What does it take to win the National Speakers Association’s LAST STORY STANDING competition?

 

Today, Mark and Darren get answers from the 2025 winner, Michelle Hutchings-Medina. She shares her journey, her process, and the lessons she learned along the way. Her wisdom will help any presenter on their path to delivering an unforgettable presentation.

 

SNIPPETS:

• Rethink how you use your voice

 

• Marry your creativity to your desire to have an impactful message

 

• Spend an hour every day working on your speaking

 

• Do your best around your intention and let go of the outcome

 

• Sometimes your message isn’t for a particular audience

 

• Much of the exposition in your stories is not relevant

 

• In rehearsals, ask for specific feedback

 

• Your story is like having a conversation with the audience

 

• Stay in touch with yourself, your values, and your why

 

• On contest day, get rest, do vocal exercises, pray/meditate

 

• For contests/timed talks, factor in beats for gasps and laughs

 

• Speak to let the audience feel something different

Work with Mark and Darren:

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

 

Check Out Stage Time University:

https://www.stagetimeuniversity.com