There’s nothing quite like stepping onto a stage and realizing the lights don’t work, the mic’s gone dead, and your carefully crafted slideshow just crashed. It’s the kind of moment that tests you—not just as a speaker, but as a professional.
That’s why my conversation with Jeff Hayzlett on The Beyond Impact Podcast hit so hard. Jeff’s a Hall of Fame speaker who has given thousands of keynotes all over the world. He’s faced just about every kind of obstacle you can imagine on stage, and his approach is simple: adapt, change, or die.
He told me about a keynote he gave in India where the power went out—48 times. Most people would’ve panicked. Jeff didn’t flinch. “They were trying to get the PowerPoint going, and I said, just stop. I’m a professional. I can do this without slides.”
That’s what separates the amateurs from the pros. The show goes on, no matter what.
Preparation Creates Confidence
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a speaker is this: confidence doesn’t come from perfection. It comes from preparation. Jeff doesn’t rely on memorized lines or rigid scripts. He builds his keynotes around signature stories, real lessons, and a deep understanding of his audience.
“You’ve got to know who you’re talking to,” he said. “The best speakers serve. They ask questions. They tailor the experience.”
He shared that he routinely calls event organizers ahead of time, asking what their goals are, what to avoid, and how he can help make the event a success. That level of intentionality makes you stand out—and get invited back.
Serve First, Speak Second
I’ve seen it myself. The speakers who really connect are the ones who aren’t trying to impress the room. They’re there to serve.
Jeff said something that stuck with me: “I make more money speaking for free than I do getting paid—because I’ve learned how to serve the audience and create value beyond the keynote.”
Whether you’re getting paid up front or speaking to grow your brand, the principle is the same. When you treat the stage like a service, not a spotlight, people remember you—and they call you back.
Be Ready to Pivot
Jeff’s philosophy of adapt, change, or die isn’t just about technology glitches. It’s a mindset. Audiences are different. Events are unpredictable. Sometimes you’ll forget a key story or have to adjust on the fly. That’s part of the job.
And that’s where experience, humility, and flexibility come in.
“You’ve got to be able to go with it,” he told me. “Scoot the chairs up. Raise your voice. Make it personal. You don’t stop the show—you lean into it.”
That kind of adaptability doesn’t happen overnight. It takes reps. It takes being willing to learn and evolve. Jeff’s been telling some of the same stories for 15 years—but he’s constantly tweaking, testing, and improving. That’s what mastery looks like.
Hear the Full Conversation with Jeff Hayzlett
If you want to grow as a speaker or presenter, Jeff’s insights are invaluable. We covered everything from audience connection to signature stories to staying ready for anything.
Whether you’re just stepping into the spotlight or looking to sharpen your delivery, remember: it’s not about having the perfect setup. It’s about showing up prepared, staying flexible, and knowing how to adapt, change, or die.
