Best Markbrown Podcasts (2026)

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Ep. 332 FIVE WAYS TO BECOME A CHARACTER VOCALLY 32:36

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1h ago32:36

32:36

Last week Darren and Mark shared effective ways to embody characters physically. Today, they share the impact that we can have when we do the same with vocal techniques. SNIPPETS: • Selectively use dialogue instead of narration • Vary your vocal volume • Volume variances depict emotion • Energy and intensity do not have to be loud • Modify vocal pi…

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Ep. 331 FIVE WAYS TO EMBODY A CHARACTER PHYSICALLY 25:00

3h ago25:00

25:00

Our stories are more vivid when we embody the characters, and today, Mark and Darren explore simple yet effective ways to embody characters physically. With these techniques, characters are easily identifiable without a word. SNIPPETS: • Use their gait and walk as the character would walk • Identify and portray mannerisms • Observe family members t…

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Ep. 330 YOUR PERSONAL PAIN POINTS 17:56

7d ago17:56

17:56

It's always helpful to know your audience's pain points. However, your pain points can be an avenue to building a relationship with them. Today, Darren and Mark share how to do just that, with ideas that can help you be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Explore your pain points • Pain points are connectors • Give your audience the gift of your story • Cap…

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Ep. 329 ARE THEY LISTENING 25:39

18d ago25:39

25:39

Once in a while, an audience is less emotive than most, leaving a speaker to wonder, "Are they listening?" Mark and Darren discuss that question today while providing perspective, context, and solid suggestions for presenting well in those circumstances. SNIPPETS: • Always be present • Bring your 'A GAME' • Don't let a stoic audience affect your mi…

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Ep. 328 "I JUST NEED..." 26:44

22d ago26:44

26:44

"I just need…" is a phrase that eager speakers often use when asking for advice. Oftentimes it's followed by "a few tweaks," "a punch-up," "to add humor," "a little polish," or something similar. Today, Darren and Mark analyze this simple phrase and offer a perspective that will inspire you to examine it more closely. This episode will help you ide…

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Ep. 327 ASK! 25:10

29d ago25:10

25:10

There is a popular adage that says, "If you don't ask, the answer is always 'No'." In this episode, Mark and Darren talk about the benefits of asking for guidance, and how to respond, regardless of the answer. Asking can be your game-changer. SNIPPETS: • The answer is in the asking • When you ask, you can become a mentor magnet • Ask humbly, sincer…

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Ep. 326 CUSTOMIZING YOUR PRESENTATION 31:40

2M ago31:40

31:40

One way to increase audience buy-in is to customize your presentation. Today, Darren and Mark dive into the why and how of customization. Applying these ideas will help any presenter to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Customizing isn't just using the company's logo and name on your slides • Do some homework and conduct research on your client • Get p…

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Ep. 325 THE POWER AND PURPOSE OF PAIN POINTS 25:40

1M ago25:40

25:40

To truly win your audience, you must identify and address their pain points. In this episode, Mark and Darren discuss the importance of understanding them and offer suggestions for uncovering them. SNIPPETS: • Pain points are triggers • Learn your audience's pet peeves, pain points, and frustrations • Identify what's top-of-mind to your audience • …

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Ep. 324 ARE WE HAVING FUN YET? 17:22

2M ago17:22

17:22

The business of speaking can bring myriad complications and stressors. But in the midst of all that, Darren and Mark offer a reminder to enjoy the privilege of the speaking experience. Remaining joyful despite all that comes our way, will help those around us to see us as unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Choose to find the fun…and the funny • Remember yo…

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Ep. 323 IT'S NOT THE SPEECH YOU GIVE... 25:59

2M ago25:59

25:59

It's easy to present principles, practices, and procedures, but the value is diminished when the speaker lacks experience. Today, Mark and Darren talk about the significance of bringing the lessons learned from your own successes and failure…the lessons that give you credibility and help make you unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Bring YOU to every presen…

