When I was cast in a production of Claire Booth Luce’s play The Women at the San Diego Repertory Theater, I learned a lesson that has stuck with me ever since. Our cast of about 20 incredible women was guided by the visionary director Anne Bogart. Over the month-long rehearsal period, we fine-tuned every movement and choice to bring the script to life in alignment with Anne’s creative vision.
By opening night, our performances were consistent and solid. But as often happens in life and on stage, things started to shift once the guiding force—Anne—left to direct another play in a different state. For the next two weeks, we carried on with our performances. At first, we adhered to the choices we’d established under Anne’s direction. But slowly, subtle changes crept in. Some cast members began to experiment with their roles, drifting further from Anne’s original vision.
When Anne returned for a promised check-in, she watched our performance. It wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t quite what she had left behind. After the curtain call, she gathered us in the empty theater. With her signature patient smile, she held up a stack of notes.
“Overall, the show looks great,” she said, “and your enthusiasm for the material is remarkable. But there’s a little slippage here and there that needs to be addressed.”
Page by page, she gave us clear, specific notes to bring our performances back into alignment with her vision. As we listened, we realized how easily small deviations had added up to a notable difference. “It’s normal and easy to get pulled off course over time if you’re not vigilant and if you don’t have eyes on you,” Anne said as we prepared to leave. “That’s why I came back for a check-in.”
Slippage Happens—In Theater, Presentations, and Life
Anne’s wisdom has stayed with me ever since. Her insight isn’t just for actors—it’s for anyone who performs in front of others, including presenters and speakers. Even the most experienced presenters can become sloppy, lose their sharpness, and settle for “pretty good” instead of bringing their best.
Actors understand this, which is why they continue to receive and honor notes from directors during a show’s run. Even seasoned actors attend professional-level acting classes between gigs to keep their skills sharp.
The same principle applies to presenters. No matter how experienced you are, there’s a danger of slipping into bad habits or losing the sharp edge that makes your presentations magnetic. That’s why my most committed presentation coaching clients return again and again for tune-ups. They know that, like a saw, their skills can dull over time. They trust me to spot the areas where they’ve “slipped” and to challenge them to reach even higher levels of impact.
Sharpen the Saw—A Special Holiday Offer
Inspired by this concept of “sharpening the saw,” I’m offering a special holiday coaching package to help presenters keep their edge. It’s an affordable, three-session package (with extra perks) designed to welcome back former clients for a review and refresh. It’s also an opportunity for new clients to experience the power of focused coaching to overcome a specific presentation challenge or elevate their skills to the next level.
This offer is only available for a limited time—it expires on December 31, 2024.
Why Now Is the Time to Sharpen Your Skills
Your audience deserves your best every time you step onto the speaking platform. Mastery doesn’t happen by accident—it’s the result of vigilance, practice, and a willingness to accept guidance. By intentionally “sharpening the saw” at regular intervals, you’re not only honoring yourself, but also the people you serve.
Don’t let slippage happen. Stay sharp. Take advantage of this special coaching offer and give your audience the best version of yourself.
Need help preparing for an important interview, or improving your executive presence? Let’s connect!
Eleni Kelakos, CSP The Speaker Whisperer®