Gilda Bonanno's blog

Handling Q&A With Confidence: Turning Questions into Connection

2026-06-05T10:00:00.000-04:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC

One of the most important parts of any presentation isn’t when you’re speaking – it’s when someone raises their hand to ask a question.

How you handle questions says as much about your confidence, competence and credibility as your slides or delivery ever could.

The good news? Just like any other communication skill, Q&A is something you can prepare for and master.

You Can Predict Most Questions

Before your presentation, spend time thinking about your audience and your content. You can predict about 80–90% of the questions you’ll be asked.

It’s a lot like preparing for a job interview. If you’ve seen the job description, you can anticipate the standard questions:

“Why are you interested in this role?”
“Why are you a good fit?”
“What are your strengths?”
“Why did you leave your last job?”

The same logic applies to your presentation. If you know your material and understand your audience’s perspective, most questions won’t surprise you.

Of course, there will always be a few surprises, someone will ask a creative, unusual or unexpected question. But that last 10% shouldn’t derail you.

Practice Your Answers Out Loud

Once you’ve predicted your likely questions, practice your answers out loud, not just in your head.

Speaking them helps you find the right tone and phrasing so your answers sound natural and confident. This isn’t about memorizing; it’s about becoming comfortable and confident.

Then practice responses to three more types of questions:

1. The Question You Don’t Want to Be Asked

Every presenter has that one question they secretly dread. Maybe it’s a data question you’re unsure about. Maybe it’s a topic you’d rather avoid.

Don’t just hope it won’t come up; instead, prepare for it.

Write down the question, craft a calm, thoughtful answer and practice saying it until it feels natural. When you’ve already faced that question in your mind, it loses its power to throw you off.

2. The Question You Don’t Know the Answer To

This one makes everyone nervous. But not knowing an answer doesn’t mean you lose credibility; it’s how you respond that matters.

Here are a few confident ways to say “I don’t know”

“That’s a great question. I don’t have that information right now; let me check and get back to you.”
“That’s an interesting perspective. It wasn’t part of our initial analysis and I can see how it could add value.”
“Good question. I don’t think we’ve been asked that before. Let me connect with the team and follow up.”

Phrases like these show openness, professionalism and curiosity without sounding unprepared.

3. The Question You Can’t Answer (Yet)

Sometimes you do know the answer, but you can’t share it yet. Maybe it’s about a new partnership, an initiative still under wraps or something not yet public.

In those moments, honesty and tone matter most. Try something like:

“That information isn’t available publicly yet, but as soon as it is, we’ll be happy to share it.”

This response is transparent, confident and professional so you’re don’t sound evasive.

Turn Q&A Into Engagement

When handled well, Q&A can be one of the most engaging parts of your presentation. It’s where dialogue replaces monologue and your audience feels seen and heard.

Preparation is the key. When you anticipate, practice, and plan (even for the tough questions) you project calm, confidence and credibility.

So before your next presentation, take time to think through your likely questions and practice your answers.

Because preparation for Q&A isn’t just about having the right answers. It’s about learning to think clearly in the moment, respond with composure, and stay connected even when the question is unexpected.

That kind of preparation doesn’t happen by chance. It comes from taking the time to anticipate, structure your thinking, and practice deliberately before the moment arrives.

© Gilda Bonanno LLC - Gilda Bonanno serves as a trusted advisor to executives and entrepreneurs to transform their communication, presentation and leadership skills. She has worked with companies on 4 continents, from Chicago to Shanghai and Rio to Rome. The instructional videos on her YouTube channel have received over 1.5 million views and her e-newsletter has reached subscribers in over 45 countries since 2008. For other articles or to receive Gilda's e-newsletter, visit www.gildabonanno.com

Clarity Over Jargon: How to Communicate Complex Ideas Simply

2026-05-29T09:30:00.000-04:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC

During a recent program for entrepreneurs, someone said, “I was pitching myself to a potential client and I mentioned the therapeutic approach I use. They stopped me and said, ‘I don’t understand.’ I felt awful. I don’t even know how to get better at explaining it.”

This isn’t just an entrepreneur’s problem. Anyone who has to explain their work, ideas or expertise to people outside their field faces this challenge. Whether you’re a therapist, a scientist, a consultant, a teacher or an executive in a large organization, clarity matters.

When we work in specialized or technical fields, it’s easy to forget how much knowledge we carry.

Medical, therapeutic, scientific or technical language may feel natural to us, but for many people it creates distance rather than clarity. The solution is not to talk more. It’s to talk simpler.

Translate, Don’t Lecture

People don’t understand jargon and they may not connect with technical explanations. This is especially true when you’re speaking to an audience that doesn’t share your background.

I work with a client in medical research whose company is seeking FDA approval for a treatment related to neurological injuries. The science is complex and precise, which matters when she’s speaking to scientists. But when she’s speaking to potential investors who are not scientists, that level of detail gets in the way.

The key is translation. Show that you understand the complexity, then explain it in plain English. Use analogies, metaphors or everyday experiences to help people grasp the idea quickly.

Think in terms of familiar images, for example, “mixing peanut butter and jelly” or “a car hydroplaning on water.” Anything that turns an abstract process into something tangible. You’re not dumbing it down. You’re making it accessible.

Test and Adjust

Try out your explanations. Pay attention to where people lean in and where they look confused. Refine your language based on their reactions. And remember, not everyone will understand immediately.

The Bottom Line

Clarity is not simplification for its own sake. It is discipline.

The more complex your work, the more intentional you must be about how you translate it. Clear language signals clear thinking. It builds credibility, reduces resistance and allows others to engage with your ideas rather than struggle to decode them.

When you translate expertise into language others can grasp quickly, you strengthen trust and influence. And in high-stakes conversations, that clarity often determines whether your message moves forward or stalls.

A Super Bowl Lesson in Preparation: From Panic to Presence

2026-05-24T09:30:00.000-04:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC

In the days after the Super Bowl, a story in The New York Times highlighted Jason Myers, the Seattle Seahawks kicker whose performance helped secure the win.

