Content

What Is A Pitch?

Types Of Pitch

Why We Are Here?

Getting Started

Do’s And Don’ts

A pitch is a summary used to quickly and simply define or introduce a product, service or organization and its value

proposition.

What is a Pitch?

TYPES OF

PITCHElevator Pitch

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive

speech that you use to spark interest in

what your organization does. You can

also use them to create interest in a

project, idea, or product – or in yourself.

A good elevator pitch should last no

longer than a short elevator ride of 20 to

30 seconds, hence the name.

It should be interesting, memorable, and

concise. They also need to explain what

makes you – or your organization,

product, or idea – unique.

The Business plan pitch

Is a 10-20-minute talk in person, usually

enhanced by a slide presentation. The

goal of a business pitch is generally to

secure the resources and funding

necessary to move forward with

a business plan or to continue with an

already established venture or business

relationship. For us as a PR agency, a

pitch most times occur when we are trying

to secure new businesses or in the case

of Diageo, maintain an already existing

relationship by providing exciting ideas

based on a brief shared.

Memorize Your Pitch and Refine Your

Presentation

Some people believe that memorizing and practicing

their pitch will make them seem less authentic, but

this is not entirely true. If you are prepared, you can

focus on your audience, walk around and simply

enjoy the moment.

The best way to memorize your pitch is to break it

into chunks, where you will have the intro, important

points of your presentation and conclusion. As you

practice, give yourself the freedom to speak naturally

while remembering the core elements of your pitch.

Make sure to practice in a more conversational style,

because this will enable you to memorize the pitch

naturally and you won’t feel the kind of pressure you

would if you were merely reciting a written pitch word

STRAIGHT TO

BUSINESS1

Become a Storyteller

Storytelling is a proven way to

capture someone’s attention and

hold it. This is what can make your

pitch unforgettable. Prospective

client’s yawn when they see

someone approaching them with

valuations, spreadsheets and

numbers. We all love to hear a

good story, and the same goes for

those data-driven clients (keyword:

Good).

2

Make It Short

Timing is critical. Of course, depending on the environment, your

pitch length should vary. But generally, the shorter the pitch, the

better. Your brilliant idea will mean nothing if you cannot present it in

the time given to you.

Let’s take a look at a few important timing pointers:

If the client tells you that you have only a certain amount of time to

pitch your idea, your pitch should be at least 5 minutes shorter.

If you tell the client that your pitch will take only a certain amount of

time, it should take at least 1 minute less;

Talk at a steady pace, do not rush it, especially in the end;

If you are using slides, try not to get stuck on one for more than 3

minutes;

Giving them a short pitch is great, because if the clients are really

interested, they will ask you questions. And if not, you’ll be able to

move on and save both your time and theirs.

3

Feel Free To Be Enthusiastic

When pitching your ideas you want to

focus on impressing your clients, so don’t

hold back, and show them your wild

enthusiasm for your service or product.

They need to see that you are passionate

about it, because they know that this is

something that cannot be faked.

Consider increasing your energy levels,

but not too much, because both you and

the client need to feel comfortable. Don’t

think that being enthusiastic will diminish

your insight, professionalism,

sophistication and integrity – it can only

enhance all these things, so go wild (but

with caution).

4

Adopt Confident Body

Language

We are all a little bit nervous when

we find ourselves in stressful

situations. For instance, many

people sway, put their hands in their

pockets or make nervous

movements with their hands.

All of these things can easily

distract the clients and draw their

attention away from the things you

are saying. You need to become

aware of these habits and take

control over them. You can try

practicing in front of a mirror to

minimize them and become more

confident and compelling.

5

Look Your Best

As much as we don’t like to

think about it, we ALL judge

people by how they look. Most

people will agree that first

impressions are everything, so

don’t hold back on buying a

professional, polished outfit for

your pitch.

6

After you have been able to create a plan

that suits your clients needs and you have

been called to present your ideas, these

are the things you need to begin with.

GETTING

READY

Be yourself

Make an

impressive start

Take deep

breaths

Smile

Introduce

yourself

Who am I?

Why am I here?

What will I be

talking about?Yes, the presentation plan should be

flawless, but don’t underestimate the

importance of presentation and

communication when you’re meeting

clients.

Practice, Practice Practice

If possible arrive early

Check the projector

Audience sitting arrangement

Lighting and layouts

Take back ups; computer, flash drive

Never start with an apology

Keep simple and legible

Concentrate on the audience and not the

aid

Keep eye contact

Do not walk in front of the screen

Do’s and

Don’ts

Watch out for ‘err’s and ‘um’s

Control your hands

Avoid clicking pens, scratching or

any other distracting hand habits.

Don’t save the best for the last but

don’t end weakly.

Be interesting for the love of God

Choose to say only what keeps the

listener listening

Tell your audience something they

don’t know

Do’s and Don’ts (Cont’d)

Follow these tips and you will be sure that you are

stepping into your pitch with steak AND sizzle.