Master the Message: How Pros Deliver Clear, Impactful Talks

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/

Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking for Good

Public speaking is one of the most common fears, often ranking higher than the fear of heights or even death! The good news? Fear of public speaking is not a life sentence—it can be overcome with the right mindset, strategies, and practice. As a professional speaker I support many in the world of mass communications. A vast range of people who serve as CEOs, Coaches, Educators, Professional Speakers and others that may simply be presenting their first ever keynote address or commencement speech. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out, here’s how you can conquer stage fright and speak with confidence.

1. Shift Your Mindset: It’s Not About You

One of the biggest reasons we fear public speaking is because we focus too much on ourselves—our nerves, our voice, our potential mistakes, and the pressure to perform perfectly. We become hyper-aware of how we appear and worry about what might go wrong. This self-centered thinking only amplifies our anxiety. Instead, try shifting your focus away from yourself and towards your audience. Remember, your audience is there to learn, to be inspired, or to engage with the message you're sharing. They are not scrutinizing you—they are focused on what value you can provide to them. By prioritizing delivering that value over worrying about personal performance, your nerves naturally begin to take a backseat. This shift in perspective not only reduces anxiety but also helps you connect more deeply with your audience, allowing them to truly benefit from your message.

2. Prepare Like a Pro

Confidence in public speaking is built on one simple principle: preparation. The more thoroughly you prepare, the less you’ll fear the unknown. Knowing exactly what you’re going to say gives you the freedom to focus on connecting with your audience, rather than worrying about what’s next.

First and foremost, ensure you know your material inside and out. Be crystal clear on your key points and the main takeaways you want your audience to leave with. This not only helps you stay focused but also allows you to answer questions or address concerns with ease.

Next, practice out loud. This step cannot be skipped. It’s one thing to read your notes silently, but saying them out loud, whether in front of a mirror, recording yourself, or presenting to a trusted friend, helps you hear the flow of your message and become comfortable with your delivery. This practice helps you work through any awkward phrasing and boosts your confidence in what you’re saying.

Finally, anticipate potential questions from your audience. Think about what they might ask, especially on the more complex or controversial aspects of your topic. Having well-thought-out responses ready not only prepares you for the unknown but also makes you appear knowledgeable and authoritative. Preparation in these ways will minimize your anxiety and maximize your ability to deliver with confidence.

3. Control Your Voice

Controlling your voice is essential to communicating confidence when speaking. A confident speaker commands attention and holds their audience’s interest through effective use of their voice. One key element to focus on is pacing. Speaking at a steady, controlled pace allows your audience to follow your message without feeling rushed or disengaged. Avoid rushing through your words, as this can make you appear nervous, or dragging your speech out too long, which can cause listeners to lose focus.

Tone variation is another powerful tool in keeping your audience engaged. A monotonous voice can quickly make a presentation feel flat and boring. By varying your pitch and emphasis, you can highlight key points and create an emotional connection with your listeners. Your tone should reflect the message you're delivering—whether it’s enthusiasm, sincerity, or authority.

Lastly, don’t underestimate the power of pausing. Strategic pauses allow you to gather your thoughts and give your audience time to reflect on what you’ve just said. A well-timed pause can add impact to your words, creating anticipation and allowing your message to sink in. Together, these vocal elements enhance your ability to speak confidently and effectively, keeping your audience engaged from start to finish.

4. Find Your Pocket

When speaking, aim to express your thoughts in complete sentences. Now, typically when I mention this to clients, I see a look of uncertainty flash across their faces. But think about it for a second—when someone is casually standing while pumping gas, chatting at a social event, or watching the sunset with their hands in their pockets, it exudes a sense of complete ease and comfort.

This is the essence of what I mean by finding your "pocket." Far too often, nervous speakers pace like a lion in a cage or, in the opposite extreme, freeze up, standing completely still for the entire presentation. Finding your pocket means being at ease with your space and your movements—whether that’s literal or figurative. It’s about being comfortable on stage and in your delivery.