What stood out wasn’t just the result. It was how he prepared.

A fellow alum of Marist University, Myers became the first Red Fox to play in a Super Bowl. No matter where your loyalties were during football season, it was a moment of pride across the Marist community - watching one of our own deliver a performance that was both outstanding and history-making.

The article explained how he relied on a consistent pre-game routine to control his mindset, using the same process he follows every week, even on the Super Bowl stage.

He wasn’t scrambling to find focus. He had already built it.

The Part Most People Overlook

When we think about high performance, we tend to focus on the moment itself - the presentation, the meeting, the pitch.

But elite performers understand something deeper: What happens before the moment shapes what happens during it.

They don’t leave their mindset to chance. They prepare it.

From Noise to Focus

A pre-game ritual creates a deliberate transition, from distraction to clarity, from tension to control.

Two elements make an immediate difference:

Breathing: Slow, steady breathing signals safety to your body. Even a minute or two can steady your voice and sharpen your focus.
Visualization: Most people already visualize but in the wrong direction. They imagine what could go wrong. Instead, rehearse success. See yourself delivering clearly, connecting, finishing strong.

Managing the Voice

There’s another layer to this. Right before we speak, most of us aren’t just dealing with nerves - we're often dealing with a negative voice in our heads. A running commentary that questions, second-guesses, and undermines: What if you forget what to say? Who do you think you are?

I call it the “Joy-Sucker” because it sucks the joy out of your work and life.

What stood out in the story about Jason Myers is that he doesn’t let that noise take over. His focus is deliberately simple and assertive, centered on the few thoughts that actually matter in the moment.

That’s not accidental. It’s trained.

A pre-game ritual helps you make the same shift, replacing distraction with something intentional, whether that’s a mantra, a phrase, or a simple point of focus.

You Don’t Have to Do It Alone

There’s one more element behind this kind of performance. In the article, Myers also works with a performance consultant, someone who helps him refine his process and execute under pressure.

That’s standard in sports. Every elite athlete has a coach.

In business, we often see it differently. But coaching isn’t remedial, it’s how people move from good to excellent. It removes guesswork, sharpens focus, and accelerates performance.

The highest performers don’t go it alone.

The Real Outcome

A pre-game ritual isn’t just about feeling calmer. It’s about showing up at your best when it matters most.

Because when preparation meets presence:

Clarity improves.
Confidence steadies.
Connection deepens.

And that’s what people remember. Not just what you said - but how you showed up.

What Driver’s Ed Taught Me About Practicing a Presentation

2026-05-18T21:54:42.905-04:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC

One of the biggest mistakes people make when it comes to presenting is not spending enough time preparing and practicing. That’s true for formal presentations and it’s just as true for the informal moments when you’re speaking up in meetings, interviews or conversations that matter.

When you have to present, practicing out loud matters. The goal isn’t memorization for its own sake. The goal is internalization. One of the clearest ways I’ve found to explain this comes from my experience in driver’s education.

I took “driver’s ed” in my senior year of high school. I grew up near a state parkway and that’s where our class practiced driving. The parkway was not exactly beginner-friendly. It was a narrow road with two lanes in each direction and only a small shoulder at the edge of the road. And people usually drove faster than the speed limit.

After sitting through some classroom sessions and some time in a driving simulator, it was time to get into a real car and drive. There were four of us students in the car and the instructor sat in the front passenger seat. He didn’t have a second steering wheel. He only had a brake for emergencies. That was it.

Before that day, my total driving experience consisted of my dad taking me to an empty Kmart parking lot a couple of times. I had never driven over 20 miles an hour. And now I’m sitting behind the wheel and the instructor says, “Pull out of the school parking lot, take a left, take a right and merge onto the parkway.”

The speed limit was 55.

I remember thinking, We’re going to die. I’m going to kill all of us. And even if we survive, I have no idea how we’re getting back to the school because I don’t know how to get off this road.

But somehow, we survived. All of us. I managed to drive the car on the parkway and even back to the school. I eventually passed my driver’s test and got my license.

The driving test proctor told me, “I probably shouldn’t pass you, but I will. You just need more practice. A lot more practice.”

I did get that practice and I’ve been a good driver for many years now. I don’t think about each individual step anymore because driving has become automatic. I automatically put on my seat belt. I automatically check the mirrors. I automatically look out the window for oncoming traffic. So it has become internalized. And if something unexpected happens, I can fully focus my attention on that in the moment.

That’s exactly how I want communication to feel for you.

When you practice a presentation enough, you stop thinking about every individual word. Your opening, your transitions, your timing, your close, even your answers to likely questions become part of you. It flows. You’re not scrambling in your head asking, What do I say next?

That level of preparation doesn’t eliminate nerves. Nerves may be inevitable. But it gives you the bandwidth to manage them. It lets you focus on your body language, your presence and your connection with the audience instead of just trying to survive.

And like with driving, riding a bicycle or any skill you've learned that has now become part of your muscle memory, when presenting becomes more automatic, you can stay fully present and handle unexpected moments with confidence.

Practice isn’t about perfection. It’s about internalization. So when it’s time to merge onto the metaphorical highway, you can drive with confidence instead of white-knuckling the wheel.

From Panic to Presence: The Power of a Pre-Game Ritual

2026-04-27T09:30:00.012-04:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC

Whether you’re stepping onto a stage, joining a high-stakes meeting or presenting new ideas to key decision-makers, those few minutes before you start can make all the difference.

The Athlete’s Lesson

Think of it like sports. Every elite athlete has a pre-game ritual, a routine that gets their body and mind into peak condition.

They listen to specific music. They follow precise warm-up routines. They eat the same breakfast, lace their shoes the same way, even visualize the first play before they take the field.

Why? Because they know that what happens before the game affects what happens during the game.

They don’t leave their mindset to chance. We shouldn’t either.

