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BE MORE!
-By Marke Z. Freeman

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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™


 
 
 

I’ve had my fair share of embarrassing moments on the mic.

In addition to keynote speaking, I’m also a sports broadcaster. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned—it’s that preparation is my superpower. I hang my hat on it. It’s where my confidence lives.

But even preparation couldn’t save me from this moment.


It was my very first time doing a live hit. For those who don’t know, a live hit is an on-camera report delivered live from the sidelines of a game or event—usually during a break in the action. My first one just happened to be at an NBA game: the Atlanta Hawks vs. the Toronto Raptors.I had prepared for weeks. Studied the rosters. Scripted my entire 90 second hit. Practiced in the mirror. I was ready. Or so I thought.


The moment the red light on the camera flashed—signaling we were live—I froze. My words got caught in my throat, and my thoughts were completely drowned out by the roar of thousands of fans. I tried to recover, but instead, I started rambling. I couldn’t land my point. I had no idea where I was going.


And just like that—it was over.

Cringe.

I stepped off camera mortified.

What just happened?

I knew the content. I had rehearsed it. I had written it all down word for word. But somehow—I still wasn’t ready.

Luckily, this was just a training assignment—not live television—so there’s no footage for the internet to dig up. And for those of you who are already searching… don’t bother. I won’t give you the satisfaction! 😅

But still—a very embarrassing way to find out that it’s not just about preparation, but how you prepare that determines your success and confidence.


Before I could marinate too long in the moment, my mentor LaChina approached me. She was there to give feedback—it was, after all, a development assignment through the Rising Media Stars program.

Seeing how overwhelmed I appeared, She comforted me and said,

“You're okay, Marke. That's just your first hit ever. You will have a chance to try again.”

Then she asked a question that changed everything:

“Did you script your live hit and try to go off memory?”

The answer was yes. 100% yes.

Then the statement that followed impacted how I prepare from that moment forward.


..."Experts Don’t Operate Off Memory—They Operate Off Structure"

That moment—and her advice—changed everything for me. This applies to live hits, keynote speaking, teaching, preaching, commencement speeches, radio, podcasting, pitching etc. It applicable in all forms of mass communications.

When you try to memorize your lines, your brain is focused on recall instead of delivery.


But when you know your content and have a solid structure, you can:

✅ Speak freely

✅ Adapt in real time

✅ Stay connected to the moment—no matter what’s happening around you


That one crash-and-burn moment taught me more than any perfect delivery ever could.

It reminded me that preparation isn’t about perfection—it’s about:

✨ Clarity

✨ Structure

✨ Presence


Structure Is the Secret Weapon

Clarity is currency. And if your message isn’t structured, your audience (whether in person or on live tv) won’t just tune out…

They’ll forget everything you said.

That’s why we teach The Power of 3 inside Speak Like a Pro Academy™.


Teach the Power of 3

Speak in 3 key ideas.

Understanding the Power of 3 helps speakers communicate with impact and clarity because the brain naturally processes information in patterns—three is memorable, manageable, and powerful. Which is something we teach in depth at the Speak Like A Pro Academy.


It keeps your message focused, makes it easier for your audience to retain, and creates a rhythm that resonates.


The Power of 3 also allows you to go in-depth as an expert, sharing information that is unknown by the masses—not just the surface-level details we all already know. When you structure your message in 3 powerful points, it gives you room to delve deeper, add insights, and share valuable knowledge that positions you as an authority.


But here's a key point:

When we go beyond 3 points of emphasis, we limit our ability to dive deep into each idea. Time restraints and the brain's natural ability to retain information after 3 main points make it harder for your audience to absorb everything you’re sharing. So, sticking to 3 impactful points allows you to not only deliver information with clarity but also go deeper into the substance that really matters.


A Simple Speaking Formula That Works

Want to sound more polished and professional—even under pressure?

Use this classic formula:

“Tell them what you're going to say. Say it. Tell them what you said.”

