What if charisma isn’t something you’re born with, but something you already have?
In this episode of The Mike Method, Mike Desjardins is joined by Eleni Kelakos, also known as the Speaker Whisperer. A professional actress, award-winning singer-songwriter, author, and communication coach, Eleni has spent more than two decades helping leaders become more powerful, authentic communicators.
Eleni believes we’re all born with what she calls a “charisma pilot light.” But as we become more concerned with fitting in, impressing others, or getting things right, we can begin to monitor ourselves so closely that our natural presence starts to dim.
Mike and Eleni explore what happens when leaders feel pressure to perform a version of themselves, why authenticity plays such an important role in building trust, and how to adapt to the people around you without hiding behind a mask.
They also unpack the role of vulnerability in leadership, including how personal stories can create connection without becoming oversharing, and why some of the most effective leadership stories are the ones where things didn’t go according to plan.
Eleni then shares the five principles behind her approach to charismatic presence: Know Thyself, Be Thyself, Prepare Thyself, Commit Thyself, and Turn Thyself On So You Can Turn Others On.
You’ll also learn why preparation can create more freedom in high-stakes moments, how to stay present when you don’t have a script, and Eleni’s simple FBI practice using your feet, breath, and intention to help you ground yourself before an important meeting, presentation, or conversation.
Eleni Kelakos is the author of three award-winning books, including Charismatic Presence: Five Principles for Magnetic Presentations.
In this episode:
• Why charisma may be something we uncover rather than acquire
• How self-consciousness can interfere with authentic presence
• The difference between adapting to others and performing for them
• Why authenticity and trust are closely connected
• How leaders can share personal stories without oversharing
• Eleni’s five principles of charismatic presence
• Why preparation creates greater freedom in the moment
• How to respond when you don’t have a prepared answer
• The connection between energy, presence, and communication
• A simple feet, breath, and intention practice for high-stakes moments
Resources mentioned:
Eleni Kelakos: Website / LinkedIn
Charismatic Presence: Five Principles for Magnetic Presentations by Eleni Kelakos
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