Your presentation, pitch or meeting is your performance moment and like any performance, it deserves a ritual that prepares both your mind and body to perform at their best.

What Counts as “High Stakes”?

Maybe you’re presenting to senior leadership for the first time or presenting new content, or you’re in a bigger venue than usual. Maybe there’s someone in the audience whose opinion really matters.

Whenever the outcome carries weight (visibility, opportunity, or influence) it’s a high-stakes situation.

And that means preparation must go beyond your slides and notes.

You need to prepare yourself.

The Opposite of a Ritual

Too often, we do the opposite: racing from one meeting to the next, answering emails, scrolling our phones wondering if we have time for coffee.

That frantic pre-meeting scramble floods the body with stress hormones adrenaline and cortisol that elevate anxiety, tighten muscles and narrow focus in all the wrong ways. By the time the meeting starts, our energy is high but our composure is gone.

Breathing and Visualization

A pre-game ritual helps us reset. It replaces the stress hormones with calm focus.

The first step is breathing, slow, steady, deliberate breaths that tell your body it’s safe to calm down. It’s remarkable how a minute or two of intentional breathing can reduce stress and steady your voice.

The second step is visualization. Most of us are already good at this, but in the wrong direction. The anxious inner critic imagines everything that could go wrong: forgetting your words, being judged, losing your place.

Instead, flip the mental film. Picture yourself delivering a strong presentation. See yourself connecting with the audience, articulating your ideas clearly and finishing with people nodding in agreement.

Visualization isn’t wishful thinking, it’s mental rehearsal. It primes your brain to follow the success script you’ve just imagined.

Find What Works for You

Every person’s pre-game ritual will look a little different. Some people listen to music that grounds or energizes them. Others take a brief walk, stretch or center themselves in silence.

I avoid looking at my phone right before a major presentation. I know that one unexpected message or missed call can pull my attention away from the moment. And I focus on a positive mantra that quiets any negative thoughts in my head.

Whatever your ritual is, make it a consistent practice, not something you do only when you have time.

Because that’s where the shift happens: from panic to presence.

And presence is where confidence, clarity and true connection begin.

What It Takes to Emcee a Live Event (And Lead a Room in Real Time) - WBDC's Women-Owned Business Day

2026-04-11T09:00:00.002-04:00

Last week, I was back at the State Capitol in Hartford to emcee Women Owned Business Day — my 11th year with the event.

It’s a day that brings together women entrepreneurs, public leaders from both sides of the aisle, and a highly engaged audience around a shared focus: expanding opportunity and supporting business growth.

From the outside, emceeing can look straightforward — introductions, transitions, keeping the program moving.

In reality, the role is far more dynamic.

Structuring in Real Time

Live programs rarely unfold exactly as planned — and in this setting, flexibility isn’t optional.

Because the legislature was in session, several legislative leaders needed to step away from caucus meetings to participate. In real time, that meant adjusting the order of speakers so they could join the program and return to their responsibilities.

Maintaining structure under those conditions requires quick judgment — preserving the flow of the program while accommodating the realities of the room.

Preparing Voices to Land

Preparation doesn’t begin on stage.

In addition to working with the entrepreneurs in the Accelerate Grant Pitch Competition, I also worked with several speakers in advance to help them refine their message — aligning it with the time constraints and purpose of the event, and ensuring they could deliver it with clarity and confidence.

When that preparation is done well, each contribution strengthens the overall program rather than competing for attention.

With the Accelerate Grant Pitch Competition winners,
alongside the grant sponsor and WBDC leadership.

Managing the Unexpected

Even with preparation, unexpected moments are part of every live program.

Toward the end of the event, we were informed that U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal would be joining — but needed a few additional minutes to arrive.

Holding the room in that moment required a shift. I used the time to engage the audience directly, asking what had resonated most and what they were taking away from the program.

What could have been a pause instead became a way to maintain engagement in the room.

What Makes a Program Work

This year also included the Accelerate Grant Pitch Competition, where six entrepreneurs presented for the opportunity to receive one of three $25,000 grants.

Having worked with each of them ahead of the event, I had a unique perspective on the preparation behind those moments — and the level of clarity and confidence required to deliver under pressure.

Events like this are a reminder that strong programs don’t happen by accident.

They are shaped — through preparation, structure, and the ability to adapt in real time.

And when that comes together, the result is a room that is not just attentive, but meaningfully engaged in something that matters.

Behind the scenes, a great deal of coordination goes into making a program like this work. Thanks to the WBDC team and Long Point Event Planning for the thought and execution that made the day possible.

Congratulations to the entrepreneurs who were awarded grants, and appreciation to the Accelerate Grant Founding Funder Libertas for supporting their work.
Grant recipients: Kayla Walker, Hound and Home LLC, Newington; Luigina Facchini, Norwich Fitness Center, Norwich; Kaitlyn Kimball, Sunset Farm, Naugatuck

photos courtesy of Aviva Maller Photography

The What, Who, When, and Why of Leadership Presence

2026-04-09T13:16:00.000-04:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC

We often hear phrases like “leadership presence” or “executive presence,” but what do they really mean? Let’s start with the what.

What Is Leadership Presence?

Leadership presence is what people perceive about you and your ability to lead and influence others.

The key word here is perceive. Perception shapes reality; how people see you determines how much they trust, follow and believe in your leadership. What do people perceive about how you lead, how you influence and how you get things done? That perception is the essence of leadership presence.

What Are Its Components?

Think of leadership presence as a puzzle made up of several interlocking pieces:

Vision: the clarity of your direction and purpose
Integrity: your foundation of trust
Execution: how you turn ideas into results
Appearance: how you physically show up (it shouldn’t matter, but it still plays a role)
Strategy: how you think and plan

And then there’s the puzzle piece that connects them all: communication.

Communication is the connection between your abilities and your success as a leader. Communication translates competence into credibility, vision into inspiration and strategy into action. It is the mechanism through which leadership presence becomes visible and tangible to others.

