stress, fatigue, pain, and illness can be portrayed with body language Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

Ep. 330 YOUR PERSONAL PAIN POINTS

It's always helpful to know your audience's pain points. However, your pain points can be an avenue to building a relationship with them. Today, Darren and Mark share how to do just that, with ideas that can help you be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Explore your pain points • Pain points are connectors • Give your audience the gift of your story • Capture your pain points and the lessons learned • Find common pain points in travel stories • Uncover the joy in your pain • Your pain can change their perspective • There is power in your pain • Your pain story can trigger your audience's memories and experiences • Ask yourself: "What was my worst (fill in the blank) • Ask friends and family about frustrations and pet peeves Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

Ep. 329 ARE THEY LISTENING

Once in a while, an audience is less emotive than most, leaving a speaker to wonder, "Are they listening?" Mark and Darren discuss that question today while providing perspective, context, and solid suggestions for presenting well in those circumstances. SNIPPETS: • Always be present • Bring your 'A GAME' • Don't let a stoic audience affect your mission • External factors may affect audience response • Not every audience emotes • Create an environment that is conducive to listening • Be aware of the atmosphere and read the room • Consider the context of the event • Look for the audience member who is ALL-IN • Feed the audience members who feed you • Find a way to eliminate a center aisle when possible Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com

Ep. 328 "I JUST NEED..."

"I just need…" is a phrase that eager speakers often use when asking for advice. Oftentimes it's followed by "a few tweaks," "a punch-up," "to add humor," "a little polish," or something similar. Today, Darren and Mark analyze this simple phrase and offer a perspective that will inspire you to examine it more closely. This episode will help you identify what you REALLY need, to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • You don't know what you don't know • Don't just add a little humor; uncover it • Your NEED could only be a WANT • You may need much more than you think you do • Learn what you need by watching yourself on video • Consult pros and experts • Change "I just need" to "What do I need?" • Set ego aside • Determine what's best for your audience • Leave no stone unturned as you strive to serve your audience • Seek ways to improve on every presentation Work with Mark and Darren: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/ Check Out Stage Time University: https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com