Best Darren LaCroix Podcasts (2025)

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Ep. 300 YOUR VIDEO INTRO? 21:22

6d 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

13d 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

20d 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

27d 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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…

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Ep. 282 COMMUNICATE UNFORGETTABLY WITH LEE COATE 41:12

4M ago41:12

41:12

Delivering presentations every week is challenging…no doubt about it. Delivering to the same audience every week magnifies that challenge. How can you be unforgettable in those circumstances? Today Lee Coate provides Mark and Darren with the techniques that help him to consistently communicate unforgettably. SNIPPETS: • Communication is more than s…

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Ep. 281 CONNECT THROUGH THEIR CHALLENGES? 21:38

5M ago21:38

21:38

Your audience wants to know that you ‘get’ them. Today Mark and Darren examine ways to connect with your audience, identify their challenges, and help solve their problems. SNIPPETS: • Audiences appreciate your genuine interest in them • Ask different individuals in your client’s organization • Look for challenges, frustrations, and pet peeves • Id…

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Ep. 280 YOUR BEST YEAR YET? 26:08

5M ago26:08

26:08

Can you ‘up your game’ in 2025 make it your best year yet? Darren and Mark offer solid suggestions for upgrading your program, your presentation, and your presence in the marketplace. Applying these principles and practices will put you firmly on the path to being unforgettable...and making this YOUR BEST YEAR YET! SNIPPETS: • It’s YOUR RESPONSIBIL…

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Ep. 279 DELIVERING YOUR SENSITIVE STORY WITH SMOKE WALLIN 48:39

5M ago48:39

48:39

What does it take to deliver an extremely sensitive and emotional story, and why would you do it in the first place? Darren and Mark get answers from ‘serial entrepreneur’ CEO Smoke Wallin as he explains why he shared his sensitive story to 2,000 CEOs. His answers will provide guidance and wisdom for anyone who is ready to tell their unforgettable …

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Ep. 278 CONFIDENCE? 20:53

5M ago20:53

20:53

Confidence. Every presenter needs it, especially when facing an unresponsive audience or dealing with the unexpected. In today’s episode, Mark and Darren provide strategies for building your confidence and delivering your unforgettable presentation. SNIPPETS: • Confidence is critical • Not every audience responds emotionally and supportively • Conf…

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Ep. 277 CAN THEY SEE YOUR STORY? 19:08

6M ago19:08

19:08

Your audience can hear your story, but can they SEE it? Today Mark and Darren explore ways that you can prompt your audience to go beyond just hearing your story, to experiencing it...right at the beginning. These simple techniques will help your audience to see your unforgettable story. SNIPPETS: • Telling your story is like creating a painting • …

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Ep. 276 NOT ENOUGH CONTENT? 37:05

6M ago37:05

37:05

Maybe you’re an emerging speaker, and you don’t think you have enough content. Perhaps you’re experienced and have been delivering the same material for a long time. Where do you find more content? Darren and Mark provide strategies for finding new content, ‘upping’ your game, and being unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Ask: Is there better content availa…

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Ep. 275 AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE WITH BRIAN BIRO 45:04

6M ago45:04

45:04

Illustrations can be powerful; they give your audience a memorable experience. How do you create and execute an experience that has 4,000 people on their feet, actively participating, and leaving transformed? Brian Biro, America’s Breakthrough Speaker, sits down with Mark and Darren to provide insight into how has been able to deliver unforgettable…

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Ep. 274 TOO MUCH CONTENT? 17:06

6M ago17:06

17:06

In our zeal to share our knowledge with our audience, we sometimes offer too much content. Mark and Darren discuss this phenomenon and offer both perspective and practices for giving your audience your most appropriate content. SNIPPETS: • Vast content is a blessing • You can’t share everything you know in one presentation • To share everything, wr…

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Ep. 273 BORING PRESENTATIONS? 3 REASONS WHY 39:59

7M ago39:59

39:59

Presentations can often be boring. Why? In this episode, Darren and Mark examine three reasons and provide solutions to help any presenter move from boring to unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • You need a proven world-class structure • Structure gives you confidence and gives your audience clarity • Invest time to properly structure your presentation • Sol…

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Ep. 272 UNFORGETTABLE MINDSET WITH RYAN PINEDA 42:19

7M ago42:19

42:19

Growth and success in speaking requires a steadfast mindset. Today, millionaire investor, event planner and professional speaker Ryan Pineda sits down with Mark and Darren to divulge how the right mindset and the right actions can put any presenter on the path to being unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Know the type of speaker that you are • Understand yo…

