Connect First, Speak Second

Eleni KelakosPeak Performance, Professional Speakers, Professional Tips, Public Speaking, Speaking Engagements

Tariq was next on the list to give a presentation during my day-long training. He was nervous but excited. As soon as his feet hit the podium, he began speaking, spitting out a barrage of words. Within thirty seconds, he was gasping for breath. Meanwhile, we, the audience, were struggling to keep up and connect with him. I stopped him mid-sentence. “Tariq,” I said, “I want you to stand in silence for a moment so you can get your adrenaline under control. Quietly observe the emotions you’re experiencing. Ground yourself by feeling the floor under your feet. Inhale … exhale. …

For Presentation Mastery, Sharpen The Saw

Eleni KelakosExciting Presentations, Executive Presence, Peak Performance, Presentation Skills, Presentation Tips, Professional Speakers

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 …

5 Practices for Presence & Presentation Mastery

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

When it comes to presentations, how skilled are you at giving them? How activated and consistent is your Charismatic Presence, the magnetic life-force that draws people into you? No matter where you are in your journey as a speaker or communicator, you’re never truly “done.” There’s always room for improvement, and peak performers know that mastery is a lifelong pursuit. They understand the importance of stepping into discomfort again and again to grow beyond their current skill set. Think Like An Actor And Move Towards Mastery Adopting an actor’s mindset can be invaluable for your journey toward mastering presence and …

Giving an Introduction? Get it Right!

Eleni KelakosAudience Connection, Peak Performance, Performance Techniques, Professional Speakers, Public Speaking, Strategic Tips

Have you ever found yourself tasked with introducing a speaker or dignitary before they step onto the stage to deliver a speech or receive an award? The pressure to “get it right” in these situations can be overwhelming when all eyes are on you. It is especially nerve-wracking when you are faced with names or phrases that are difficult to pronounce—something many of us can relate to. Take Vice President Kamala Harris, for example. Despite her nieces demonstrating how to pronounce her name during the Democratic National Convention—“Kama” like “comma” and “La” like “La La La”—mispronunciations still occur. It’s a …

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 …

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 …

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 …