I NEED HELP TODAY!

You have a pitch this afternoon? You don’t have time for the Rookies Checklist! — just  some very quick tips to get it right.

Congratulations! Someone important wants to know what’s in your head. You must be doing something right.

The temptation might be to panic. But to paraphrase the posters: Stay Calm And See This For The Opportunity It Is.

Today we are going to make the most of your opportunity by keeping it simple and getting you walking before you run.

Do this:

1. First, make sure you clearly understand why you are being asked to pitch and what perspective you are meant to bring. Ask the questions you need for clarity. Don’t email. You don’t have time for that. Call, or make contact in person. 

Then:

2. When preparing and pitch, stick to what you know. That’s what got you here in the first place. Now’s not the time to try and learn new things or find some new expertise. Going into unfamiliar territory increases your risk of rambling, umming and aahhing, losing your train of thought and taking you out of your depth. Don’t go there.

Staying with what you know gives you your best chance of being yourself. You will be seen as trustworthy and it will keep you confident.

3. Before your pitch, make the time to establish the key take-out you want your audience to leave with — the promise that fulfils their needs. Commit this to memory and rehearse it.

State it up front and then restate it at the end of your pitch. And do so with the fire in your belly that got you into the room. A focused, compelling delivery will ooze competence.

4. Support your key point with believable evidence. Don’t include any information that doesn’t prove your point — it gives minds reason to wander. This shows you to be organised and considered.

Trustworthy, confident, competent, organised and considered. That’s an impressive first outing! 

Finally:

5. Rehearse what you are going to say. Anticipate questions and prepare answers for them, just in case. And rehearse those, too.

Leave the fancy creative openings, bells and whistles for another time. Your first outing is about substance, not sizzle.

Do this and your mature, organised thinking and composure will make your first pitch compelling for your audience and enjoyable for you.

Happy pitching!