Kick Off Your Presentations With a Bang!

Eleni KelakosAudience Connection, Exciting Presentations, Performance Techniques, Presentation Tips, Professional Speakers

The Importance of a Strong Opening In a business pitch workshop I recently conducted, I observed a common challenge faced by many presenters: capturing the audience’s attention right from the start. David, one of the participants, struggled with this while presenting his product—a clever device that prevents electrical cords from tangling. Despite its simplicity and potential value, David’s delivery fell flat. His lengthy introduction and lack of focus lost the audience’s interest almost immediately. I decided to step in. “David,” I said, “there’s a way to make your point simply, quickly, and compellingly. Let me demonstrate.” I grabbed a tangled …

The Art of Saying No

Eleni KelakosPublic Speaking, Relationship Communication, Self Help, Strategic Tips

Have you ever found yourself agreeing to a favor or request when you really wanted to say no? Maybe it’s accepting an invitation for coffee with an acquaintance you don’t particularly get along with, volunteering to chaperone a school outing when you’d rather not, or taking on an additional project that will overload your already heavy workload. I know I have! Many of us struggle with this dilemma, often saying yes to things that don’t align with our true feelings or even our capacity. Award-winning professor and researcher Vanessa Patrick sheds light on why this happens in her insightful book, …

Presentation Tip: Managing The Moment Before

Eleni KelakosAudience Connection, Executive Presence, Peak Performance, Performance Techniques, Presentation Skills, Professional Tips, Public Speaking, Strategic Tips

Recently, I had the opportunity to watch Sing Sing, a film that tells the inspiring story of inmates at the famed Sing Sing prison who participated in a transformative program called Rehabilitation Through the Arts (RTA). This powerful film, enacted predominantly by actual RTA participants, centers around a character named Divine G, played by the incredible Colman Domingo. Divine G is an inmate wrongfully convicted of a crime, but he discovers a renewed sense of purpose through his involvement in a theater group alongside other incarcerated men. The film’s portrayal of how the essential elements of acting—trusting oneself and others, …

Managing Interrupting and Being Interrupted

Eleni KelakosExecutive Presence, Professional Tips, Public Speaking, Strategic Tips, Women in Leadership

When it comes to communication and presentation skills, I’m passionate about coaching and training everyone equally. Today, though, I want to focus on an area that’s particularly relevant for women in my audience: the art of interrupting and holding your ground in conversations. These skills can be pivotal in ensuring your voice is heard, especially when it matters most. I dive into this topic in my book, Claim the Stage: A Woman’s Guide to Speaking Up, Standing Out, and Taking Leadership. Let me share a story from the book that illustrates why this skill is so crucial: Vanessa, a talented …

10 Ways To Make Your Power Point Slides Better

Eleni KelakosExciting Presentations, Presentation Skills, Presentation Tips, Strategic Tips, Virtual Presenations

Over twenty years ago, an excruciatingly dull PowerPoint presentation drove me to become a presentation coach and trainer. Today, poorly executed slide presentations still make me want to shout, “TURN OFF THE SLIDES AND JUST TALK TO US!” (And yes, I often do this when coaching clients.) Why Slides Matter It’s not that I dislike slide presentations; I dislike poorly conceived and poorly delivered ones. When used correctly, slides can powerfully reinforce your spoken points. However, all too often, slides and their accompanying technology distract from the speaker. Remember, you are the star of your presentation, and your slides should …

Stop Preparing And Just Do It

Eleni KelakosPerformance Techniques, Presentation Skills, Public Speaking, Strategic Tips

When I teach presentation skills to my coaching and training clients, I always emphasize the importance of knowing their material inside out. As jazz musician Bradford Marsalis wisely said, “If you’re not prepared, it’s too late.” This principle applies to all aspects of life, not just public speaking. However, there comes a point where you need to stop preparing and just DO it. This leap of faith can be terrifying for many people, causing them to remain stuck in a perpetual state of preparation. I call it “getting ready to get ready,” which can prevent you from showing up, stepping …

For Better Public Speaking, 5 Lessons From The Baseball Field

Eleni KelakosPeak Performance, Performance Techniques, Professional Speakers, Public Speaking, Self Help, Strategic Tips

Hanging in the hallway leading to my office is a large, black-and-white photograph of me at twelve, pigtailed and squinting as a fat softball hurtles toward my outstretched leather glove. I’m wearing cutoffs and dirty white Keds sneakers, guarding first base with every fiber of my being. Whenever a client admires the photo, I shrug and say, “I caught that ball.” It still gives me a ripple of pride. That photo captures a sweet moment on a sweet day when, as part of a co-ed softball team at the Walworth Barbour American International School in Israel, I fell even more …

To Amp Up Your Presentations, Banish the Beige!

Eleni KelakosExciting Presentations, Presentation Skills, Professional Tips, Public Speaking, Strategic Tips

If you’ve ever participated in one of my presentation skills training classes, you’ve heard me say the following words: BAN WISHY-WASHY! I even reinforce this point with a sign slashed through with a big red line. When it comes to public speaking, nothing irritates me more than ho-hum, sorta-kinda-not-really-sure-what-I’ve-decided-to-do-or-say-here moments. Unfortunately, most of the presentations I see are full of wishy-washy, bland, or what I call “beige” moments. What Exactly Do I Mean By Beige? For those of you who don’t know what beige is, here’s a nifty definition from Merriam-Webster dictionary: “A variable color averaging light grayish-yellowish brown… a …

3 Ways to Start Your Speech and Maximize Your “Magic Moment”

Eleni KelakosAudience Engagement, Executive Presence, Peak Performance, Performance Techniques, Presentation Tips

You’re sitting in a darkened, crowded auditorium. The speaker you’ve been eagerly awaiting has just been introduced. In silence, she steps up to the microphone. This moment—the silent magic moment before the speaker utters her first words—is almost unbearably pregnant with hope and possibility. It practically crackles with energy. You lean in, ears pricked, breath held, senses on high. What will she say? you wonder. What will she sound like? Will she capture my attention? Or will she disappoint me? The moment hangs, brimming with potential. And then, she speaks: “Thanks for that nice introduction,” she says. “How’s everybody doing? …

21 Ways to Give Better Virtual Presentations

Eleni KelakosAudience Connection, Professional Speakers, Strategic Tips, Virtual Presentations

Giving virtual presentations is a challenge for even the most seasoned professional speakers. However, with a few strategic adjustments, you can make your virtual presentations engaging and effective. Here are some suggestions to help make presenting virtually more palatable for both you and your audience. 1. Be Bossy At the beginning of your presentation, set clear expectations for your audience. Let them know what you need and expect from them. If you want them to show their faces and not turn off their video, tell them. If you want them to participate actively and be prepared to be called on …

Interview Tip: Dress For The Role

Eleni KelakosExecutive Presence, Interview Coaching, Interview Tips

In a recent coaching session, a client of mine, a mid-level manager eyeing a VP position in his company, raised a common but crucial question: “What should I wear for the interview? Sport coat and a nice shirt? Or just a nice shirt?” My response was simple yet profound: “What’s your typical attire in your current role?” “Polo shirts and long-sleeved tees,” he replied. “And how about the executives? What do they usually wear?” I inquired. “Sport coats and nice shirts,” he said. “So, what do you think you should wear for the interview?” I prompted. He grinned, “A sport …

For Better Presentations, Practice The Parts That Matter

Eleni KelakosPeak Performance, Performance Techniques, presentation skills training, Presentation Tips

When I played Junior Varsity basketball in high school, I struggled to consistently hit my free-throws and shots from the corner of the key.  And so, I committed to staying half an hour every day after each basketball practice, practicing my weakest shots over and over again until I could nail them nearly every time.   Just like athletes (or musicians, or dancers), speakers need to practice and hone their skills, content, techniques, and material so they can perform at their peak under pressure.  The more you practice—whether it be a piano concerto,  a baseball pitch, a triple pirouette, or the …

