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

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