Harness The Pre-Performance Power of Music

Eleni KelakosLeadership, Peak Performance, Performance Techniques, Power of Music, Speaking

Have you ever heard a song that instantly transported you back to a specific time, place, and feeling? That happened to me the other day while listening to a classic rock station in my car. Suddenly, Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” blasted through the speakers:

“Hey hey mama, said the way you move, gonna make you sweat, gonna make you groove…”

In an instant, I was no longer behind the wheel—I was a twelve-year-old kid again, gleefully slamming wooden spoons like drumsticks onto chair cushions in my childhood home. The years between then and now simply vanished. Music has that kind of power.

The Science Behind Music and Memory

Think about it: What songs trigger memories and emotions in you? I bet you can name at least three right now! That’s because music has a unique ability to activate areas of the brain associated with both emotion and memory. It links specific songs to significant life events, creating an instant emotional connection whenever you hear them again.

Music Moves Hearts and Minds

During my years as a singer and songwriter (not a drummer, in case you’re wondering), I saw firsthand how music can lift an audience’s energy, silence a room, and move people to tears or laughter in mere moments. The power of music to influence emotions is undeniable—and it’s something you can harness for your own benefit, especially when preparing for high-stakes situations like public speaking.

A Hollywood Lesson in Music as Preparation

I first saw this power in action while working as a stand-in for Academy Award-winning actress Christine Lahti on the set of Running on Empty. In my book, Claim the Stage: A Women’s Guide to Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Taking Leadership, I share a memorable lesson she taught me:

“Forced to wait for hours to shoot one emotional scene, Christine sat quietly in a corner with her eyes closed, headphones on, portable music player in hand. When the time finally came to shoot—where she had to run across a street and burst into tears—she nailed it in one take. Later, I asked how she managed to be so ready after such a long wait. She pointed to her headphones and said, ‘Music. I listened over and over to I Dreamed a Dream from Les Misérables. It always puts me in a particularly emotional state.’”

Using Music to Prepare for Public Speaking

Taking a cue from Ms. Lahti, I often recommend to my presentation coaching clients that they find a song or piece of music to listen to before stepping onto the stage. The right song can:

  • Elevate and inspire you, filling you with confidence and energy.
  • Help you feel calm and centered, reducing nerves and anxiety.
  • Remind you of a time when you felt powerful, safe, or loved.

The key is to choose a song that aligns with how you want to feel before delivering your talk. Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps, for example, listens to hardcore hip-hop before every race. Music can be a game-changer in setting the right mindset for any high-stakes moment.

Let Music Elevate Your Presence

As a speaker and leader, you want to show up fully prepared—mentally, emotionally, and physically. The right song, played at the right moment, can help you step into your power and own your presence in the room.

Need help refining your presentation skills? Let’s find some time to talk! Let’s connect!

Eleni Kelakos, CSP The Speaker Whisperer®