Ten things good speakers do every time they take the stage.

That moment under the lights, your voice amplified by the sound system is a heady experience. I love it too. But, a successful high visibility moment on stage is really a responsibility to the details. It’s not enough to get up on stage and give a good talk. A powerful speaker understands this moment is the beginning of a relationship with the meeting organizers and the audience.

Here are ten things strong speakers should do:

1. Be responsive.

As soon as an organizer reaches out to you, be as responsive as possible. Remember, these people are not only securing a great speaker but coordinating all the details to create an amazing event. Don’t make them beg for your presentation and your handouts. Set up times to discuss the details of the event. Be clear about your fees. Send summary e-mails as needed and be concise and specific in your agreement. Have your tax info, bio and marketing images ready to go. Let them know if your travel plans change and let them know when you arrive. They will truly appreciate your thoughtfulness and professionalism.

2. Be the master of your own details.

A successful speaking engagement doesn’t begin and end on stage. There are many small details contributing to an outstanding experience. Don’t wait until the last minute to review the small things and don’t expect the organizers to understand or care about your details more than you. Don’t wait until the day of the event to organize yourself. Make a point of meeting with the meeting planner to go you’re your master list. Review your presentations thoroughly. Follow up to ensure you have a sales table for your books, that you will receive your checks per the agreement and you have the right microphone set up. Ask detailed questions about the room. Better yet, reach out to your key contact and make sure they don’t need anything from you. Plan for the best!

3. Come ready to give it your all.

Why not go for a standing ovation every time you speak? It doesn’t matter if the audience is dry or unresponsive. It doesn’t matter if the meeting planner isn’t the nicest or the venue isn’t as fancy as you would like. It doesn’t matter if your microphone isn’t working or the projector broke. The energy begins with you. Of course everyone loves to work with an audience that gives. But at the end of the day it is your responsibility to deliver your unrelenting and original energy. Go for it!

4. Be a speaker AND an entertainer.

Know your presentation inside and out. Be ready to give a Rockstar presentation no matter what goes wrong. Tailor your talk to the audience. Listen to how they introduce you. Better yet, listen to what people are saying in the audience or the speaker before. Connect yourself to your surroundings. It strengths the event and integrates you into the power of the audience community.

5.    Be long-suffering.

There is always something that goes wrong, in every presentation. Don’t worry about it. Be a consummate professional and handle anything that comes your way. Above all else, don’t let it get in get in the way of your presentation. You are a pro, right?

6.    Get there early.

Getting to the venue early is often a game changer for a speaker. An early arrival allows you time to prepare your mind to be fully present. You’ll get a chance to absorb the excitement for the crowd as they prepare for your presentation. I promise you, you’ll set your organizers mind at ease (everyone wonders whether a plane is delayed or a car will break down). Lastly, it gives you a chance to double check any final details. Test the microphones. Find the spots your audience won’t be able to see you and plan for them. Make sure everyone has the handouts and the location of your table. It will be easier to be amazing if you don’t have anything working against you.

7.    Be accessible.

I personally think it’s the worst when a speaker does their thing on the stage, spends a few minutes with the crowd and rushes away. You are a beacon of optimism and education for them. You got them thinking and considering changes in their life. Embody your role as a change agent. Hang around. That last connection may be all it takes to prompt real change in your audience member’s life. If you can, participate in the process. Sit at a table with people you don’t know for dinner. Get to know the people who are attending. Just be a person. It will make the event better.

8.    Don’t be spammy.

Most speakers want contact information from the attendees when they go to an event. However, the sole reason for an e-mail or phone number is not to sell your products and services. The audience may buy from you, but what they really want is an extension of the fantastic experience they received from the stage. Be connected, be an encourager, not a spammy salesperson. Your initial follow up should be filled with fun pictures and a review of your points. If you do the right work, they will come to you if they need you.

9.    Ask for feedback to get better.

Everyone wants a testimonial. But what you really need is honest feedback. I get it, you are laying your heart out on the line and it can hurt if people don’t like you. Sometimes they target the darndest things and miss all your gifts. But what you need to know is how you are doing compared to others. You need to understand what is important to them. What their perspective is. Sure you will get your kind words, but the other stuff will make you stronger.

10. Finally, say thank you.

Thank the audience for their attention in person and via email. From the stage, thank the committee and organizers for bringing you there. After the event, send a thank you note to your contact person. Make them feel good that they chose you. Make it easy for them to pass your name on!

So there you go: take your powerful presence on stage and pair with important details. Be a servant-leader and honor your influence with your audience. It will pay off, I’m sure of it.

If you are interested in digging deeper and learning to master the stage, sign up for the Succeed on Stage program! It’s an on-demand classroom with 14 no cost/ low cost strategies that work like a million.

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Meet Liz Nead

A speaker, coach and television host, Liz Nead is an expert in Bringing Life Back to Everyday Life. Her passion, Nead Inspiration is impacting the lives of thousands with life coaching, magazine articles, public speaking and life improvement television. She directs and hosts an Emmy Nominated television show called Life Dare which aired on Fox five days a week. Life Dare is an “unscripted” show inviting people to learn from experts and take a “challenge” to bring the lesson to life.

She has authored several best selling books, The 100 Day Journey, Curry Up, an ethnic cookbook, The 180 Life, and 20 Beautiful Women. Her work has been featuredranked on Buzzfeed and reviewed by the Huffington Post. She blogs for Huffington Post and She Knows. Liz is a skilled story-teller and teacher, most recently climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro and competing in the Iowa Strongman Games. Whether she is climbing a mountain, flipping 300 pound tires, producing an award winning television, or conducting experiences in her personal life, her audiences learns valuable lessons to build an influential life.

Her clients include the National Guard, the YWCA, University of Phoenix, Society for Human Resource Management, Principal Financial, the Oregon Women’s Conference. She also helps speakers from all over the world bring their message to the stage.Elizabeth has a BS in Political Science and an MPA, creating several popular CD’s, including Creating Inspired Vision and the Live Big Project.

She also balances her passion-driven career with a busy family life, raising seven kids in a blended family with her husband, a retired Army Major.