In 2001, Darren LaCroix outspoke 25,000 contestants from 14 countries to become the World Champion of Public Speaking. Since that victory, Darren has traveled the world demystifying the process of creating a powerful speech.

“When you humorize, you humanize,” he stated in his ‘Good to Great’ presentation on Saturday, July 28 in Richmond BC.   Two of Vancore Toastmasters dedicated executive and club members Connie and Susan had the pleasure of attending his talk and share some of his tips below.

Must Haves

Include dialogue
Use reflective pauses
Have ‘you focused’ questions
Tap into your audiences memories and emotions and transport them to another place

Must Avoids

Too much blah, blah, blah
Too much narration
Stepping on laughs (Start talking while the audience is laughing)
And the big takeaway…’Stage time, stage time, stage time’

Start working on your next speech today and keep honing your best ones!

Darren LaCroix at the 2001 Toastmaster’s world speech contest: