Crushing It - Stage Checklist

1 Opening & Frame

Did the presenter set the frame clearly?

Told them what we're doing today

Told them how long it would be

Told them what they can expect / outcome

Did the presenter position themselves as an authority early (story, results, social proof)?

2 Backstory & Credibility

Did the presenter share a backstory that's worse than their present?

Could they clearly identify with the presenter's struggle?

Did the presenter share a clear pivotal moment ("sick and tired of being sick and tired")?

Did the presenter show or mention any proof (photos, details, "the boss," specific events)?

3 Entertainment & Humor

Was there intentional humor? (Funny = money)

Did the jokes move the sale or lesson forward, not distract?

Did the presenter avoid sarcasm and personal attacks completely?

Did the presenter show humanity—willing to be real, imperfect, likable?

4 Engage & Control the Room

Did the presenter get people to agree verbally at least 3 times?

"Who here wants more money? Say 'oh yeah!'"

"How many of you know this is true?"

Did the presenter involve them physically (hands up, stand up, say a phrase)?

Did the presenter insist on strong responses, not weak mumbles?

Did the presenter keep their tone mostly low and calm with an inner smile?

Did the presenter move into the audience or at least bridge the gap ("touch the cloth")?

5 Emotion, Story, and Future Pace

Did the presenter excite their imagination about what's possible?

Did the presenter clearly show the contrast: Backstory → Miraculous shift → Today?

Did the presenter future pace using "when you…" or "as you…" language?

"When you apply this…"

"As you start doing this consistently…"

"Years from now you'll look back and be glad you decided today…"

6 Assumptive Close & Call to Action (On-Stage Behavior)

Was there a clear, explicit offer (even if free or low-ticket)?

Did the presenter tell them exactly what to do (direction, not advice)?

"In a moment, what you're going to do is…"

"You're going to go to the back table…"

Did the presenter use assumptive "when you…" language around taking action?

"When you go to the back…"

"When you sign up today…"

Did the presenter specify exactly where to go and what to bring?

"You're going to go to the back of the room…"

"You'll bring your credit card / payment method…"

Did the presenter move to the table themselves and stand behind it during the close?

7 Authority, Certainty & Empathy

Did the presenter come across as certain: they know this works, they know why they're here?

Did the presenter give direction confidently, not timidly?

Did the presenter stay empathetic—speaking to what they feel, see, and fear?

Did the presenter avoid needing their approval while still caring about them?

8 Planting Seeds (Without Going Into Offer Mechanics)

Did the presenter mention that they would be making an offer later (unashamedly)?

Did the presenter hint at results/testimonials during the talk?

Did the presenter anchor positive feelings to:

Themselves (pointing to self on positive states)

The idea of taking action today

9 Environment & Stagecraft (Quick Scan)

Was the room bright and cold enough to keep them alert?

Was there no lectern blocking the presenter?

Was the sales/registration area in the back of the room, not by exits?

Was the sound system strong and clear?

Did the presenter use music pre-presentation to set the tone?

10 Post-Talk Self-Review (Rehearse–Review–Revise)

After the talk, ask:

What one funny moment worked best? (Keep and polish)

Where did the presenter lose energy or control of the room?

Did the presenter make a clear offer and clear CTA, or did they blur it?

How many strong yes-responses did the presenter get? (At least 3?)

What will I change next time? (Revise one thing, not ten)

CRUSHING IT!

After the talk, ask: