Blog - presence and presentation mastery by Eleni Kelakos

Peak Performance

For Better Presentations, Practice The Parts That Matter

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

May 10, 2024 No Comments

Audience Engagement

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

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,

May 3, 2024 No Comments

Peak Performance

To Magnify Your Presence, Step Into The Wild Why Not

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

April 26, 2024 No Comments

Executive Presence

25 Axioms For Presence & Presentation Mastery

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

April 12, 2024 No Comments

imperfection

Connect With Your Audience Through Imperfection, Not Perfection

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,

March 29, 2024 No Comments

Executive Presence

How To Handle Those Pesky Q & A’s

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

March 22, 2024 No Comments

Peak Performance

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

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

March 8, 2024 No Comments

presentation skills training

Amp Up Your Presence and Presentations With The Sound of Silence

I always knew when my high school Algebra teacher, Mr. Sobel, was going to tell one of his signature jokes: He paused. Eyes twinkling, with a little smile curling his lips, he’d stand in a pregnant silence. And we all leaned forward, every one of us kids, in delicious expectation (he was a darn good joke teller). That moment of silence was rich with anticipation, and always worth the wait. Mr. Sobel was a master of the Pause. So is any speaker worth their salt who wants to capture their audience’s attention and help them know that what they’re about

February 6, 2023 No Comments

Peak Performance

Embrace the Mess: Lessons in Public Speaking From My Cat

When it comes to giving presentations, my coaching clients all want the same thing: A stress-free, problem free, perfectly executed result. To which I say, “good luck with that.” Because, as you may have noticed, plans and expectation often have a way of going awry. Life is messy, and sometimes giving presentations is too. Which, as I have learned over many years of delivering and observing countless presentations and performances, is perfectly normal and perfectly fine. I recently got a great reminder about the value of embracing the mess and going with what you’re given from an unexpected source: My

November 17, 2022 No Comments