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
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