KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

Darren LaCroix

Motivational humorist, champion public speaker, speaking coach, and co-author, Laugh & Get Rich

BIO

KEYNOTES

TESTIMONIALS

VIDEOS

BOOKS

After a failed business in 1992, Darren LaCroix took the stage in a Boston comedy club and bombed miserably. It was horrible. The headliner that night told him to “keep his day job.” Friends told him that his dream of making people laugh for a living was crazy and stupid. He didn’t listen.

He may have been born without a funny bone in his body, but Darren possessed the desire to learn and the willingness to fail. These were the essentials for achieving his dream. This self-proclaimed student of comedy is living proof that anything can be learned.

Less than nine years later, in 2001, Darren LaCroix outspoke 25,000 contestants from 14 countries to become the World Champion of Public Speaking. He did it with a very funny speech. Some said it was one of the best speeches in the history of the contest. Since that victory, Darren travels the world demystifying the process of creating a powerful presentation. His story has roused audiences in faraway places like Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, China, Oman, Malaysia, and Taiwan with his inspirational journey from Chump to Champ. He is passionate about showing people that if you are a sponge and have the right mentors, anything is possible.

Darren is currently the only speaker in the world who is a CSP (Certified Speaking Professional), an AS (Accredited Speaker), and a World Champion of Public Speaking. Darren always stresses, “Don’t go for the designations to get letters after your name; do it for the professional you will become in the process.” Through his live workshops and online programs, Darren works with presenters eager to learn what it takes to connect deeply with their audiences. He is the founder of StageTimeUniversity.com, the ultimate online programs for presenters. Through his live workshops and online programs, Darren works with presenters eager to learn what it takes to connect deeply with their audiences. He is the founder of StageTimeUniversity.com, the ultimate online programs for presenters.

Keynote Presentations

Humor and Hope
Do you have goals and dreams that seem way out of reach? Are they so big people tell you that you are crazy? If not, they are simply not big enough! Leaders, dreamers and skeptics, come hear the hilarious inspirational story behind Darren LaCroix’s quest to pursue his ridiculous dream of making people laugh. In high school, Darren LaCroix was considered “least likely to ever be funny.” In 2001 he out-spoke 25,000 contestants to become the World Champion of Public Speaking. His winning speech was about his struggle to become a comedian when no one thought it possible; even himself. He did it with HUMOR AND HOPE. You too can make the ridiculous your reality. Through Darren’s story and the stories of three people who keep him inspired, you will walk away with the crucial traits that are common to those who achieve their goals. People who pursue their dreams feel most alive as they surpass each hurdle.
Sponge! The Power of the Right Mentor
What is it you really want? Is it possible? If others have done it, so can you. Why do a few people succeed and others remain in mediocrity despite huge effort? What is the X factor, and how can you get it? Mentors make the difference, but what if it is more than just mentors. It has been said, when the student is ready, the teacher will appear. How can you get ready and what will you do when they show up? You’ll walk away with the insights about how Darren LaCroix’s mentors shaped the path of his life. They came in many shapes and sizes. Break the chains of your past and take a fresh look at exactly how to get more out of the limited time you have. In this session, you may just learn more about yourself through two simple bowl of water than you ever thought possible. What does that mean? Come find out!
OUCH! Lessons On Becoming a Champion
Out of 25,000 contestants form 14 countries Darren LaCroix was crowned the 2001 World Champion of Public Speaking…but he had to deal with change the hard way. In high school Darren LaCroix was considered “Least Likely to Ever be Funny.” Without a funny bone in his body, but with a willingness to fail and a desire to learn, he pursued his dream to be a comedian. Family and friends laughed at him for the first time when he told them of his plans. It was the beginning. He became a student of comedy, reading every book, taking every class, and grabbing every chance at stage time he could get. He first took the comedy stage in 1992 in Boston and turned professional 18 months later. This keynote address traces his journey from first-rate chump to first-class champ. The audience will be inspired while they walk away with transferable “real” lessons they can apply to everyday challenges, and fully understand the value of failure in the pursuit of achievement.

Darren LaCroix Testimonials

“What I found especially impressive was that the humor was so particular to our situation. It was obvious Darren had done his homework. He was such a hit with our audience- one not easily pleased – that I’m sure he will be invited back soon.”

Michael Solondz, President, New Jersey Builder Association

“WOW, are you a quick study! We didn’t give you much time to familiarize yourself with the group and in no time you found the pulse. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend you to any other real estate audience, or ANY group for that matter. You made me look good.”
Nelson Zide, Crb, Crs, Ltg, Sres - Owner Era Key Realty Services

“The video of your performance was humorous, but in person you were hysterical! Our membership is still talking about your final ‘skit’. The homework you did was evident by intertwining our industry specifics in your presentation. We highly recommend you!”

April Mason - President, New England Medical Equipment Dealers Association

“You were a big hit. The composite results from each participants’ evaluation form, which covered every session and speaker scheduled over the three day conference, confirmed your presentation as the best. I highly recommend you to anyone considering you as a speaker.”
Ed Lane - Senior Vice President, Network Data Processing

“Your over-the- top energy level put a static charge in theair and even those who had spent the night in the casino were riveted to the stage, sitting up straight, and totally engaged. That was remarkable…”

Matthew Clulow Assistant Mgr. – Operations, Denninghouse Inc. / Buck Or Two Stores

“Your humor was clean, good natured, and very, very funny… Your ability to drive home pertinent points with your comedy made our meeting a success!”
Doug Frelke - Education & Development Specialist, Mass. Casualty Insurance Co.

“After listening to you, I began to think of all the things that I could do so much better if I was willing to work hard at whatever it is I am trying to achieve. Thank you for inspiring me.”

Betsey Katiti - (Common E-Mail) From Conference Attendee

“Other professional speakers can only hope to achieve at the level Darren has already reached. Organizations who hire speakers had better book Darren now while they can still afford him.”
William L. May, Jr., Dtm, Lt Gov. Education & Training - Conference Chair

Videos

Book