Pitch skills aren’t just for public speakers and speeches: you need to be ready to pitch your ideas, products, services or business opportunity at a dinner party, in an elevator or during a meeting. Pitching yourself and your product is a MUST-HAVE skill for salespeople, entrepreneurs and small business owners. With practice – and some good solid pitch tips – anyone can learn and perfect solid pitch skills.
What Is A Pitch?
A pitch is a verbal presentation of your business plan, your product or service, your idea or concept, or yourself. A pitch can be short, such as an elevator which is typically 30-60 seconds, or longer such as a 5-10-30 minute pitch using visual aids, called a pitch deck.
Who Needs Pitch Skills?
A pitch can be a 1:1 impromptu opportunity that last seconds, or a scheduled formal presentation to a large or small group that lasts 30 minutes or longer. The key is advance planning and preparation so when the opportunity arises, you have your pitch ready to present at any given time. Pitch skills aren’t just for startups looking for investors; there are many different jobs, careers and roles where solid pitch skills and a clearly communicated message can lead to new opportunities:
- Salespeople: Sales presentation to sell a product or service to a potential customer
- Entrepreneurs: Present your startup idea to prospective investors
- Small Business Owners: Sell your products and services, collaboration opportunities and in social or networking environments
- Job Seekers: Everyone looking for a new job needs a prepared introduction and overview of their skills and availability
- College Students: Introduce yourself for potential internships, jobs and career opportunities
What Should be Covered in a Pitch?
Whether your pitch is 30 seconds or 30 minutes, there are 5 essentials that should be covered in every pitch:
1. A Compelling Story: People invest or buy from people. What is it about you and your story that makes people want to do business with you?
2. A Value Proposition: Clearly state who you are and what you do and why someone should want to do business with you.
3. A Solution to a Problem: How does your product, service or idea solve your client’s problem.
4. Social Proof: How can you validate your claims: Recommendations, testimonials, social shares, dollars invested, units sold?
5. CTA: What follow-up action do you want the person you’re speaking with to take: Schedule an interview? Buy your product? Invest in your idea?
Once you have all the elements of a successful pitch, you need to build your presentation skills so you can successfully deliver your presentation. Public speaking is a skill that salespeople, entrepreneurs and small business owners can practice and develop. Here are 23 public speaking tips from experts that you can practice until you perfect your pitch.
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23 Powerful Public Speaking Tips to Boost Your Pitch Skills
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