Here’s what that looks like in action:

1. Tell them what you're going to say:

"Today, I’m going to share why incorporating daily exercise into your routine is essential for your physical health, mental clarity, and long-term well-being."

2. Say it:

 "First, exercise improves your physical health by strengthening your heart, muscles, and immune system. Second, it boosts your mental clarity—studies show just 30 minutes a day can enhance focus and reduce anxiety. Lastly, daily movement helps you build habits that contribute to long-term well-being, lowering your risk for chronic diseases."

3. Tell them what you said:

"So, to sum it up: daily exercise isn’t just about staying in shape. It’s about taking care of your body, sharpening your mind, and investing in your future."



How to Practice Like a Pro

🔁 Rehearse Multiple Times

Practice in various settings to simulate the actual environment:

  • Walking in the park

  • Driving in your car

  • In the shower

  • In front of the mirror to align verbal and physical delivery

Here’s a big pro tip: practice in casual conversation.

Your daily habits shape your development as a speaker more than you think.

Start eliminating filler words like “umm,” “you know what I’m saying,” or other habits that dilute your message.

Practice doesn’t make perfect. Practice makes permanent.


🎥 Record Yourself

I know—it’s not everyone’s favorite.

But watching or listening to yourself will highlight areas where you can improve your pacing, clarity, and delivery.

First, listen to evaluate your pace and inflection.

Then watch to ensure your pauses match the emotion and your movements feel natural.


👂 Seek Feedback

Practice in front of a trusted friend or mentor.

Constructive feedback can reveal blind spots and help you grow faster than self-critiquing alone.



Closing

Even our most embarrassing moments can become our greatest teachers—if we’re willing to learn from them.


I learned that confidence doesn’t come from memorizing lines—it comes from truly knowing your content, building a strong structure, and practicing with intention.


So whether you're stepping on stage, presenting in a meeting, or speaking behind a mic, remember: it’s not just what you prepare—it’s how you prepare that determines your success.

Since that humbling moment, I’ve gone on to cover nationally broadcasted games as a sports broadcaster and speak in front of audiences of tens of thousands as a world-renowned keynote speaker.


Now, I want to equip you with the same tools to transform embarrassment into excellence—and speak with the confidence your message deserves.


🎤 Join me inside Speak Like a Pro Academy, where I’ll teach you the proven strategies to craft powerful messages, deliver with presence, and grow your influence as a speaker.

Your voice is powerful. Your story matters. And the world is ready to hear it.


🚀 Ready to Unlock Your Speaking Potential?


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 my FREE Speak Like a Pro Webinar!


In this exclusive webinar, I’ll guide you step-by-step through the key principles of becoming a confident, captivating speaker. Whether your goal is to inspire, educate, or command any room, this is where your journey begins.


What you’ll gain from this session:

🎤 Five Actionable Strategies to sharpen your speaking skills and land lucrative speaking gigs


💼 The Ultimate Marketing Tool that will position you for high-paying speaking opportunities


📄 Essential Speaker Resources including a proven Presentation Outline, Speaker’s Agreement Template, and Potential Client Email Draft to start building or scale your speaking business. This isn't just another free training—this is your gateway to mastery as a speaker.


Transform your toughest moments into your greatest asset—just like I did.

It’s time to turn your potential into your superpower.



Marke Freeman

Founder, Speak Like a Pro Academy™



 
 
 

Marke Freeman, Speak Like A Pro Executive Coach  https://www.speaklikeaproacademy.com/
Marke Freeman, Speak Like A Pro Executive Coach  https://www.speaklikeaproacademy.com/

Let’s be real—no one likes a rambler. Whether you're on stage, in a meeting, or pitching to a potential client, clarity is currency. And if your message isn't structured, your audience won't just tune out—they'll forget everything you said.

That’s why your message needs a clear structure. This isn’t just a presentation hack. It’s a mindset shift that separates pro speakers from passionate talkers.