You should move with purpose, but in a way that feels natural. Each movement should have meaning. Pauses serve as your periods, allowing your audience time to absorb your message. An animated gesture can act as your exclamation point, emphasizing the passion behind your words. And a well-timed pause could be your comma—offering space for reflection or emotional depth.

When you move naturally, it conveys confidence to your audience, and just as importantly, it allows you to feel more confident. So, find your pocket. Move in complete sentences. Own the stage, and watch your fear transform into self-assurance.

5. Start Small & Keep Practicing

One of the best ways to build confidence in public speaking is to start small and consistently practice. Like any other skill, the more you practice, the easier it becomes. Begin by speaking in low-pressure environments where the stakes are lower, allowing you to focus on improving without the fear of making mistakes. For instance, you can volunteer to present in meetings at work or within your community. This provides a safe space to practice speaking in front of others while gaining valuable experience.

Another great option is to join a Toastmasters group, where you’ll have the opportunity to speak regularly in a supportive environment. Toastmasters groups are designed to help individuals improve their public speaking skills through practice, feedback, and constructive criticism. It’s a fantastic way to hone your abilities, gain confidence, and learn from others.

Additionally, recording yourself can be an incredibly useful tool. It allows you to review your performance and analyze areas that need improvement, such as your tone, pacing, and body language. Listening or watching yourself helps you become more aware of your speaking habits and allows you to make adjustments. Over time, as you continue to speak in various settings and evaluate your progress, your public speaking skills will naturally grow, and your confidence will follow.

Final Thoughts

Overcoming the fear of public speaking doesn’t happen overnight, but with consistent effort, your fear will fade, and confidence will take its place. The key is understanding that the goal isn’t perfection—it’s progress.

Are you ready to take your speaking skills to the next level? 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 exclusive session, I’ll walk you through the essential steps to becoming a powerful and confident speaker. Whether you’re looking to inspire, educate, or command a room, this webinar will equip you with the tools to elevate your presence and increase your speaking opportunities.

By joining this transformational session, you’ll gain:

🎤 Five Proven Strategies to enhance your speaking skills and CONFIDENCE.

💼 The #1 Marketing Asset to position yourself for HIGH-PAYING OPPORTUNITIES.

📄 Essential Professional Documents – including a Presentation Outline, a Speaker’s Agreement Draft, and a Potential Client Email Template to accelerate your success.

Your voice is powerful, and the world needs to hear it. Don’t miss this chance to elevate your speaking career—your audience is waiting!

Overcoming the Fear of Public Speaking for Good

Will I Fall?.. Or Will I Fly?

Face Your Fears By Author of CHAMPIONS’ Creed, CEO of Max-OUT Foundation & Former Professional Basketball Player Marke Z. Freeman

Fear and doubt are the #1 and #2 reasons people do not accomplish their dreams. Most people don’t even make an attempt, so their potential, passion, and purpose are never properly introduced to the world. The most beautiful gifts lie just on the other side of fear— growth, triumph, and love just to name a few. For 20+ years I had a fear of heights, also known as “a fear of what might happen.” I randomly decided to jump out of a plane. Yes... I paid my skydiving deposit in advance because I hate wasting money and knew it would prevent me from backing out. “What if I fall,” my fears said. “What if I fly,” my destiny interjected. I jumped. I fell fast—120 miles an hour—a 60-second freefall to be exact. But right on time my parachute ejected (Thank God), and I witnessed a vista I want you and everyone I know to see, a view of the beautiful things that await us when we step out on faith. Isaiah 41:10 NLT - Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand. Jumping from 15,000 feet was one of the best decisions I ever made. Since then, what was once my fear has taken me all over the world to see some of the most magnificent views, shifted my mindset providing direction, and strengthened my relationship with God. My life continues to blossom. Remember, the fears we don’t face become our life’s limitations. Face your fears with faith. This is where God awaits you with the most beautiful things you could ever imagined.

www.markefreemanmedia.com