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Ep. 322 WHAT COMEDIANS KNOW THAT SPEAKERS DON'T WITH CHRIS MCGUIRE 41:45

2M ago41:45

41:45

Speakers often open a speech with a greeting, a story, a strong statement, or a question. However, comedians use a technique that many speakers haven't mastered. Humorist, Hollywood producer, and Stage Time faculty member Chris McGuire sits down with Darren and Mark to expand on this technique and shows how any presenter can find gold mines that ca…

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Ep. 320 "WORTH THE RISK" WITH TAYLOR CANDELLA 49:28

2M ago49:28

49:28

Would you be willing to face an international audience of thousands with a clear message about personal faith? Today, Mark and Darren talk with a man who did just that in the 2025 World Championship of Public Speaking. Taylor Candella shares his path to the final and the conviction that drove him to take a significant risk. Taking a risk can make y…

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Ep. 321 SOUL ON FIRE MOVIE WITH JOHN O'LEARY 35:42

3M ago35:42

35:42

Imagine a life-threatening tragedy, a miraculous fight for recovery, later speaking to more than 2,700 global audiences, and then the international release of a major motion picture about your life. That's the story of today's guest as Mark and Darren have a heart-to-heart chat with John O'Leary, subject of the 2025 film SOUL ON FIRE. John shares h…

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Ep. 319 "EXCUSE MY SLIDE, BUT…" 16:14

3M ago16:14

16:14

Perhaps you've heard a speaker say something like, "Excuse my slide!" Today Darren and Mark talk frankly about why speakers make excuses for poor slides and offer firm suggestions for preparing and presenting effective, professional slides. SNIPPETS: • One slide, one point • If you have a lot of detail, put it in a handout • You must be able to def…

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Ep. 318 LAST STORY STANDING WINNER MICHELLE HUTCHINGS-MEDINA 38:24

3M ago38:24

38:24

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…

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Ep. 317 AI AND YOUR SPEECH WRITING? 17:00

3M ago17:00

17:00

The use of AI has become prevalent, but how much should you use AI to develop and present your speech? Today, Mark and Darren are joined by their fellow World Champion and Certified Speaking Professional, Ed Tate, as they discuss ways to ethically use AI as you create your unforgettable presentation. SNIPPETS: • AI can be relied on too heavily • Th…

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Ep. 316 "BUT I SPEAK FROM THE HEART…" 13:19

4M ago13:19

13:19

Darren freely admits that early in his career, he resisted writing out his presentations because he always spoke from the heart. In this brief episode, he and Mark discuss the value of speaking from the heart, and the additional benefit of doing so with the right preparation and structure. SNIPPETS: • Speaking from the heart is good, but passion do…

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Ep. 315 IS IT TOO LATE TO BE GREAT? 43:41

4M ago43:41

43:41

When is it too late to start a speaking career? Today Mark and Darren discuss this question with Julia Nicholson and Maria Garaitonandia, both mature presenters, at the beginning of their speaking careers. They talk about their concerns, their plans, and their process for achieving success later in life. Darren and Mark cite examples of well-known …

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Ep. 314 IS YOUR TRAINING UNFORGETTABLE? 29:08

4M ago29:08

29:08

"Can't I just add a couple of exercises to my keynote and create a killer training program?" Over the past two decades, Darren and Mark have heard that question numerous times, and the short answer is "No." Today, they get comprehensive answers from their fellow World Champion and Certified Speaking Professional, Ed Tate...the trainer's trainer. No…

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Ep. 313 DO YOU ATTRIBUTE 24:01

4M ago24:01

24:01

Well-chosen quotations, song lyrics, poetry and statistics can enhance any presentation. However, it's important to attribute the sources and let our audiences know the sources for validation. If we don't attribute, we might become unforgettable…for the wrong reason. SNIPPETS: • Provide the sources for polls, studies, statistics, and research findi…