💡 The Golden Formula

Let’s start with a classic framework every pro should know:

“Tell them what you're going to say. Say it. Tell them what you said.”

Simple? Yes.Powerful? Absolutely.

This formula sets expectations, delivers value, and reinforces your message. It's a structure that works for TED Talks, keynotes, and even casual team updates.


🔥 The Power of 3

There’s a reason why we remember things in threes. Our brains are wired for patterns—and three is the magic number.

I know, if you're like me and passionate, you can think of 10 or more points worth mentioning. But here’s the truth:

They won’t remember all of them.

And often, including too many points can dilute your most powerful insights. The ones that are life-changing, the ones they haven’t heard before. Those are the messages you want to land clearly, powerfully, and within your time frame.

When structuring your message, aim for three key points. Not ten. Not seven.Three.

Why it works:

  • It keeps your message focused

  • It’s easier for your audience to digest

  • It creates a rhythm that sticks

For example, if you're speaking on leadership, your three points might be: Clarity, Connection, and Courage.

Now you have a framework to build your talk around—with purpose.


🧪 Want to Get Better? Do This:

1. Rehearse in Different Settings

Don’t just memorize your message—internalize it. Practice in your living room, your car, even while walking. Simulate the pressure. Get comfortable in discomfort. No scripts! You want to come off like the expert so know your stuff! Rehearse your points of emphasis, activities, transitions and timing to ensure that you are fully prepared.


2. Record Yourself

Yes, it might feel awkward. But nothing will show you your true delivery like a video playback.

As a former professional basketball player, we used the phrase: “Film doesn’t lie!

It magnifies what we do well—and what we can do better. If you pace too much, it’ll show. If you’re monotone, that’ll be clear. Watch for clarity, filler words, pacing, and tone.

At the Speak Like A Pro Academy, we unpack the three forms of delivery:

  • Physical

  • Emotional

  • Verbal

As you review your recordings, make sure all three forms are in sync.


3. Seek Feedback

Present to a friend, mentor, or fellow speaker. Or send them your recording. Ask them:

  • What stuck with you?

  • What felt unclear?

  • Did I go over time?

Don’t just ask for feedback—guide it. Provide your beta audience with specifics so their feedback is actionable. Fresh ears reveal blind spots.


4. Polish Your Timing

A structured talk is worthless if it doesn’t fit the time frame. Respect your audience and your host by finishing strong and on time.

Leave room for interaction and



pauses—it adds power.


🎯 Practice What You Preach

Choose a random topic—*"Why I love smoothies"” or *"My favorite childhood memory."

Now break it into three points. For example:

  1. Health benefits

  2. Easy to make

  3. Customizable for any taste

Now practice delivering it. Focus on clarity, structure, and timing. Then record yourself. Watch it back. Then do it again—better. The goal is to be better, not perfect. This is how pros are made.


🚀 Ready to Speak Like a Pro?

If this tip helped you, let’s take the next step together. Join me for my FREE Speak Like a Pro Webinar on Thursday, May 1 at 7pm CT / 8pm ET!👉 Click here to register!

In this high-impact session, I’ll walk you through the essential steps to becoming a confident, captivating speaker. Whether you're looking to inspire, educate, or command a room—this is where your growth begins.


By attending, you’ll receive:

  • 🎤 Five Proven Strategies to elevate your speaking skills and land paid engagements

  • 💼 The #1 Marketing Asset to position yourself for high-paying opportunities

  • 📄 Essential Professional Documents – including a Presentation Outline, Speaker’s Agreement Draft, and Potential Client Email Template to launch or level up your speaking business


This isn’t just a free training—it’s your gateway to stepping into your power as a speaker.

Your voice is powerful. Your message matters. And the world is ready to hear it.

👉 Register for the Webinar Now --> https://www.speaklikeaproacademy.com/



 
 
 
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