Make A Scene: Your Ultimate Guide to Unforgettable Storytelling and Stage Presence

Why Make A Scene Matters

Every time you step into a meeting, take the stage, or hit “record” on your next live video, you’re stepping into the spotlight. Whether you realize it or not, that moment can make an unforgettable impact—or it can fall flat.

That’s exactly why I wrote Make A Scene: Storytelling, Stage Presence, and the Art of Being Unforgettable in Every Spotlight.

After years of working with bestselling authors, TEDx speakers, and thought leaders, I’ve seen firsthand that it’s not just what you say—it’s how you show up. The stories you tell, the way you move, your voice, and even your energy all work together to create a scene that your audience can’t stop thinking about.

But if you’ve ever felt like:

• You don’t know where to start when writing a speech or presentation.
• Your stories don’t hit as hard as you’d like.
• You’ve been hiding behind your slides instead of stepping into your full presence…

Then Make A Scene was written for you.

In this post, I’m giving you a deep dive into what the book covers, why it matters, and how it can help you unlock your spotlight moments—whether you’re on a stage, in a Zoom room, or pitching your next big idea.

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What Make A Scene Is All About

At its core, Make A Scene is about helping you own your story and show up in every room with the kind of presence that commands attention.

This isn’t your typical public speaking guide. You won’t find rigid speech outlines or tips on where to place your hands. Instead, the book teaches you to:

• Build stories that connect deeply with your audience (without memorizing every word).
• Understand and master the Five Stage Languages—the verbal, vocal, physical, visual, and emotional elements that shape your message.
• Use Rapid Prototyping to avoid over-rehearsing and keep your speeches dynamic and authentic.

Think of it like this: If a traditional public speaking coach is a speech mechanic, I’m your Keynote Director. My job is to help you craft not just words but moments of magic—memorable, powerful scenes that people carry with them long after the applause dies down.

Related: What Is a Keynote Director (And Why You Need One)?

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The Five Stage Languages—Why Words Are Just the Beginning

Too many speakers focus only on the words they’re saying, assuming that if the script is “good,” the delivery will follow. But here’s the truth: Your words only take up part of the real estate in your audience’s minds.

This is where the Five Stage Languages come in:

1. Verbal: The actual words you’re saying.
2. Vocal: The tone, pitch, and pace of your voice. Are you monotone or dynamic?
3. Physical: Your body language, gestures, and movement on stage. Are you stiff or alive?
4. Visual: What your audience sees—the stage design, your slides (if any), and even your outfit.
5. Emotional: The emotional energy you bring to your presentation—are you present, vulnerable, and captivating?

When you master these five languages, you create a multisensory experience that draws your audience in and makes your message land.

For a deeper dive into the importance of physicality and vocal presence in storytelling, check out my post: Beyond Words: How Physicality and Vocal Presence Shape Your Storytelling Impact

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Crafting Stories That Transform—The Power of Narrative

At the heart of every unforgettable presentation is a story. But not just any story—a transformational narrative that resonates with your audience and invites them to see the world differently.

In Make A Scene, I walk you through how to:

• Identify the core transformation your audience is craving.
• Use contrast and stakes to build emotional tension (because every good story needs a little drama!).
• Make your audience the hero of the story, with you as their guide.

Here’s a secret: The best presentations don’t feel like lectures—they feel like conversations wrapped in a story. Your audience shouldn’t feel like they’re being talked at—they should feel like they’re being drawn into a moment.

If you’re wondering how to build this kind of story structure, I’ve got you covered. Check out The Anatomy of a Powerful Keynote: Nine Questions Your Keynote Must Answer for Transformation.

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Why You Don’t Need to Be Perfect to Make a Scene

One of the biggest myths in public speaking is that you have to be perfect to make an impact.

Here’s the truth: The audience isn’t rooting for you to fail—they’re rooting for you to connect with them.

In the book, I share stories of incredible speakers who didn’t wow their audiences with flawless delivery but with authentic presence and connection. That’s why Make A Scene is packed with practical tips for:

• Turning nerves into fuel.
• Showing up with boldness and vulnerability.
• Keeping your delivery fresh by using Rapid Prototyping—a method for refining your talk dynamically instead of memorizing every word.

If you’ve ever doubted your ability to stand out in a sea of voices, this book will change your perspective.

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Ready to Make Your Scene?

Whether you’re stepping onto a stage, speaking to your team, or pitching to potential clients, your spotlight moments matter. You deserve to be seen, heard, and remembered—and Make A Scene will show you how to do just that.

Here’s where you can grab your copy: Get Make A Scene Here

And if you’re curious about how storytelling and stage presence can change your life and career, check out these related resources:

• What’s a Keynote Director Anyway?
• Beyond Words: How Physicality and Vocal Presence Shape Your Storytelling Impact
• The Anatomy of a Powerful Keynote

I can’t wait to see how you show up, step up, and make your scene.