10 Public Speaking Strategies for New College Graduates

by Gilda Bonanno

Congratulations on graduating from college! As you enter the workforce, you’ll quickly discover that strong presentation and communication skills are essential for success, whether you’re working in person, remotely or in a hybrid environment.  Below are 10 practical strategies to help you speak confidently and make a positive impression in your new professional environment.

  1. Make Eye Contact
     In Western business culture, maintaining appropriate eye contact conveys respect and confidence—no matter who you’re speaking to, whether it’s a CEO or a fellow team member.
  2. Be Concise
    Have a clear message and get straight to the point. Share the information your audience needs, rather than everything you know. This shows respect for their time and keeps them engaged.
  3. Avoid Filler Words
    Overuse of words such as “like,” “you know,” or “um” can dilute your message and make you sound like you’re not confident. Pause for a moment instead of filling the silence with unnecessary words. Clear, concise communication is more persuasive.
  4. Eliminate “Up Talk”
    When every statement sounds like a question (“uptalk”), you can come across as uncertain. Practice making statements with a firm, steady tone to project confidence.
  5. Skip the Preamble
    Phrases such as “this may be a stupid idea” or “I’m not sure if this is right” only undermine your credibility. While it’s important to be open to feedback—especially as you’re gaining experience—state your ideas directly and respectfully.
  6. Learn the Communication Culture
    Observe how people in your organization typically share information. Do they rely on numbers, bullet points, stories or visuals? Understand and adapt to these norms before deciding to challenge or change them.
  7. Manage Your Nerves
    Feeling jittery is natural. Take slow, deep breaths before and during your presentation to steady your voice and avoid fidgeting.  Calm body language will help you appear more confident.
  8. Speak Up in Meetings
    Asking insightful questions or contributing thoughtful comments can help build your professional reputation. This is especially important for those who don’t regularly see your day-to-day work—your voice in meetings may be the primary way they get to know you.
  9. Use a Clear, Strong Voice
    Make sure you’re speaking loudly and clearly enough to be easily understood. Enunciate your words, which is critical especially in virtual settings where audio quality may be less than ideal.
  10. Practice & Get a Coach
    Don’t let fear or inexperience hold you back. Like professional athletes who constantly refine their skills with a coach, you can benefit from targeted feedback and guidance to improve your public speaking.

Presentation and communication skills are exactly that—skills—which means they can be learned and improved with practice, feedback and dedication. By applying these strategies consistently, you’ll not only become more comfortable speaking in front of others but also position yourself for ongoing professional growth and success.

 

© 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