As previously stated, this past week I have been in NYC, attending the One Show. One competition I sat in on is the student client pitch presentation – watching these presentations was quite interesting because I realized how influential presentation and performance is on selling an idea to…well anyone really – a panel of judges, a boss, client, etc. As I watched the pitches, I took some notes on how to make or break a presentation. Enjoy:
- Ditch the notecards
- Don’t include inside jokes or anything that might make the audience or judges feel uncomfortable
- If you visuals aren’t aesthetically pleasing (ads, power point, videos, etc.), it doesn’t matter how brilliant your idea is
- “Uh” and “Um” = death
- Avoid lame endings at all costs
- Use hand gestures as you would in a day to day conversastion
- Be excited about your idea!
- Make sure you work off of your partner and be interested in what he/she has to say
- Engage the audience! Chances are they are not 1/2 as passionate about your work as you are
- Look professional
- HAVE FUN
- Don’t. Be. Awkward.
