Your nerves are off the charts.
Palms are sweaty, stomach churning.
It’s your turn to speak and you black out.
Sound familiar? Welp, keep reading...
Whether it’s a campaign unveiling or a new biz pitch, presenting is just as important as the idea itself. I might be one of those rare creatures who likes pitching. Sure, it’s stressful—but it can also be exciting. With a few solid tips, it doesn't have to be terrifying. Here are 7 ways to nail your pitch.
TIP 1: Know your audience.
Do your homework. Don’t assume everyone in the room knows the backstory. Set up the situation and align on the problem you’re solving. This “pre-sell” makes your audience more open before you even start.
Also, dig into who’s attending. Can’t talk to them in advance? Check their LinkedIn, read press releases—understand what keeps them up at night. Virtual perusing encouraged.
TIP 2: Start with a hook.
The first 90 seconds is gold. Avoid snooze-fest openings like “We’re excited to be here.” I just yawned while writing that. Instead, pause and make eye contact with every person in that room. (Uh-oh, I just felt you get uncomfortable.) Dive straight into something meaningful. Tell a story or start with an interesting point about their business (not yours), then build from there. A few suggested openers
Share a sharp insight about their customer they haven’t heard before.
Drop a jaw-dropping stat
My personal favorite is to tell a heartfelt story about the brand you’re pitching—and tie it back to a real-life human.
TIP 3: Clarity is kindness.
Explain your concepts in plain language. Avoid jargon or “fluff.” Encourage your audience to ask questions throughout the presentation; check in with them every now and then as you go to ensure they’re following. Keep it simple and focus on the strongest elements to sell the idea.
TIP 4: Use visuals wisely.
A picture is worth a thousand words and in a pitch this couldn’t be more true. Use visuals to illustrate your points instead of relying on text-heavy slides. Images, infographics and videos can convey complex ideas quickly and memorably. Plus, they make your presentation more engaging. Remember, slides should support your talk track, not replace it. Consider each slide as a billboard—simple, striking and easy to understand. Visuals should complement your narrative, not overwhelm it.
TIP 5: All the feels.
People might forget the details of your presentation but they’ll definitely remember how you made them feel. Focus on connecting emotionally—tell stories, share personal experiences and toss in some humor. If you make a mistake, own it, crack a joke and move on. Being “human” is one of the fastest ways to establish trust. If you’re excited, show it. Passion is infectious and can turn a forgettable pitch into a winning one.
Never, ever read a script or slide. Talk like you’re having a conversation, make eye contact and get your audience involved. Nothing beats an in-person presentation—it’s worth the investment and will make a lasting impression. If this isn’t an option, be sure to acknowledge everyone on the screen and encourage questions or participation. Being real not only makes your presentation more engaging but also more convincing.
TIP 6: Practice, practice, practice.
I can already feel the eye rolls but the more you rehearse, the more confident and natural you will come off. Practice in front of a mirror, record yourself or present to your dog. Familiarize yourself with the flow of your presentation and anticipate potential questions. This is even more crucial as a group. You should know each and every part as well as your own. Ask yourself, if the power went out in the middle of the presentation or if someone was abducted by aliens the night before the pitch, could I still do it? Anyone who is going to be in the room pitching needs to be a part of the rehearsal. Yep, even the CEO.
TIP 7: End with a bang.
As you approach the unveiling of your creative idea, build up to it with a bit-o-drama. Explain your thought process and how you arrived at the final concept. This narrative not only adds suspense but also helps the audience understand the depth and potential of your idea. End with a powerful story or an emotional connection that ties everything together. Make them laugh or cry.
Hot Tip: If you don’t use up the whole time slotted for the presentation, don’t worry! Turn it into a conversation about their business or give them an extra 20 minutes back into their day. No one in the history of time has ever complained about a shorter meeting.
And if you remember one single thing from this piece, be yourself. I personally use a fair amount of hand gesturing when presenting (thank you, Italian heritage). I’ve seen others command a room with how they deliver stories. Presenting ideas is about more than just showcasing your work; it’s about selling your vision—and making it feel authentic to your style. By understanding your audience, capturing attention early, using visuals effectively, connecting emotionally and practicing relentlessly, you can deliver a presentation that informs AND inspires. Remember, the passion you bring to your ideas can be the ultimate tiebreaker. Who knows? You may even learn to enjoy pitching, too.
Recommended resources:
“Art of the Pitch” by Peter Coughter
“How to suck less as a presenter” by Luke Sullivan
