In Part 2 of their conversation about the Top Ten Mistakes, Darren and Mark talk with Stage Time University faculty member Mike Davis about mistakes #5 through #1 in the countdown. 

 

SNIPPETS:

 

• Identify the guide/guru/compass, which may not be a human

 

• The hero should not solve their own problem

 

• It isn’t just about what changed, but about how the character grew

 

• Give your audience time and room to reflect on the character’s development

 

• Give the hero a time limit to reach their goal

 

• Create and escalate conflict

 

• Be clear about the hero’s goal; not what, but why

 

• Specificity and clarity are key

 

• Engage the audience immediately

 

• Don’t open with trivialities like the weather or how nice it is to be there

 

1. Weak or Wandering Openings

Why it matters: If you don’t hook the audience in the first 15 seconds, you risk losing them entirely. Many speakers start with platitudes or overused statements instead of tension, emotion, or curiosity.


✅ Fix: Begin with a vivid image, jarring question, or a clear inciting incident. (Craig Valentine: “When they’re predicting, you’re connecting.”)

 

2. The Main Character Lacks a Clear Goal or Stakes

Why it matters: Without a specific goal and consequence, the story feels directionless and unmotivated. The audience won’t care what happens next.


✅ Fix: Use the ABS AND section to define the character's goal, traits, and motivation.

 

3. Stories Skip the Struggle

Why it matters: Too many stories jump from the problem to the resolution. They miss the BUT—the emotional depth, obstacles, and low point that make the payoff matter.


✅ Fix: Amplify conflict. Show the tension before the turn. That’s where connection lives.

 

4. Resolution Without Reflection

Why it matters: The SO isn’t just about what changed—it’s about how the character grew, and what we can take away. When this is rushed or vague, the audience misses the lesson.


✅ Fix: Let the character experience change and articulate new insight. Use dialogue, emotion, and detail.

 

5. The Guide Isn’t Clear (or is the same person as the hero)

Why it matters: Without a separate Guide figure, the story sounds like self-congratulation. That breaks trust.


✅ Fix: Show who offered perspective, wisdom, or a framework that shifted the main character’s path.

 

Work with Mark and Darren:

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

 

Check Out Stage Time University:

https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com