The Presentation Whisperer Show

From NFL Sundays to Center Stage: The Art of the Story

Episode Summary

Not every story connects, and when it doesn’t, the audience can feel it immediately. But when a story lands with purpose, it can transform a message, a moment, and even a mission. Former NFL player, Author, and Professional Speaker Marques Ogden sits down with Rob to explore how storytelling becomes a strategic tool for influence, alignment, and action. Drawing from his remarkable journey from the NFL to the keynote stage, Markus shares how the right story, told the right way, can elevate a presentation from average to unforgettable.

Episode Notes

In this episode of The Presentation Whisperer Show, you’ll learn:

• What Markus discovered transitioning from professional sports to professional speaking—and why game day prep matters on both fields.
• Why storytelling is more than entertainment, and how Markus defines true connection from the stage.
• Why stories remain powerful in a world full of data, metrics, and shrinking attention spans.
• How Markus chooses which personal stories belong in his keynotes—and which ones don’t make the cut.
• Whether great stories should be adapted to each audience or whether universality wins.
• What the “custom suit story” is, and how it reinforces Markus’s broader message about authenticity and preparation.
• The most common storytelling mistake presenters make when trying to weave stories into their talks.
• How Markus’s journey from the NFL to speaking to coaching shaped his entire communication philosophy.
• How storytelling fits into the core principles of The Success Cycle and why it drives goal achievement.
• The single mindset shift Markus wants every presenter to embrace before their next presentation.

To learn more about this guest:

http://www.marquesogden.com

valerie@crdle.com