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Ep. 312 YOU ARE THE AVERAGE OF…WITH JULIA NICHOLSON 58:17

4M ago58:17

58:17

Jim Rohn is often quoted as saying, "You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with." Today Mark and Darren speak with Julia Nicholson, a former executive who finds value in Jim's words. She is passionate about spending time with world-class communicators, and she shares lessons that she is learning along her journey to becomin…

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Ep. 311 MORE RHETORICAL DEVICES 22:14

5M ago22:14

22:14

In this second and final conversation about RHETORICAL DEVICES, Mark and Darren once again review Mark's winning Toastmasters speech, identifying ways that RHETORICAL DEVICES enhanced his presentation. THIS IS PART TWO OF TWO. SNIPPETS: • Rhetorical devices multiply your message • A rhetorical device can help to personify inanimate objects • Rhythm…

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Ep. 310 DO YOU USE RHETORICAL DEVICES? 27:18

5M ago27:18

27:18

RHETORICAL DEVICES are language tools that help presenters to be more compelling and memorable…and there are more than forty such devices. Darren examines Mark's Toastmasters World Championship-winning speech, and together they discuss how Mark used some of them effectively. By applying rhetorical techniques, you can elevate the impact of your pres…

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Ep. 309 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 6 27:43

5M ago27:43

27:43

You've worked hard on your presentation and it's time to rehearse for readiness. In this episode in the series on their book DELIVER UNFORGETTABBLE PRESENTATIONS, Mark & Darren share tips for adding the final touches before taking the stage. This episode covers Step #7: OWN YOUR STAGE. SNIPPETS: • Use your script to indicate emotions, stage movemen…

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Ep. 308 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 5 22:09

5M ago22:09

22:09

Impactful presentations are memorable, and today Darren and Mark share techniques for adding this final touch to your presentation before taking it to the platform. This episode covers Step #6: MAKE IT UNFORGETTABLE. SNIPPETS: • The more complex your topic, the more you need a simple structure • Make your points digestible • Use a proven story stru…

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Ep. 307 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 4 21:20

6M ago21:20

21:20

A weak presentation closing can dilute your message and at worst, nullify your impact. In Part 4 of this series, Mark and Darren explore both principles for a solid closing, and mistakes that inexperienced presenters tend to make. This episode covers Step #5: CREATE YOUR COMPELLING CLOSE. SNIPPETS: • Your close should reinforce your premise • There…

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Ep. 306 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 3 25:59

6M ago25:59

25:59

"Open STRONG!" This is Darren's advice in Part 3 of this series as he and Mark explain the 'WHY' and the 'HOW' behind an unforgettable presentation's opening. This episode covers Step #4: CREATE YOUR STRONG OPENING SNIPPETS: • Set the stage with your introduction • Your opening sets up your premise • The opening sets the trajectory of the listeners…

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Ep. 305 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 2 19:03

6M ago19:03

19:03

In Part 2 of this series, Darren and Mark discuss the importance…and the benefits…of having a world-class presentation structure. This episode covers Step #3: STRUCTURE THIS! SNIPPETS: • The 'Tell them, tell them, tell them' structure is rudimentary and limited • The 'Tell a story make a point' structure lacks cohesiveness • Good structure gives yo…

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Ep. 304 7 STEPS TO UNFORGETTABLE - PART 1 29:23

6M ago29:23

29:23

An unforgettable presentation requires an unforgettable process. Today Mark and Darren begin breaking down their 7-Step speech process, laid out in their book DELIVER UNFORGETTABLE PRESENTATIONS. This episode covers STEP #1: FINDING YOUR CONTENT, and STEP #2: CLARITY, CLARITY, CLARITY! SNIPPETS: • You need an unforgettable process • It's your respo…

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Ep. 303 TOP 10 MISTAKES - PART 2 22:49

7M ago22:49

22:49

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…

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Ep. 302 TOP 10 MISTAKES - PART 1 18:48

