☑️ NBC: Your Night Before Checklist

An NBC separates amateurs from professionals

Daron K. Roberts

Oct 24, 2023

Why I Stake Out the Venue On “Keynote Eve”

You did it! 🤜💥🤛

You landed the keynote…

You’ve spent hours prepping for it.

And now, Keynote Eve has arrived and it’s time to get some rest, right?

Celebrity gif. Sitting in a car, an angry Tracy Morgan shakes his head vigorously and yells, “NOPE. NOPE. HMMMMM NO. NO. NO. NO. NO. NO HELL NO. NO! NO!”

Well, yes, I do encourage you to get some rest, but we still have important work to do.

It’s time to channel our inner Bill Belichick, of Spygate infamy, and see the place where we’re going to leave our mark.

Spygate | Blogs & Videos | Barstool Sports

Your NBC Checklist

Before we dive into the list, I want to encourage you to make this a solo mission.

Why?

If the event organizer is there, he/she will want to talk. This chatter will be a distraction.

Aint-nobody-got-time-for-that GIFs - Get the best GIF on GIPHY

So, let’s make this a reservation for 1.

Ok, let’s get to it. 👊🏾

1. Stage

Last Thursday night, I was going through my NBC checklist.

Step 1: Walk through the door and head right for the stage.

Here are things to look and listen for:

Depth and length of the stage (if there’s not a stage, then walk the perimeter of your speaking area)
Creakiness (especially for stages made of panels)
Height from the floor
Visibility blockers (speakers, signage, podiums)

2. Backstage

Next, walk behind the stage. Here’s what we need to know:

Is there a room behind the stage that could create a distraction? (kitchen, hallway, meeting room, etc.)?
Is it truly concealed from the audience?
Is this a good place to hide before taking the stage?

3. Seating Area

This may be one of the most important checkpoints on the list.

At each stop, visualize the person who will be sitting in that chair listening to your message.

Sit in the front row.
Sit in the middle.
Take a seat in the cheap seats.

4. Back to the Stage

🔁 This is the point where we come full circle.

Go back to the stage.

Stand confidently.

Mouth the words of your introduction.

Whisper your closing words.

Visualize the audience being moved by your words.

The Mic Drop 🎤

Walking the venue the night before your talk will eliminate surprises on game day.

Relax.

Take your time.

And don’t forget to cut off the lights. 😉

If there is any speaking question that Will or I can answer, click here.

Ready to invest in your speaking business? Here are ways we can help:

Our “Get Paid to Speak” course shows you, step-by-step, how to build a speaking business. These seven modules will put you in position to monetize your message.
Looking for 1-on-1 coaching? Schedule a discovery call with our co-founder, Will Baggett.

If you liked today’s newsletter, be sure to like, share, and comment below.👇

Take the Stage.

Get Paid.

Buy Your Freedom.

A guest post by