Pitching is all about Captivating, Connecting , and Convincing.

Often misunderstood pitching isn’t just about selling a product or an idea; it’s about captivating the audience, connecting with them on a deeper level, and ultimately convincing them to take action.?

Whether we are wooing investors, courting clients, or simply sharing your vision, the essence remains the same?—?we want to entertain, amuse, and inform. We all aim for a pitch that leaves a lasting impression on our audience.?

Here are some key themes that I picked up from the one that made the difference versus the others that had less than desired impact:

1. It is always about who?—?the audience: ?

Me, My, I?—?What is in it for me? C’mon admit it, this is the fundamental for every being. There is always something that they are after. You need to understand the need or greed at speed, else you will be voted out.? ?

Entertain, Amuse, Inform: Ok I get what my audience wants but before the complex maths ( unless that is what they are wanting) or technical bits the audience wants to be entertained first, amused second, and informed last. A captivating hook sprinkled with some humor, and then a deep dive into the nitty-gritty details is what matters. ?

Tailoring the Pitch: Understand the needs, pain points, and interests of your audience. Customise the pitch to resonate on a personal level. Someone in prep grade may need to hear different stuff than a rocket scientist.?

2. Authenticity Trumps Pretence: ?

Be Yourself(everyone else is taken): Authenticity is magnetic. Can you fake it till you make it. You will know the difference. So will the audience. Pretending to know something opens the room of being caught out. Be genuine, transparent, and relatable unless you prefer to work in a very short transactional run.? ?

Value Their Time: Respect the fact that your audience is investing their precious time and energy in listening to you. Make it worth their while by delivering value-packed content.

3. Keep It Simple: ?

Avoid Overthinking: In today’s fast-paced world, we’re bombarded with information from all directions. Keep your pitch simple, concise, and easy to understand. We live in an attention economy- treat it with care. ?

Cut Through the Noise: Don’t overwhelm your audience with complex jargon or convoluted explanations. Simplifying the message to ensure clarity and comprehension is vital.

4. Embrace Rejection: ?

Define Your Target Market: Not everyone will resonate with your pitch, and that’s okay. Focus on connecting with those who align with your vision and values. I am sure you would have heard the Canva story that it took the founders 100 or so pitches to get going and if you ask them now, they still feel that they are just getting started.

Keep going, it is hard, if you have chosen the path sticking to it has its upside in the long run.? ?

It’s Not Personal: Rejection is inevitable in the world of pitching. Remember that a lack of resonance doesn’t diminish your worth or potential. Learn from feedback and keep refining your pitch.

5. Clarity is Key: ?

Speak Their Language ( literally and contextually): Tailor your pitch to suit the comprehension level of your audience. Use layman’s terms and relatable examples to ensure clarity. ?

Location, Timing, Relevance: Consider the context in which you’re pitching. Adapt your message to fit the situation, ensuring that it’s timely and relevant to your audience.

6. Harness the Power of Energy: ?

Be Infectious: Your energy sets the tone for your pitch. Infuse enthusiasm, passion, and positivity into your delivery to captivate your audience. Everything else can be replaced but energy, passion, and enthusiasm are intrinsic.? ?

Create Momentum: Momentum is key to keeping your audience engaged from start to finish. Maintain a dynamic pace, utilising pauses, gestures, and vocal variation to command attention.

Pitching isn’t just about presenting information; it’s about creating an unforgettable experience for your audience.?

It is the art of captivating storytelling, embracing authenticity, simplifying your message, embracing rejection, prioritising clarity, and harnessing the power of energy, you can elevate your pitching game and leave a lasting impression on everyone you encounter.?

So, go forth, dazzle your audience, and watch as your ideas soar to new heights!

#PersonalGrowth #Pitching #Winning

? Sameer Babbar

[email protected]

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Disclaimer: This is for information only. It does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. The author, his company, his associates, his directors, his staff, his consultants, and his advisors do not accept liability for any loss or damage, including, without limitation, any loss that may arise directly or indirectly from the use of or reliance on the information provided