Friendship, Humor & Mark Twain: Talking with Storyteller Don McNeill
In this episode of She Became CEO, I sit down with Don McNeill, a storyteller, public speaker, and performer who brings Mark Twain to life for modern audiences. Don performs as Mark Twain for clubs, organizations, and events across North Carolina, using humor and storytelling to create engaging, memorable presentations.
This conversation is both professional and personal. Don is also one of my closest friends, and that familiarity shapes the tone of the episode. The result is a relaxed but insightful discussion about public speaking, presentation skills, and the art of holding an audience’s attention through humor and character.
To introduce Don’s work, I share a small detail that says a lot about his approach: he uses two business cards. One lists the essential facts of Mark Twain’s life, presenting him as an author, humorist, and featured speaker. The other identifies Don as Agent for Mr. Mark Twain. Together, they reflect the depth of preparation and respect Don brings to his performances.
In our conversation, he shares what drew him to Mark Twain, how he developed his speaking presence, and what he’s learned about audience engagement over the years of performing.
The best part of the conversation is when Don shares his speeches, all the while keeping a straight face. The unexpected words that come out of this gentleman's mouth shock audiences. He was what? A male stripper? His father did what to trick the IRS agent? Unbelievable! But Don has also given speeches that make one think deeply about things that really matter in our lives.
Throughout the episode, Don mentions his wife, Carolyn, who plays an important role in his life and creative world. With Don and Carolyn’s permission, I close the episode by sharing a short, light-hearted audio clip of Carolyn speaking at a private house gathering—a moment that perfectly illustrates how humor and storytelling work in real life, not just on stage.
This episode is a reminder that effective public speaking isn’t about perfection or performance tricks. It’s about presence, preparation, and finding a voice that feels true—whether you’re speaking as yourself or stepping into the shoes of someone like Mark Twain.
About Don McNeill
Don McNeill lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, and gives speeches throughout the state. He performs as Mark Twain for clubs, organizations, and special events, offering engaging presentations that blend history, humor, and storytelling.
Phone: 919-522-4068
Email: (listed in the show notes)
To hear the full episode 39, click this link or the image below.
