When perfected, your 1-minute pitch will be like a magnet to others drawing them in to want to do business with you.
At Networking meetings you may get opportunities to speak for anything from 20 seconds to 15 minutes. You need to be ready covering all the important points and saying enough without saying too much, creating interest, desire and action.
1. Begin With The End In Mind.
Decide what you what to achieve from your presentation. In other words what’s your objective of speaking to others? Be specific with your objective so you know how you are going to achieve your end goal
“All know the way; few actually walk it.” ~ Bodhidharma
2. Grab Attention.
Think of your opening statement like the headline in an advert or beginning of a television / radio programme. Use it to capture the attention of your audience, it can also provide the essence of what your message is about.
“Speakers who talk about what life has taught them never fail to keep the attention of their listeners.” ~ Dale Carnegie
3. Know Who’s Listening.
Know who your audience is going to be so you can suitably modify your presentation for maximum attention. You can then make your presentation relevant and appropriate to engage your listeners in what you’re offering.
“Make sure you have finished speaking before your audience has finished listening” ~ Dorothy Sarnoff
4. What’s Your Point?
How many adverts or presentations have you experienced where you are left wondering ‘what was that about?’ Your core message should be communicated clearly and effectively during your presentation so your audience are not left wondering what you’re talking about.
Nerves, lack of preparation and inexperience can all hinder your efforts to get your point across. What do you want people to remember about your product or service? And you want to be remembered for the right reasons so make sure your presentation conveys a memorable and relevant message.
“Think before you speak. You might need to remember what you said.” ~ Rain Bojangles
5. Benefits, Not Features.
Many presentations focus on the features of the product or service being offered. A feature is only a small percentage of your audiences’ interest. Ever tune into WII FM? No not a radio station, it’s your audience asking themselves “What’s In It For Me?”
So tell them. Keep your audience’s interest by communicating exactly how your product or service will benefit them. Will it save them money or time? Will it solve a problem for them? Etc.
And of course the reasons why your product or service is the best choice for your audience.
“A good advertisement is one which sells the product without drawing attention to itself." ~ David Ogilvy
6. Delivery.
If you have a great product or service to benefit your audience then you’ll want to ensure you can deliver the message accurately.
Speak with passion, energy and conviction. Remember you’ve got to convince your listeners why they should take action and go to the next stage of the process.
Practise your presentation in front of a mirror, in front of colleagues and even record or film it. It might make you cringe but better to get it wrong behind closed doors than to rehearse on your audience and lose business!
Perfect a good speaking voice, with a calm, natural pace. Vary your pitch and use suitable volume for the size of the room you are presenting in.
Breathe and smile to promote control and softness to your audience. And never underestimate the power of a pause.
“Well-timed silence hath more eloquence than speech”. ~Martin Farquhar Tupper
7. Action.
What action do you want your audience to take next? Be clear, specific and make it as easy as possible for them, repeat it if appropriate just in case they didn’t catch the instruction the first time.
Offer a timely discount or free gift for anyone that acts within that period to increase response and create a feeling of scarcity for your product or service if they don’t act soon.
“People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do.” ~ Lewis Cass
Finally give your audience something they can take away with them. An inspiring quote, a thought provoking comment or just a motivational ending to your speech.
Your words will be remembered far longer than you realise. The ending of your presentation is as important as your beginning and middle. Make it memorable to echo around the minds of your audience for lasting success and recognition.
You want to leave your audience with the thought that when they need what you’re offering – yours is the only one they think of.
Best wishes for perfecting your 1-minute pitch!
“The best way to make a good speech is to have a good beginning and a good ending - and have them close together” ~ unknown