7M ago18:48

18:48

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…

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Ep. 301 PREPPING FOR THE ROAD 27:43

7M ago27:43

27:43

At some point in your speaking career, you will have to travel…sometimes overseas…and it's important to be prepared. Proper preparation includes getting ready for your presentation, and more. Darren and Mark break down their preparation process and provide tools to help any speaker prepare for their unforgettable presentation. SNIPPETS: • Prepare t…

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Ep. 300 YOUR VIDEO INTRO? 21:22

7M ago21:22

21:22

Perhaps you've seen a poor introduction, or a well-written one poorly delivered. In this episode, Mark and Darren give insight into the power of a video introduction and share two examples to show how a good video introduction can help you to be unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • A good video intro connects your audience to you • It connects your audience …

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Ep. 299 ACCELERATE YOUR BOOKINGS WITH LINKEDIN – RICHARD BLISS 30:49

7M ago30:49

30:49

LinkedIn has become the business 'go-to' platform, but many users haven't been using it properly. Today, Mark and Darren talk with LinkedIn expert Richard Bliss about the mistakes and best practices for maximizing LinkedIn to accelerate your business. SNIPPETS: • LinkedIn is a business platform • Don't use LinkedIn like social media platforms • Soc…

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Ep. 298 THE 11TH HOUR 24:44

8M ago24:44

24:44

Webster's Dictionary defines The 11th Hour as "the latest possible time before it's too late." Today Darren and Mark give examples of 11th hour speaking situations and offer advice on how to be unforgettable by performing professionally at the 11th hour. SNIPPETS: • We are paid to make 11th hour decisions • True professionals perform at the 11th ho…

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Ep. 297 WHAT LANDED? 13:56

8M ago13:56

13:56

When reviewing their speech recordings, speakers often look for what DIDN'T go well. Today, Mark and Darren invite you to focus on the positive, and to look first for what LANDED. This will help you to identify your strengths, and approach areas for improvement with a positive mindset. SNIPPETS: • Find the magic moments • Determine what worked • Id…

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Ep. 296 THE POWER OF THE RE-WRITE 18:47

8M ago18:47

18:47

Have you considered re-writing one of your previous stories? In today's episode, Darren and Mark encourage you to examine your previous presentations with the goal of improving, enhancing, and re-writing. A re-write can elevate your content, enhance your performance, and most importantly amplify your impact. SNIPPETS: • Great speeches aren't writte…

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Ep. 295 "NARRA-LOG?" 20:06

8M ago20:06

20:06

How do you find a balance between narration and dialog? NARRA-LOG! Like one of Mark and Darren's clients, you may think, "That sounds like a NARROW LOG!" Today our co-hosts talk about bridging the gap between too much narration/not enough dialog…and vice versa…using that 'narrow log.' They give guidance on using both techniques effectively to build…

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Ep. 294 "BETTER" MINDSET 26:08

9M ago26:08

26:08

Darren and Mark encourage their clients to review their scripts and ask, "How can I say this better with fewer words?" Today they discuss how having a better mindset can transform your presentation, improve your business, and make you unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Ask: What can I make, say, or do better? • Re-evaluate your presentations, programs, and…

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Ep. 293 NEED A BREAKTHROUGH? 20:33

9M ago20:33

20:33

At some point, you may feel stuck in your business, doing the same thing over and over, without any measurable progress. Today Mark and Darren have an off-the-cuff discussion about ways to get breakthroughs on your path to becoming unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Reach your 'enough is enough' point • Revisit your habits • Adopt a new perspective • Seek …

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Ep. 292 WHAT KEEPS YOU FROM GETTING BOOKED WITH JENNIFER LIER 40:48

9M ago40:48

40:48

We all want to get booked but we often lack the skills and knowledge to land the gig…on the best terms. Speaker bureau executive Jennifer Lier sits down with Darren and Mark to reveal the obstacles that keep you from getting booked, and the 'must haves' that will get you gigs and make you unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • YOU are your company, brand, and …