At its core, leadership communication rests on three pillars: confidence, competence, and composure.

Who Is It For?

Leadership presence isn’t reserved for CEOs or executives. It’s for everyone, no matter your job title, age or background.

You can be a leader even if you’re a new college graduate. You can demonstrate leadership presence even if you don’t manage a team. You can show leadership presence in your first year in a new industry.

Everyone has the opportunity to lead and to be perceived as a leader.

When Do You Need Leadership Presence?

The short answer: all the time.

Leadership presence isn’t something you turn on for big presentations and switch off in everyday interactions. It matters in every context - meetings, one-on-ones, networking events, live or virtual sessions even during Q&A. Every interaction is a moment when your leadership presence either strengthens or weakens.

Why Does It Matter?

Because doing good work is no longer enough.

Once upon a time, results alone might have spoken for themselves. Today, visibility, communication, and perception play a crucial role in how others recognize your contributions. You want to be seen as a leader - someone people listen to, respect, and follow.

The way to stand out isn’t by just working harder. It’s by communicating more intentionally. Communication is your ace card. It’s your leverage in moments that matter.

You don’t have to be born with great communication skills or natural presence. These are skills you can learn, practice, and refine.

And when you take the time to sharpen them, especially around real conversations, decisions, and moments of visibility, you elevate your leadership presence and become the kind of leader who not only does the work, but brings others with you.

Public Speaking Fear? Drown Out That Negative Voice in Your Head (18th anniversary of my newsletter)

2026-03-25T13:52:00.004-04:00

Each year, I reprint the very first article I published in my newsletter, originally written in January 2008.

I remember writing this article, Public Speaking Fear? Drown Out That Negative Voice in Your Head, and sending it to a very small list of family and friends.

Eighteen years and hundreds of articles later, this newsletter now reaches thousands of subscribers across more than 45 countries - and I'm entering my 20th year in business!

Whether you’ve been with me since the very beginning or you’ve just recently joined, I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to support you in strengthening your communication and presentation skills.

When I wrote this article in 2008, the world of work looked very different. Social media was just emerging and Zoom didn’t exist. But what hasn’t changed is my belief that growth comes from practice, reflection and learning how to communicate with intention - and that starts with building your confidence (especially if you're struggling with negative self-talk about your skills).

Public Speaking Fear? Drown Out That Negative Voice in Your Head

If your stomach churns just at the thought of speaking in front of a group of people, you're not alone. In fact, Americans rate public speaking as their number one fear - even ahead of death (hence the old joke that you would rather be in the coffin than giving the eulogy)!

Think about what's going through your head right at that moment when you're getting ready to open your mouth, whether it's at a staff meeting at work or in front of the local parents' group.

Take a moment, close your eyes and really listen for that voice - what is it saying?

When I ask clients to share what that voice in their head is telling them right before they speak, they invariably come out with a whiny, annoying voice spewing negatives like "you're going to make a fool of yourself" or "who do you think you are?"

That voice goes by many names. Creativity expert Julia Cameron calls it "The Censor." I call it the "Joy-Sucker" because it sucks the joy out of your work and your life.

The Joy-Sucker undermines your confidence and makes you less able to convey your knowledge and experience to your audience. In its worst manifestations, it may even cause you to forget your own name! The Joy-Sucker may come from old beliefs about ourselves or perhaps a comment made by an unhelpful friend, teacher or ex.

Instead of allowing the Joy-Sucker to sap your confidence, I recommend replacing it with a positive affirmation or mantra, a term borrowed from meditation and yoga that means a word or phrase that you repeat to yourself to focus your mind and energy.

Your mantra should be personally meaningful to you and should be a phrase that you can believe. You can use a song title (Aretha Franklin's "RESPECT" comes to mind), a line from a poem or anything that makes you feel powerful and confident. "You go, girl" is my favorite (accompanied by a mental fist in the air).

Once you have created a mantra, try it out in real-life situations. When you're getting ready to speak, listen for the Joy-Sucker and replace it with your mantra. Remember that the Joy-Sucker has had years of practice, so it's okay to try several mantras before you find one that is powerful enough to drown it out.

You'll know the mantra is working when you feel your anxiety decreasing and your confidence increasing (a little bit at a time). As you build your confidence, you'll be able to tap into your knowledge and experience related to the topic at hand - and you'll be on your way to becoming a more polished public speaker!

Gilda to Emcee WBDC's Women-Owned Business Day April 8 in Hartford

2026-03-21T13:58:00.001-04:00

WBDC’s Women-Owned Business Day is a unique opportunity for Connecticut’s women entrepreneurs and our state legislators to connect and share thoughts and ideas about the issues that impact Connecticut’s small women-owned businesses each and every day.

Join WBDC, our legislative hosts, and Connecticut-based entrepreneurs to connect in our state’s capital and celebrate the real impact women-owned businesses have had on Connecticut’s economy, our communities, and our families.

I'm honored to serve as Emcee once again for this bipartisan event.

Women-Owned Business Day 2026

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026

9:00am - 1:00pm
Legislative Office Building, Hartford

Our honorary co-chairs:

THE HONORABLE PATRICIA BILLIE MILLER
State Senator, Deputy President Pro Tempore

THE HONORABLE HEATHER SOMERS

State Senator, Senior Deputy Republican Leader

To register or for more info, please visit https://ctwbdc.org/events/wobd2026/

Adapting Your Communication Style for Better Collaboration

2026-03-16T13:07:00.003-04:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC

In today’s organizations, collaboration is essential. But often, we forget what the word truly means. It’s from the Latin collaborare, meaning “to labor together.” And collaboration requires effort. It’s not just about working side by side but about actively adapting so that others’ voices are heard and valued.

When teams span departments, regions or disciplines, differences in communication styles can become obstacles if we ignore them. Effective collaboration depends on recognizing these differences and adjusting our approach. The goal is not to change who we are but to meet others where they are, so that all perspectives can be included.

