Blog Archives
Charismatic Presence
Eleni Kelakos’ Charismatic Presence is a practical, personal, and surprisingly heartfelt guide to becoming a more effective, engaging, and authentic public speaker. Built around five core principles: Know Thyself, Be Thyself, Prepare Thyself, Commit Thyself, and Turn Thyself On, the book walks readers through the psychological and physical terrain of presence and presentation. With stories from her own life as a performer and coach, Kelakos fuses actor training, business communication, and personal development into a coaching experience that feels as intimate as a one-on-one session and as comprehensive as a classroom.
What struck me most about this book was how deeply human it felt. Kelakos doesn’t hide behind buzzwords or corporate polish. She opens with vulnerable stories of stage fright and failure, like forgetting lyrics at Shea Stadium, and threads that same humility throughout the text. She writes like someone who’s been in the trenches and genuinely wants you to succeed, not just to be a better speaker, but a braver, more grounded version of yourself. Her voice is clear and unpretentious, which makes the content not just accessible but inviting. I found myself laughing, wincing, nodding, often on the same page; that’s rare in a business book.
Where the book really shines is in its actionable advice. The exercises don’t feel like filler. They actually helped me reflect on my own habits and hang-ups when I speak. Kelakos’ concept of “the lies that bind,” those internal voices that whisper you’re not good enough, was especially powerful. Her approach to turning those lies into “power phrases” wasn’t just feel-good fluff. It felt doable. Her tips on preparation, from warming up your physical and vocal presence to structuring a talk, are the kind of grounded guidance I wish I’d had ten years ago. Sometimes the tone leans into cheerleader territory, but honestly, it works.
If you’re someone who freezes at the thought of public speaking, or even someone who does it often but feels stuck in a rut, Charismatic Presence is worth your time. It’s for anyone who wants to feel more like themselves in the spotlight, not some polished robot or shallow “thought leader.” I’d especially recommend it to leaders, coaches, entrepreneurs, or anyone who finds themselves needing to inspire or persuade others. Kelakos reminds us that charisma isn’t about being loud or flashy. It’s about being present. And that’s something anyone can learn.
Pages: 168 | ISBN : 978-1966168218
Billion Dollar Communication Skills
John A. Brink’s Billion Dollar Communication Skills is part memoir, part how-to guide, and part deep dive into the mechanics and power of human communication. The book opens with Brink’s harrowing journey from war-scarred Holland to the lumberyards of British Columbia, setting the stage for his transformation from a non-English-speaking dropout with undiagnosed learning disabilities to a successful entrepreneur and compelling public speaker. Each chapter explores a different facet of communication—its history, its pitfalls, its digital evolution—while Brink laces in personal anecdotes and practical tips to help readers speak better, listen harder, and connect more meaningfully, whether in the boardroom or on a Zoom call.
Reading this book made me feel like I was being mentored by someone who’s been through it all and has no interest in whitewashing the struggle. Brink’s writing is plainspoken but deeply felt. He doesn’t just preach the importance of communication; he bears the scars of someone who failed at it. His account of freezing up in front of government officials was crushing and real. But what struck me wasn’t just the failure—it was the climb afterward. Toastmasters saved him, but he also saved himself, one terrifying speech at a time. That slow build toward confidence was something I think a lot of readers will find both hopeful and moving.
What surprised me most was how much ground the book covers beyond speaking. There are smart, sharp chapters about digital communication, misinformation, and even the etiquette of running meetings. Brink doesn’t just talk about what to say—he’s obsessed with how it lands. The Gladstone vs. Disraeli anecdote about listening blew my mind. And then there’s his voice: part business vet, part earnest grandpa, part no-nonsense Dutch-Canadian straight shooter. At times, the tone swings wide—funny in one section, dead serious in the next—but somehow it all works. The text meanders occasionally, but that meandering often leads to little gems that feel earned.
Billion Dollar Communication Skills isn’t just for people who want to be better speakers. It’s for anyone who wants to be heard—and who wants to hear others more clearly. I’d recommend this book to young professionals trying to find their voice, to entrepreneurs building their brand, and to anyone who’s ever felt like they had something to say but didn’t know how to say it. This book might not make you a billionaire, but it will make you braver.
ASIN : B0F8XSCBLJ
Be Novel and Surprising
Your three-book collection, Briefly Speaking, is more than just a guide to public speaking; it is an entire educational course presented in an easy-to-understand and relatable manner. Why was this an important book for you to write?
We wanted those who aspire to become better presenters and communicators to have a comprehensive guide so they can achieve their ambitions. We designed the three-book series to focus on Prepare, Present, and Communicate to make it easy to find a topic and get practical, useful skills that can be incorporated immediately. Plus, each tip takes under 30 seconds to read—whether it’s how to open, close, tell a story, structure a presentation, or engage an audience. And each book is small enough to carry with you for easy reference.
Communication techniques and approaches are highly personal, but there are some key factors that are essential for getting your message across. What were some ideas that were important for you to share in this book?
First, decide on your message and identify a singular intention or what you want to achieve. Then scan your life for material that will illustrate your message so that it best engages your audience. Use structure so you don’t ramble, and always speak in a genuine, authentic way to build trust and reduce stage fright. And when you communicate, speak with commitment and certainty.
What is the one most important piece of advice you think all presenters should consider when preparing to give a speech, no matter what the topic is?
Determine what you want to achieve (i.e. your Intention) and what will best serve your audience. Then speak in specifics, not generalities so the audience can visualize your content. And be novel and surprising so that you grab and hold the attention of your audience.
Do you have additional books or materials planned that will complement this collection and help readers continue on their journey to improving their communication skills?
Yes, Own the Room (published by McGraw-Hill) and Out Front: How Women Can Become Engaging, Memorable and Fearless Speakers (published by BenBella Books)
Author Links: GoodReads | Eloqui | Outfront | Briefly Speaking | Amazon
Book 1 – Prepare: Creatively Structure and Rehearse Your Content (5 x 7; 254 pages; $29.99 value)
Book 2 – Present: Techniques from the Professionals’ Playbook (5 x 7; 248 pages; $29.99 value)
Book 3 – Communicate: Make the Greatest Impact (5 x 7; 192 pages; $29.99 value)
LITERARY TITAN 