Over the years Darren and Mark have made…and seen…several mistakes. Today they’re joined by Stage Time University faculty member Mike Davis as they discuss the mistakes they see most often…even after 30+ years of coaching. This episode feature mistakes #10 through #6 in the countdown. Avoiding these will help you to be unforgettable on the platform.

 

SNIPPETS:

 

• Avoid ending on Q & A or with a ‘THANK YOU’ slide

 

• Circle back to your opening and end with impact

 

• Can your audience see themselves in your story

 

• Do research and homework to relate more closely with your audience

 

• Use present tense and phrases like “let me take you back…”

 

• End with punchy, concrete words

 

• Show the consequences of actions NOT taken

 

• Be clear on what is at stake

 

• Avoid continuous narration

 

• Use dialogue, body language and facial expression for depiction

 

6. Too Much “Tell,” Not Enough “Show”

Why it matters: Narrating facts and feelings doesn't activate the audience’s imagination. The brain craves visuals, dialogue, and motion.


✅ Fix: Include short bursts of scene-based storytelling. Show reactions. Use dialogue. Let us see and feel it.

 

7. Unclear If-Then Stakes

Why it matters: Without an IF-THEN, there’s no urgency. No reason to act. No consequence for staying the same.


✅ Fix: Highlight the risk: “If I stayed silent, we would have lost the client. If I spoke up, I might get fired.”

 

8. Repetitive Sentence Structures or Passive Voice

Why it matters: Flat rhythms, present participles, or soft endings weaken emotional impact and energy.


✅ Fix: Use nouns and verbs up front. End sentences with punchy, concrete words. Vary rhythm.

 

9. No Audience Relevance or Personalization

Why it matters: Some stories sound good but don’t connect. If the audience can’t see themselves in it, they tune out.


✅ Fix: Ask the reflective question during the story: “Have you ever felt like that?” or “What would you have done in that moment?”

 

10. Ending With a Fizzle, Not a Frame

Why it matters: If the ending feels rushed, abstract, or purely emotional, the story won’t stick.


✅ Fix: Reframe the opening or image in a new way. Bring the story full circle. Land with clarity and resonance.

 

Work with Mark and Darren:

https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com/get-a-speaking-coach/

 

Check Out Stage Time University:

https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com