One of the most practical tools is what I call the Communications Golden Rule™: communicate unto others as they want to be communicated to. This runs counter to the usual advice of treating others the way you prefer. Instead, it requires stepping into their shoes and asking, “How does my message look from their point of view?”

That might mean starting with data when speaking to a numbers-driven colleague, or using a story when working with someone who values narrative. It might mean giving a quick decision-maker concise options, while offering a more reflective colleague the time and space to process. Neither approach is right or wrong; they’re simply different. And your effectiveness hinges on knowing which style resonates with the person in front of you.

These differences show up in many ways. For example:

Direct vs. Indirect: “Let’s do this” versus “How might we approach this together?”
Numbers vs. Narrative: Charts and metrics versus stories and analogies
Quick vs. Deliberate: Fast decisions versus time to ponder and weigh options
Results vs. Quality: “Get it done fast” versus “Get it done right”
Logic vs. Emotion: Building an argument with facts versus appealing to values or feelings
Big Picture vs. Detail: Focusing on vision versus drilling into specifics
Individual vs. Team: Emphasizing independence versus collaboration
Consistency vs. Change: Stability and reliability versus innovation and adaptation
Reserved vs. Expressive: Quiet and measured versus open and enthusiastic
Control vs. Freedom: Preference for structure versus autonomy

Recognizing and adapting to these preferences transforms potential conflict into productive collaboration.

This flexibility pays dividends. By clearing the runway of miscommunication and misunderstanding before takeoff, you prevent obstacles from blocking progress.

More importantly, you unlock the full potential of your team. When different voices are heard, whether skeptical or enthusiastic, data-driven or intuitive, you build solutions that are more resilient, creative and effective.

Adjusting your communication style is not about being less authentic. It’s about being more effective. In a fast-paced business environment, leaders and professionals who can flex their style will be the ones who get the best from their teams and deliver stronger results.

The Transformation Mindset: Why How You Think Changes Everything

2026-02-19T10:30:00.014-05:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC

Mindset is one of the most important drivers of performance, growth and collaboration. It is the story you tell yourself.

Do you believe that your abilities are fixed—that you’re either good at something or you’re not—or do you believe that with effort, practice, and feedback, you can learn and improve?

Psychologist Carol Dweck and others have shown how powerful this distinction is. A fixed mindset sounds like: “This is too hard. I’m not good at this. I’ll never get it.” With this approach, challenges feel like threats, and setbacks lead quickly to giving up.

On the other hand, a growth mindset says: “This is difficult, but I can figure it out. I know how to learn, I know how to ask for help, and I can improve with effort.” People with a growth mindset persevere through the rocky first stage of learning, where nothing feels natural, and emerge stronger on the other side.

Here’s how the two mindsets differ:

Fixed Mindset
Believes intelligence and ability are static
Avoids challenges to protect self-image
Gives up easily when faced with obstacles
Sees effort as pointless or a sign of weakness
Views feedback as criticism
Feels threatened by others’ success

Growth Mindset
Believes skills can be developed through learning and effort
Embraces challenges as opportunities
Persists through setbacks and difficulty
Sees effort as the path to mastery
Uses feedback as a tool for improvement
Finds inspiration in the success of others

Leaders and professionals who adopt a growth mindset are more resilient, more innovative, and more collaborative. They see effort as essential and treat challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles.

Adopting a transformation mindset means embracing five essential qualities:

Flexibility: staying open to change and new ideas
Imagination: seeing possibilities beyond the current situation
Resilience: recovering quickly from setbacks and trying again
Strong Relationships: building trust and learning from others
Self-Confidence: believing in your ability to grow, without slipping into arrogance or thinking you have nothing left to learn

This mindset doesn’t make challenges easier, but it makes them achievable. When you believe in your capacity to learn, you can push through discomfort, sharpen your skills, and build lasting confidence. That confidence, in turn, becomes contagious—it encourages peers, teams, and organizations to stretch, adapt, and grow together.

In the end, your greatest professional superpower is not how much you know today, but your ability to keep learning and collaborating tomorrow. With a transformation mindset, you position yourself and your team to meet challenges head-on and unlock new levels of growth and success.

Rethinking Networking: Does the Word "Schmooze" Make You Cringe?

2026-02-09T11:30:00.010-05:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC

Years ago, when I first set out to teach a networking class, I proposed calling it How to Network. My client’s response? “Great topic—terrible title. It’s too boring.”

I pushed back, arguing that it was clear and descriptive. But they had another idea: “What if we called it How to Schmooze?”

I cringed. Schmoozing sounded like something a pushy salesperson would do—insincere, self-serving, and transactional. It conjured up images of pushy salespeople trying to offload a faulty used car or someone networking with purely selfish motives.

But my client insisted: “Trust me—it’ll sell.” And they were right; the class filled up then and every time since then that I’ve offered it with that title.

To make peace with the term, I looked it up in the dictionary and found a definition of "schmooze" that I could embrace: to converse informally or chat in a friendly manner. That resonated with me because, at its core, networking isn’t about transactions or selling something—it’s about genuine conversations.

Since then, I’ve embraced the word schmoozing, not as a gimmick, but as a reminder that networking is about genuine, friendly conversations—not forced interactions.

Before I teach schmoozing, I always take a moment to define the word as I mean it, because it helps people understand networking in a new light. It’s not about selling yourself; it’s about building real connections.

When done right, schmoozing isn’t something to cringe at—it’s a powerful tool for creating meaningful professional relationships.

Gilda's 2025 Highlights - the Content You Loved Most

2026-01-30T14:50:00.001-05:00

As we head into the new year, I wanted to highlight my most popular newsletter articles, blog posts and YouTube videos from 2025, in case you missed any along the way.

As we enter 2026, I’m marking a personal milestone, my 20th year in business. I’m especially appreciative of the clients, colleagues and community who’ve been part of that journey. To mark the occasion, I’ll also be offering a few intentional ways to work together more closely in 2026. More about that soon.

