Two hours before the very first keynote of my career, I found myself locked out of the venue.
Yes—locked out.
I had flown in, prepped my talk, visualized my walk-on moment, rehearsed every beat, and confirmed the AV tech in advance. But what I didn’t confirm? The exact time I could access the stage for setup and soundcheck.
By the time I finally got inside, we were behind schedule. The mic didn’t fit right. My slides were misaligned because my apple powerpoint didnt transfer well to their windows computer. The stage lighting was blinding. And after scrambling to get things in place - I didn’t get a second to breathe, warm up, or mentally reset before I was called to the stage.
I delivered. But barely. And I left that stage thinking:
“I was prepared for my content, but not for the experience.”
That moment changed how I approach every presentation and every stage. I now arrive a day in advance or at minimum of 5 hours before my event because here’s what no one tells you:
You can have a great message and still give a poor presentation—simply because you weren’t prepared for the things outside the of your presentation.
Preparing a keynote, training, or presentation can be overwhelming—especially when you’re doing it alone.
Most people focus solely on what they’re going to say…
But it’s the things they don’t know to prepare for that can make or break the moment.
Here are 10 Things You Can’t Afford to Forget When Preparing Your Next Presentation
✨ 1. Stage Setup = Stage Presence
Knowing the physical layout helps you own the room before you say a word.
Before you speak, familiarize yourself with the stage. Is it wide or narrow? Are you using a podium or moving freely? Are there any obstructions between you and the audience? Can you walk the aisles to increase connection? Are they seated in rows or at round tables? If you have activities planned, does the space accommodate them? Knowing your space allows you to plan movement, avoid awkward transitions, and boost your confidence before you even speak.
✨ 2. Read the Room Like a Pro
Understanding audience energy and expectations shapes how you show up.
Who’s in the room? What do they care about? Are they tired, excited, skeptical? Reading the emotional temperature allows you to adjust your tone, delivery, and even your pacing. Great speakers shift with the moment without losing their message.
✨ 3. Timing Is Everything
What happens before you speak sets the tone for how you’ll be received.
Know your place in the program. Are you opening? Following a heavy topic? Closing after lunch? Timing impacts audience energy and attention. Adjust your approach accordingly. If the room feels low-energy, consider opening with an engaging activity to reset the tone. Think through every detail of your engagement strategy before you arrive.
✨ 4. The Power of Your First 60 Seconds
You only get one shot at a first impression—make it magnetic.
Your opening should immediately capture attention, provoke thought, or stir emotion. Don’t waste your first minute listing credentials or thanking the host. Lead with a powerful story, bold statement, or engaging question that sets the tone for everything that follows.
✨ 5. Master the Mic Before You Speak
Your mic type affects everything from vocal power to body language.
Will you use a lav, handheld, or headset? Each has pros and cons. Handhelds can limit gestures; lavs need proper placement. Test your mic early—walk the room to check for feedback spots. Even if you think you can project, research shows amplification boosts engagement and protects your vocal cords. In some rooms it’s optional, in others it’s essential. Make sure you’re heard—clearly and confidently.
✨ 6. Work With the AV Team, Not Against Them
Your tech team can make or break your flow—set them (and yourself) up for success.
Schedule time to meet with the audio/visual crew. Run through your slides, videos, lighting, and sound. Bonus tip: check the room temperature—hot or cold rooms affect attention spans. Test your clicker throughout the space. A few minutes of tech prep can prevent mid-presentation chaos and earn you major respect from the crew.
✨ 7. Close With Clarity, Not Confusion
An unforgettable close creates momentum long after your final word.
Your conclusion should be clear, powerful, and actionable. Don’t just “end.” Wrap with a compelling story, a strong call to action, or a memorable quote. Tie back to your opening message and leave the audience with something they’ll feel, remember, and want to share.
✨ 8. Move With Purpose
Intentional movement amplifies your message and keeps attention.
Don’t pace nervously or stand frozen. At Speak Like A Pro Academy, we define a "complete sentence" as one that aligns your physical, verbal, and emotional delivery. If it lacks either of the three, it is incomplete. Use purposeful movement to emphasize key points. Step forward for intimacy, shift sides when changing topics, or stand still to anchor powerful ideas. Every step should add value.
✨ 9. When the Tech Fails, Don’t
A confident backup plan reveals your professionalism under pressure.
Even with perfect prep, tech can fail. Be ready. Have printed slides, know your core content, and be prepared to pivot. This is why knowing your content matters. Your audience won’t remember the glitch—but they will remember your evident preparation, poise and ability to adapt.
✨ 10. Make the Moment Last
Plan how your audience can connect and take action after your talk.
What happens after your final word? Do you have a book, workshop, or resource? Offer a next step—a QR code, a download, an email opt-in, or an invitation. Extend your impact by giving your audience a clear way to stay engaged.
🚨 Special Invitation:
FREE Speak Like A Pro Webinar– May 1st!
If this tip resonated with you, imagine what we could accomplish together in a live session!
🎙️ Join me on Thursday, May 1 at 7PM CT / 8PM ET for a FREE Speak Like a Pro Webinar!
In this exclusive session, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the core principles of becoming a confident, captivating speaker. Whether your goal is to inspire, educate, or command the room—this is your moment.
👉 Register now and take your first step to standing out, speaking boldly, and showing up like a pro.
See you there,
Marke Freeman
Founder, Speak Like a Pro Academy™