When You Mess Up: Performance Wisdom From Lionel Ritchie and American Idol 

Eleni KelakosAudience Engagement, Peak Performance, Performance Techniques, Self Help

Do you ever find yourself glued to the TV screen, eagerly watching the latest season of American Idol? If so, you’re not alone. There’s something captivating about witnessing aspiring singers step onto that stage, pouring their hearts out in pursuit of their dreams. As I sit there, engrossed in the performances, I can’t help but reflect on my own journey as a young actress navigating auditions and the relentless scrutiny of industry professionals. In many ways, the experiences of these Idol contestants mirror my own struggles and triumphs in the world of entertainment. The pressure to consistently deliver top-notch performances, …

To Magnify Your Presence, Step Into The Wild Why Not

Eleni KelakosPeak Performance, public speaking training, Self Help

In a world where captivating an audience seems like a daunting task, there are individuals like my late brother, George Kelakos, who effortlessly radiate a magnetic presence. Even in the face of adversity, George embodied an unwavering commitment to living fully, leaving an indelible mark on those around him. George’s battle with long-Covid, which tragically claimed his life on March 10th, 2024, transformed him into a living testament to the power of resilience and presence. Despite the relentless assault on his health, he embraced each moment with unparalleled vigor, epitomizing what it means to step boldly into the “Wild Why …

25 Axioms For Presence & Presentation Mastery

Eleni KelakosExecutive Presence, Peak Performance, presentation skills training, Problem Solving, Self Help

Welcome to our blog, where wisdom meets the stage! Thirteen years ago, I embarked on a journey of sharing distilled wisdom through what I coined as “Eleni-isms” – concise nuggets of truth that resonate with audiences far and wide. Today, I invite you to delve into these 25 Eleni-isms, crafted to enrich your speaking experience and empower your message. These Eleni-isms are not just words but guiding principles to elevate your speaking prowess and leave a lasting impact. Now, I’m curious – what “you-isms” have you cultivated in your journey? Share your wisdom, and let’s continue to inspire each other …

Connect With Your Audience Through Imperfection, Not Perfection

Eleni Kelakosimperfection, Peak Performance

As a young actress and singer navigating the vibrant streets of New York City, I had the exhilarating opportunity to perform the National Anthem not once, but thrice, at Mets games in the illustrious Shea Stadium. The grandeur of the occasion, the sea of faces, and the echoing cheers were enough to quicken anyone’s pulse. Now, you might expect me to regale you with tales of flawless performances, where every note rang true and every lyric flowed effortlessly from my lips. But the truth is, one of those moments was far from flawless. I succumbed to the grip of fear, …

How To Handle Those Pesky Q & A’s

Eleni KelakosExecutive Presence, Peak Performance, presentation skills training, Self Help, speech coaching

Navigating the Q&A section after a presentation can be a nerve-wracking experience for many professionals. The uncertainty of not knowing how to respond to questions can lead to anxiety and insecurity. But fear not, as I share with you some insights from my upcoming book, “Charismatic Presence: Five Principles for Magnetic Presentations,” to help you tackle this challenge with confidence. Handling Questions When You’re Unsure When you’re faced with a question you’re not entirely sure how to answer, it’s essential to buy yourself some time. Here are a couple of strategies: Once you’ve gathered your thoughts, commit to answering the …

The Power of Voice: Speak Up If & When You Can

Eleni KelakosPeak Performance, presentation skills training, Self Help

I recently celebrated my birthday, and amidst the well-wishes and warm messages, a simple text from my brother George stood out. Usually, he serenades me with his guitar, but this time, he couldn’t. George, a long-haul COVID survivor, is fighting battles that extend far beyond the virus itself. Intubated for months, his lungs now resemble Swiss cheese, leaving him with a fraction of his former lung capacity. Yet, despite his struggles, his message of love resonated deeply with me. George’s inability to sing reminded me of the preciousness of our voices. Beyond physical limitations, there are countless individuals silenced by …