I’m excited to continue this work with you in 2026. Let this be the year you stretch a little further, build new capabilities and take your skills to the next level!

NEWSLETTER ARTICLES

Present Like a Pro: 25 Ways to Elevate Your Skills in 2025

Breaking the Ice with Confidence: What to Ask When Networking

Networking After a Layoff: Focus on Your Skills, Not the Setback

BLOG POSTS

Gilda Serves as Emcee for WBDC's Women Owned Business Day

Leadership Presence: The Power of Composure

How You Communicate Defines Your Brand - Make It Count

VIDEOS (THE MOST WATCHED IN 2025)

How to Introduce Yourself Quickly

Special Occasion Speeches 5 Questions to Prepare Like a Pro

Powerful Presentation Skills: Use Non-Verbals Effectively

Online Application Open for The Campaign School at Yale 5-Day Summer Session June 2026

2026-01-26T14:43:00.003-05:00

The Campaign School at Yale endeavors to increase the number and influence of women in elected and appointed office in the United States and around the globe. It is a nonpartisan, issue-neutral political campaign-training program.

This program is great for anyone interested in running for office, running a political campaign or being a community activist! For more info or to apply, please visit https://tcsyale.org/apply

Astronomy and Cosmology Talk 1/27 Fairfield Public Library

2026-01-20T12:57:00.005-05:00

Astronomy and Cosmology: Exploring the Origins, Evolution, and Destiny of the Universe

Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, 6:30 PM

Fairfield Public Library

1080 Old Post Road

Fairfield, CT 06824

From the glow of our Sun to the faint light of the most distant galaxies, every observation carries a piece of the universe’s story. Astronomy and cosmology allow us to weave these pieces together into a grand narrative of origins, evolution, and destiny.

This talk will trace humanity’s quest to understand the cosmos—how we measure the heavens, decode the light of stars, and use cosmic “yardsticks” to span unimaginable distances. In Part 1 of this talk, we explored the first rungs of the cosmic distance ladder, revealing what we have learned about Earth, the Moon, and our solar system. Building on that foundation, we will briefly revisit those ideas and then journey farther outward: into the engines that power stars and shape galaxies, the evidence for an expanding universe born in a Big Bang, and the profound mysteries of dark matter and dark energy that continue to challenge our understanding.

Along the way, we’ll see how experiments, technology, and human curiosity have opened windows onto the universe, revealing not only where we come from but also where the cosmos—and perhaps life itself—may be heading.

Presenter: Dr. Varghese 'VJ' John is an accomplished physicist and technologist with a deep commitment to scientific research. With a passion for education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), VJ has dedicated himself to teaching and inspiring a diverse range of individuals.

For more information or to register, please visit: https://fplct.librarymarket.com/event/conversations-matter-vj-150865

Register for The Campaign School at Yale: The Basics, live online 1/24

2026-01-17T13:07:00.003-05:00

For more info or to register, please visit: www.tscyale.org/register

Gilda Serves as Emcee for Westfair's Inaugural Hispanic Innovation Awards

2026-01-16T10:30:00.005-05:00

It was an honor to serve as Emcee for the Westfair Business Journals Inaugural Hispanic Innovator Awards Celebration! Congratulations to all the honorees for their resilience, determination and success! And a special thank you to guest speaker Ramon Peralta, judge Maria Fraile, MBA, CEPA® and Westchester County Executive Ken Jenkins.

Honorees: Veronica Bazan, Lucelly Espinal, Diana loja, Diana Merchan, Nelson Merchan, Eddie Monroy, MBA, Wilfredo Montano, Leidy Nunez, CPA, Jennifer Rivera, Marifer Rodriguez, Ronald Rosado Abad, Sabrina Santiago, Maria Harrison, Andrea Torres Fodor

Special shout out to fellow Marist University alum and honorees: Ladys Guerrero Williams and Felix Tapia! (thanks to B. Desmond Murray for connecting us!)

Visit Westfair Communications for more information

Presenting Effectively: From Message to Impact

2025-12-30T09:30:00.007-05:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC

We’ve all sat through presentations that left us wondering, “What was the point of that?” Too often, presenters fall into the trap of delivering a “data dump”—pouring out everything they know without structure or focus. The result is confusion, not clarity.

To present effectively, whether in person, virtually or in a hybrid setting, you need to think differently.

The starting point is your message. Before you build slides or rehearse, ask yourself: What is the purpose of my presentation? Are you trying to sell, inform, update, or influence? Once you know your purpose, define your message in one crisp sentence, what I call the “billboard version.”

If someone left your presentation and I asked, “What was that about?” they should be able to capture your main point in their own words.

Before You Present

To set yourself up for success, take a few deliberate steps:

Define your purpose: Fill in the blank: “The purpose of my presentation is to…” (sell, inform, update, influence, etc.). Remember, each presentation is also an opportunity to build your brand.
Clarify your message: Identify the one key idea you want your audience to remember and tie it directly to your strategy.
Keep calm and get organized: Collect your content, examples and evidence, and then organize them around your central message.
Think about your audience: Ask, What is necessary to tell this story and persuade or inform this specific audience? Tailor your approach to the people in the room.

From there, use a simple structure that works every time:

Introduction: State your key message and connect it to your strategy.
Body: Build your case with supporting points that blend numbers and narrative.
Conclusion: Restate your message and include a call to action. What do you want your audience to think, do or feel?

Finally, remember that effective presenting is as much about mindset as content. Stay calm under pressure. Replace the negative voice in your head with a positive mantra. Control your breathing and create a “pre-game ritual” that centers you before you step up to speak.

Presenting effectively is not about dazzling with slides or speaking nonstop—it’s about clarity, focus and connection.

Every presentation, large or small, is a chance to build your brand and influence outcomes. With the right message, structure and mindset, you can turn your presentations into moments of real impact.