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Ep. 291 GET FOUND GET SEEN GET BUSINESS WITH FORD SAEKS 28:34

9M ago28:34

28:34

To get more business, your prospects need to know you exist. Today, Mark and Darren talk with Hall-Of-Fame speaker and million-dollar business growth innovator Ford Saeks Ford offers practical, business building wisdom to help you get found, get seen, and get business. SNIPPETS: • Be great on stage • Master your craft • Google yourself to see what …

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Ep. 290 YOUR UNFORGETTABLE IMAGE WITH JERRY METELLUS 32:12

10M ago32:12

32:12

Your headshot is a critical component in your marketing material. So how do you look your best, and BE your best on camera? Darren and Mark get answers from Las Vegas-based celebrity photographer Jerry Metellus as they talk about the how and why of an unforgettable profile photo. SNIPPETS: • Amplify what already is • Don't be trapped in an image of…

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Ep. 289 BE UNFORGETTABLE IN THE MEDIA WITH PILAR ORTIZ 45:47

10M ago45:47

45:47

A media interview is a wonderful opportunity to showcase your expertise and serve a broader audience. How can you get the opportunity, and what should you do to maximize that opportunity? In today's episode, Mark and Darren talk with speaker, author and coach Pilar Ortiz, former TV reporter, news anchor, producer and director. Pilar gives sage advi…

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Ep. 288 YOUR VOICE WITH MILLIAN QUINTEROS 41:40

10M ago41:40

41:40

Your voice is your instrument, so how do you keep it in top shape? Today, Darren and Mark sit down with Millian Quinteros, a voiceover artist, audio producer, podcast consultant, and voice care/maintenance coach. Using his own story of struggling with vocal issues, Millian explains some common voice-care mistakes, and offers practical advice to hel…

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Ep. 287 ARE YOU TOO CLOSE? 19:49

10M ago19:49

19:49

Mark says, "One man's mundane is another man's magnificent." We sometimes fail to see the magnificence in our stories because we're too close to them. Today Darren and Mark explain why we may be too close, and suggest ways to broaden our perspective SNIPPETS: • Start with a big block of clay • We can be so close that we can't identify the magnifice…

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Ep. 286 PREPARATION MOTIVATION! 19:43

11M ago19:43

19:43

What can be the motivation to go 'all in' as you prepare to deliver your next presentation? Mark and Darren look at the motivation for preparation and explain the value of a presentation walkthrough…with a live audience. SNIPPETS: • When hour ego is at stake, you put in more work • Put your rehearsal on the calendar, preferably 2 weeks out • Work w…

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Ep. 285 YOUR BACK POCKET SPEECH? 17:04

11M ago17:04

17:04

What is a 'back pocket speech?' When do you need it? How do you use it? All good questions! Darren and Mark provide answers…and ideas for making your 'back pocket speech' unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • It's not if…but when you have to fill in for another speaker • Be prepared • Make the meeting planner look good, and build your reputation • Make it a h…

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Ep. 284 WOULD YOU SAY THAT? 18:05

11M ago18:05

18:05

Sometimes speeches sound…well…speechy! Darren and Mark challenge you to examine your content and offer advice for ensuring that your authenticity shines through in every presentation. SNIPPETS: • Be conversational • Create a transcription • Use tools like Microsoft Word's DICTATE feature • You can't edit what you don't write down • Write for the ey…

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Ep. 283 CAN YOU SMELL THAT? 16:24

12M ago16:24

16:24

Our senses can play a significant part in giving our audience an unforgettable experience. Today, Mark and Darren talk about the power of the sense of smell and share how you can use it effectively in your stories. SNIPPETS: • Use V.A.K.S. • Use smell as you relive your experiences • Smell can create a visceral audience response • Use smell to tran…