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Ep. 271 2024 WORLD CHAMPION OF PUBLIC SPEAKING LUISA MONTALVO 58:59

7M ago58:59

58:59

2024 World Champion of Public Speaking Luisa Montalvo sits down with Darren and Mark to discuss her journey from First Runner-Up in 2019 to World Champion in 2024…and her life-changing experience in between. Luisa also shares her perspective on mentors, contests, taking risks, and serving your audience, providing tips that will help any presenter t…

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Ep. 270 UNFORGETTABLE SERMONS WITH PASTOR SHANE PHILIP 59:03

7M ago59:03

59:03

Many pastors prepare new messages weekly. How can they create ‘moments,’ and what tools can they use to be unforgettable? Pastor Shane Philip of Las Vegas, NV talks with Mark and Darren about his process, as well as the tools, process and techniques that help him to be unforgettable. He explains how he uses visuals, illustrations, and humor to conn…

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Ep. 269 DO YOU PING YOUR AUDIENCE? 23:01

7M ago23:01

23:01

Ping: (verb) to send a signal to (a device) in order to determine its status or location. As presenters, we must be sure that our audiences receive our message. We ‘ping’ in order to determine our audience’s status (engagement/understanding) and location (presence.) Today Darren and Mark drill down on ‘pinging’ and share how pinging, when done well…

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Ep. 268 MONIKA’S STORY 26:41

8M ago26:41

26:41

Imagine being on stage for the FIRST TIME, telling a deeply personal and emotional story that you’ve NEVER told before, to an audience of executives. How would you navigate ? Today Darren and Mark get answers form Monika, a coaching client from Australia who faced that exact situation recently. She openly shares her fears and triumphs, as well as t…

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Ep. 267 YOU KICKED BUTT, NOW WHAT? 31:16

8M ago31:16

31:16

You've just completed an engagement, and the event planner gives you a 5-star rating because you kicked butt! What next? What more can you do to maintain world class standards and service and elevate your game? Using one of his very recent experiences, Mark talks with Darren about proven practices to help any presenter shine after a successful even…

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Ep. 266 DO THEY KNOW? 32:57

8M ago32:57

32:57

Do your clients and prospects know how much you have to offer? Mark and Darren discuss more than a dozen additional ways that you can serve your clients, and techniques for making meeting planners aware. SNIPPETS: • Add value • Let them know during your pitch • Reinforce during pre-event call • Remind them during your follow-up meeting • Put additi…

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Ep. 265 WHEN LIFE HAPPENS? 23:13

8M ago23:13

23:13

Sometimes, life happens. It’s inevitable. Today, Darren opens up about a personal tragedy, as he and Mark explore ways to navigate life’s challenges and remain unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Life will happen • You are not alone • Accept help • Tap into your professional network and mastermind • Ask for grace • Take care of yourself • Call, or send e-ma…

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Ep. 264 ARE YOU STAYING CURRENT? 25:25

9M ago25:25

25:25

Change is constant and as presenters, we must stay relevant. Today Darren and Mark explore ways for us to stay current, stay relevant and become unforgettable. SNIPPETS: • Seek to serve your audience • Update websites, slide decks, and demo videos regularly • Stay aware of industry changes • Be aware of what’s ‘top of mind’ in your area of expertis…

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Ep. 263 THE MATH TO MASTERY? 30:21

9M ago30:21

30:21

What does it take to truly become the speaker everyone loves and a master of your craft? Mark and Darren offer a ‘mathematical formula’ and a process to not only become a master, but to be unforgettable as well. SNIPPETS: • It starts with a decision to master your craft • Commit to the work • Put in the EFFORT • Multiply EFFORT by a PROVEN PROCESS …

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Ep. 262 NSA? TOASTMASTERS? 24:59

9M ago24:59

24:59

Emerging presenters often wonder, “Should I join the National Speakers Association? Toastmasters? Both?” Darren and Mark ask and answer these questions while sharing the benefits of both organizations. SNIPPETS: • Learn the art and business of speaking • Both organizations are valuable • Toastmasters is a wonderful place to make mistakes • NSA prov…

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Ep. 261 NSA’S LAST STORY STANDING WINNER – JEFF ROGERS 28:04

9M ago28:04

28:04

Jeff Rogers, a fairly new member of the National Speakers Association, is the winner of NSA’s LAST STORY STANDING storytelling competition. He and Mike Davis…one of his coaches…chat with Mark and Darren about his intent, his process, and the lessons he learned on his journey to the first-place trophy. SNIPPETS: • Seek to build relationships first •…