For those navigating moments like this right now, the Clarity & Craft Intensive is a high-touch coaching session that offers a way to work on it deliberately.

Overcoming Networking Anxiety: How to Connect with Confidence

2025-12-18T10:00:00.001-05:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC

Feeling withdrawn or lacking confidence in networking situations is completely normal. Most people, even those who seem naturally outgoing, experience some level of nervousness when meeting new people.

The good news? Confidence in networking isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you can build.

If you struggle to start conversations, here’s a strategy to help you approach networking (in person and virtually) with more ease and self-assurance.

1. Prepare Beforehand: Never Wing It

One of the biggest mistakes people make in networking is going in unprepared. If you’re already feeling uncomfortable or shy, walking into a conversation without a plan will only make things harder. Instead, prepare a few good questions in advance.

For example, if you're attending a networking event, have a couple of open-ended questions ready:

“What do you enjoy most about your work?”
“How did you get started in your industry?”
“What’s a project you’re working on that excites you?”

By starting with a question, you shift the focus to the other person and take the pressure off yourself. You also demonstrate curiosity and engagement—two key qualities of a great conversationalist.

2. Reframe Your Inner Dialogue for a Confidence Boost

Confidence starts in your mind. If you tell yourself, “I hate networking. I’m boring. No one wants to talk to me,” then walking into a conversation will feel overwhelming. Instead, try shifting your mindset to something more positive:

“I’m smart and capable.”
“I’m interesting to talk to.”
“I’m here to learn and connect.”

You don’t have to pretend you’re the most extroverted person in the room, but you do need to replace negative self-talk with something empowering. Think about what people appreciate about you—your expertise, your curiosity, your kindness. Focus on those strengths instead of your nerves.

3. Use a Confidence-Boosting Mantra to Stay Grounded

When nervousness creeps in, having a simple phrase to repeat in your mind can be a game-changer. I call this a mantra—a short, uplifting phrase that helps ground you in confidence.

It could be:

“I’ve got this.”
“I’m here to connect, not impress.”
“I bring value to the conversation.”

Find a phrase that resonates with you and repeat it when self-doubt starts to creep in.

4. The Power of a Genuine Smile in Networking

Never underestimate the impact of a warm, authentic smile. A full, genuine smile that reaches your eyes makes you appear approachable and friendly. People are naturally drawn to positive energy, and a simple smile can set the tone for a great conversation.

When you walk into a networking situation, take a deep breath, smile, and remind yourself that you belong here.

5. Shift Your Perspective: Networking is Sharing, Not Selling

Many people struggle with networking because they feel like they’re selling themselves. Instead, shift your perspective—networking isn’t about selling, it’s about sharing.

Think about it like recommending a great new restaurant: "Oh, you have to try this new Italian place—their lasagna is incredible!"

That’s the same energy you should bring when talking about yourself and your work. You’re sharing what excites you, what you’re passionate about and what you bring to the table. Enthusiasm is contagious, and when you focus on connecting rather than proving yourself, conversations become much easier.

6. Confidence in Networking Comes with Practice

Confidence in networking isn’t about never feeling nervous—it’s about learning to move forward despite the nerves. Every conversation you have builds experience and makes the next one easier.

The more you prepare, practice, and shift your mindset, the more natural networking will feel. So the next time you’re in a room full of strangers, take a deep breath, smile and remember: You’ve got this.

Avoid Miscommunication: Managing Your 'Resting Thinking Face' - Video

2025-12-11T10:00:00.001-05:00

https://youtu.be/KrTY9qp1rrE

4 Quick Ways to Improve Your Phone Communication Skills

2025-11-30T08:30:00.013-05:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC

While our communication has expanded to include video conferencing, phone calls remain a key tool for networking and professional conversations. It may feel "old-school," but phone calls can be just as effective—if you use your voice to its full advantage.

Here are four essential tactics to ensure you come across clearly and professionally on phone calls (and video calls with your camera turned off):

Speak Loudly and Clearly: Your voice is your only tool on a call, so make sure it’s strong and clear. Standing up while speaking can improve projection and give your voice more energy.

Smile: Yes, we can hear it. Your tone naturally changes when you smile, making you sound more engaged and positive. Standing and smiling also help ground your voice and keep your energy high.

Ensure a Reliable Connection: A poor headset connection or phone network can ruin a conversation. Test your phone line, headset or microphone in advance to ensure clear and consistent audio.

Assume the Mute Button Is Broken: Never say anything on a call that you wouldn’t want others to hear. Whether joining a meeting early or thinking you're on mute, always assume someone is listening—because they probably are.

By keeping these simple ideas in mind, you can make your phone networking and presentations more professional, engaging and effective.

The Power of Practice: Building Muscle Memory for Presentations

2025-11-25T16:28:00.018-05:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC

When it comes to presenting, there’s one thing that can always help improve your skills: practice.

Most of us practice less than we should—especially for high-stakes presentations. Practice is what separates a polished, confident presentation from one that feels uncertain or disorganized.

So, what should you practice? Focus on the key parts:

Your start and your end: What do you say first and what do you leave people with last?
Transitions: How do you move smoothly from point to point?

Reviewing your notes or flipping through your slides is not practice. Real practice means saying the words out loud in as close to the actual environment as possible.

Rather than trying to memorize your presentation word for word, practice to internalize it so you know it well and it becomes part of your muscle memory.

Think of it like learning to drive. At first, adjusting mirrors, checking blind spots and keeping both hands on the wheel feels awkward. But with time, it becomes automatic.

Presentations work the same way. The goal is to internalize your content through practice, so in the moment, you can focus on delivery, body language, logistics and, most importantly, connecting with your audience.

Practice also prepares you for the unexpected, especially if you’re handling questions as part of your presentation. For example, be ready for three kinds of tough questions:

The ones you don’t want to be asked.
The ones you don’t know the answer to.
The ones you know the answer to, but can’t share publicly.

Knowing in advance how to respond to these situations ensures you won’t look evasive or unprepared.

