In our class
reading “Top Tips for Social Entrepreneurs: Pitch Perfect” the first tip is to
“practice, practice, practice.” Unfortunately, many people underestimate the
importance of practicing the pitch, perhaps reasoning that their deep
understanding of their venture will be enough to nail the presentation.
However, as someone who has taken improv classes for years, I’ve learned the
importance of rehearsal. Yes, I used improv and rehearsal in the same sentence.
Successful improv troupes practice together extensively before performing in
front of an audience. We, as audience members, see something that appears
organic and impromptu making the show relatable and funny. However, a lot of
work went into making it all look effortless. The same holds true for a social
venture pitch. The more you rehearse, the easier it will be for you to sound
authentic, as well as confident and smart.
This thinking is
highlighted in the Forbes article “The Only Way to Prepare to Give a Presentation,”[1]
which states, “Having everything down cold will make you a more confident
presenter. A confident presenter feels comfortable and comes across as
natural.” This article also elaborates on seven ways to perfect your
presentation, one of which is practicing in front of someone, as we did in
class. Going into the class presentation practice, I thought my pitch was
perfect. However, I learned that one phrase I used didn’t resonate well and
that I needed to add a few more statistics to get my point across.
We are so deeply
involved in our ventures that it’s difficult for us to look at them from the
viewpoint of someone unfamiliar. I like to think of it with a metaphor; when
you stand with your nose pressed to a painting, all you can see are blurred
colors, and only when you take many steps back can you see the whole picture.
Practicing a pitch in front of an audience has many benefits, one of which is
ensuring picture clarity, a clear narrative.
Another successful
tactic in both improv performances and social venture pitches is engaging the
audience. Improv is always a hit when an audience member is involved and asking questions of your audience works in the same way. This is because you are
breaking the fourth wall, a theater term referring to an invisible wall that
separates actors from the audience. However, this wall can just as easily exist
in a presentation if you don’t engage with your audience. (Looking and talking at people
does not mean engaging.) If you’ve been to an improv show, then you’ve probably seen
a performer ask an audience member for a suggestion or even bring someone up on
stage. Similarly, a great pitcher must call upon shared experiences and ask
questions to command attention from the audience. If you’re pitching to a large
group, this may be done by mentioning a universal scenario to think about or asking a rhetorical question. If
the group is small enough you may want to scratch the rhetorical and get an
answer to your question.
Check out some great startup pitches here for inspiration.[2]
In the first video “That's Suspicious Behavior, Launch Festival 2012,” the
presenter starts the presentation by asking the audience to raise their hands
if they’ve ever heard of Neighborhood Watch and keep them raised if they’ve used
it. This is excellent because it not only gets the audience engaged with the
presenter and topic but also with each other.
Improv is a
simultaneously rehearsed and organic, passionate performance that, when done
right, leaves an audience feeling excited, surprised, and energized. The same
can be true of your pitches if you utilize these tips.
What suggestions
do you have for making an excellent presentation? Have you ever thought you
were prepared for a presentation and froze in front of the room?
[1] "The Only Way To Prepare To Give A Presentation."
Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 19 June 2013. Web. 07 Apr. 2017.
<https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesleadershipforum/2013/06/19/the-only-way-to-prepare-to-give-a-presentation/#73dfccc6b84e>.
[2] Dickey, Megan Rose. "Here Are The Best Startup Pitches We've
Ever Seen." Business Insider. Business Insider, 14 Nov. 2012. Web. 07 Apr.
2017.
<http://www.businessinsider.com/the-best-startup-pitches-of-all-time-2012-11#thats-suspicious-behavior-launch-festival-2012-1>.
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