Equally clearly, Macready was going to make a strong entrance. As part of an actors work, each entrance must have a preparation. I sometimes make little notes in my script that remind me of something that worked to create the emotional level for the next entrance. Then, we came into the scene with a high emotional level of joy and comedy. You have to do whatever works, but you can't come into the scene empty.
Preparation also works for auditions.
Before the first line is uttered, the emotional levels need to be cranked up. If you haven't been doing this in auditions, try it. You can finally quit that stupid bartending job, and concentrate on acting. Now turn around and start your monologue.