Create Your Last Lecture

Eleni KelakosAudience Connection, Audience Engagement, Lecture Writing, Professional Tips, Strategic Tips, Writing Tips

Ron had a remarkable story. After buying and selling several successful businesses, he transitioned into consulting, eager to share the lessons he’d learned. However, his desire to create a signature keynote presentation left him stuck. “I can’t seem to pin down a specific topic,” Ron admitted during our first meeting. To help him break free, I asked a simple but profound question:“If you could only speak publicly one more time in your life, who would you want to speak to, and what’s the message you’d want to relay?” Without hesitation, Ron replied, “I’d want to speak to visionary business owners …

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? …

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, …