And if you’re presenting as part of a team, practice together. Decide who opens, who closes, who handles which content and how you’ll field questions. Coordinating ahead of time saves you from awkward surprises and helps you stay on schedule.

The goal of practice is not memorization—it’s muscle memory. With enough rehearsal, your presentation feels natural and effortless, allowing you to be present, confident and effective with your audience.

When clarity and communication really matter, some leaders choose a focused coaching intensive like the Clarity & Craft Intensive to think, practice, and move forward with intention.

The #1 Mistake Presenters Make: Not Practicing Enough - Video

2025-11-19T16:18:00.002-05:00

https://youtu.be/_xfaprWhNgc

Photos from WBDC's Women Rising Gala with Gilda as Emcee

2025-11-06T09:30:00.017-05:00

It was an honor to serve once again as Emcee for the Women's Business Development Council annual WomenRising Gala on October 24, with an audience of more than 650!

Congratulations to: Impact Award recipients Donna Murphy, Kristin Kallergis Rowland, Natalie Madeira Cofield & Gina Criscuolo, CPA, CCIFP; Patricia Billie Miller Award for Outstanding Community Service recipient Moraima Gutierrez and Women Rising Awardees: Kathleen Cofiell, Sasha Fay, Sarah Guercia, MA, ATR-BC, LPC (she/her/hers) Beth Iovinelli, BSN, RN, IBCLC Alison Burdick Reichard

Thanks to Governor Ned Lamont, Lieutenant Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Representative Jim Himes & Senator Blumenthal for their support of CT's women entrepreneurs.

And a big thank you to Fran Pastore and Women's Business Development Council for building a stronger, more vibrant future for women in business!

Photos courtesy of Aviva Maller

Breaking the Ice with Confidence: What to Ask When Networking

2025-10-28T12:18:00.006-04:00

by Gilda Bonanno LLC www.gildabonanno.com

Preparing thoughtful questions before a networking conversation can make all the difference. The right questions help you learn about someone’s career journey, uncover insights about their field and build a meaningful connection.

Ask About Their Career Path

I love to ask people how they got into their line of work. People enjoy sharing their stories, and their answers often reveal interesting and unexpected insights. Try questions like:

“What made you decide to become a scientist?”
“How did you get started in your field?”
“What inspired you to join this industry?”

One of my favorite examples comes from a client who was a periodontist. I asked him, “What made you decide to become a periodontist?”

He smiled and said, “When I was a kid, I had a friend whose dad was a periodontist. He worked from his home office and we’d hang out there. He had these models of teeth and jaws, and we’d play with them. He even showed us pictures from surgeries he had done. And I thought it was really fun and cool!”

That’s a great example of how childhood curiosity can turn into a lifelong career! These kinds of stories not only make conversations more engaging but also give you a glimpse into what truly motivates someone.

Learn About Their Work

If you’re curious about their current role or industry, try asking:

“What does a typical day look like for you?”
“What do you enjoy most about your job?”
“What are some of the biggest challenges in your field?”

For entrepreneurs, asking about their origin story can be particularly engaging:

“What inspired you to start this company?”
“What was the biggest hurdle you faced early on?”

Everyone has a story, and these questions invite them to share it.

Gain Insights on Company Culture

If you’re exploring career options, asking about their workplace can provide valuable insights:

“What’s the work environment like at your company?”
“How would you describe the culture there?”
“What do you think makes someone successful in your role?”

Be Curious, Not Interrogative

The key to great networking conversations is curiosity, not interrogation. Approach questions with genuine interest rather than as a checklist to get through. Let the conversation flow naturally and allow the other person to reveal as much—or as little—as they’re comfortable with.

A well-placed question can turn a simple introduction into a meaningful connection.

Gilda Bonanno's blog

Handling Q&A With Confidence: Turning Questions into Connection

Clarity Over Jargon: How to Communicate Complex Ideas Simply

A Super Bowl Lesson in Preparation: From Panic to Presence

What Driver’s Ed Taught Me About Practicing a Presentation

From Panic to Presence: The Power of a Pre-Game Ritual

What It Takes to Emcee a Live Event (And Lead a Room in Real Time) - WBDC's Women-Owned Business Day

Structuring in Real Time

Preparing Voices to Land

With the Accelerate Grant Pitch Competition winners,alongside the grant sponsor and WBDC leadership.

Managing the Unexpected

What Makes a Program Work

The What, Who, When, and Why of Leadership Presence

Public Speaking Fear? Drown Out That Negative Voice in Your Head (18th anniversary of my newsletter)

Gilda to Emcee WBDC's Women-Owned Business Day April 8 in Hartford

Women-Owned Business Day 2026

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 8, 2026

9:00am - 1:00pmLegislative Office Building, Hartford

Adapting Your Communication Style for Better Collaboration

The Transformation Mindset: Why How You Think Changes Everything

Rethinking Networking: Does the Word "Schmooze" Make You Cringe?

Gilda's 2025 Highlights - the Content You Loved Most

Online Application Open for The Campaign School at Yale 5-Day Summer Session June 2026

Astronomy and Cosmology Talk 1/27 Fairfield Public Library

Register for The Campaign School at Yale: The Basics, live online 1/24

Gilda Serves as Emcee for Westfair's Inaugural Hispanic Innovation Awards

Presenting Effectively: From Message to Impact

Overcoming Networking Anxiety: How to Connect with Confidence

Avoid Miscommunication: Managing Your 'Resting Thinking Face' - Video

4 Quick Ways to Improve Your Phone Communication Skills

The Power of Practice: Building Muscle Memory for Presentations

The #1 Mistake Presenters Make: Not Practicing Enough - Video

Photos from WBDC's Women Rising Gala with Gilda as Emcee

Breaking the Ice with Confidence: What to Ask When Networking

With the Accelerate Grant Pitch Competition winners,
alongside the grant sponsor and WBDC leadership.

9:00am - 1:00pm
Legislative Office Building, Hartford