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Ep. 260 WHY COMPETE? 27:15

10M ago27:15

27:15

Rotary Speech Contest, Story SLAM, MOTH, Last Story Standing, World Championship of Public Speaking, and more. Speech competitions abound, and today Darren and Mark are joined by Stage Time University faculty member Mike Davis as they face the question: “Why compete?” Their answers provide the myriad benefits of competing. SNIPPETS: • Get better fa…

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Ep. 259 NEW CONTENT ON SHORT NOTICE WITH SHEREE CAIN-JONES 41:51

10M ago41:51

41:51

Imagine being asked to deliver new material, on a subject you have never addressed, on short notice, under pressure, three times in 24 hours. Today, Mark and Darren talk with professional speaker and coach Sheree Cain-Jones, who found herself in that situation recently. Her insight from the lessons learned, and the principles she applied along the …

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Ep. 258 ACCENT ACQUISITION WITH DR. LESLIE GORDON 44:46

10M ago44:46

44:46

We ALL speak with an accent, and at times it’s easy to believe that we must ‘lose’ our accent to be accepted. Today, Mark and Darren have a frank conversation with speech and accent expert Dr. Leslie Gordon, as she gives advice on using your accent as an asset. SNIPPETS: • Honor the skill of owning more than one sound • Treat the world as a playgro…

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Ep. 257 WHAT DOES YOUR SCRIPT LOOK LIKE? 24:29

10M ago24:29

24:29

Script writing takes work and the practical, time-saving methods that Darren and Mark discuss today will make the process easier. Listen as they examine how to create your first script, edit with impact, and use your script as a presentation roadmap. SNIPPETS: • You can’t edit what you don’t create • In Microsoft Word use DICTATE to generate a tran…

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Ep. 256 MISQUOTED? 21:36

10M ago21:36

21:36

Quotations from famous speakers, authors, and celebrities can be very appealing and can support your message. The same can be said of oft-quoted statistics. Today Mark and Darren discuss the importance of accuracy when using quotes and statistics, share a few examples, and provide simple yet effective advice for ‘getting it right.’ SNIPPETS: • Do d…

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Ep. 255 WHEN THE ANSWER IS NO 15:12

11M ago15:12

15:12

Sometimes, even after your best pitch, the answer is “No.” But that need not be the end of the relationship. Darren and Mark offer some sage wisdom about taking advantage of every ‘no,’ and sometimes turning a “no” into “yes.” SNIPPETS: • No can mean several things • “Not yet, not the right time, not the best fit” • Be remembered • Have CONTENT and…

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Ep. 254 WHAT TO ASK PARTICIPANTS AHEAD OF TIME 23:17

11M ago23:17

23:17

In this follow-up to Episode 253 (What Do You Ask An Event Planner) Mark and Darren talk about questions to ask participants ahead of your speaking engagement. This episode will help you to unearth critical material and help you to customize your unforgettable presentation. SNIPPETS: • Discover the organization’s mentors, matriarchs, patriarchs, an…

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Ep. 253 WHAT TO ASK AN EVENT PLANNER AFTER THEY SAY YES 36:04

11M ago36:04

36:04

You’ve got the speaking engagement, now what? What can the event planner tell you to help you to deliver an unforgettable presentation? Darren and Mark discuss the pre-event questionnaire and offer insight into how you can set yourself up for presentation success. SNIPPETS: • Prepare an Event Planners Questionnaire • Have a call and connect casuall…

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Ep. 252 DYNAMIC DUO PRESENTATION COACHING? 31:46

11M ago31:46

31:46

“Why would I need TWO coaches?” you may ask. To answer that question, Mark and Darren have a conversation with Stage Time University coaches Chris McGuire and Mike Davis. They have coached together, as have Mark and Darren, and in today’s discussion they explain the benefits of having a duo coaching team. SNIPPETS: • Different coaching styles are c…

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Ep. 251 ARE YOU ASKING THE CRITICAL QUESTIONS? 26:04

12M ago26:04

26:04

Speakers make a common mistake when seeking audience participation. They ask “HOW MANY of you…” That question needs a NUMERICAL response. Today Darren and Mark explain how to ask BETTER questions, and how to use the audience’s non-verbal response to enhance their own experience. SNIPPETS: • How would you say it over coffee to one person • Use the l…

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