Preparing to Pitch
Marta Steele
2
We are judged on
how we look, how we sound and what we say.
3
2 Areas of Focus
1. Nervousness 2. Strong physical skills
(how you look and sound)
4Intro
Coping With
Nervousness
Talk #1
Physical Skills
Talk #2
Wrap Up
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Symptoms of
Nervousness?
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Tips for Coping With Nervousness
Know Your Material
Know Your Audience
Arrive Early
Build Rapport
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Tips for Coping With Nervousness
Eliminate Distractions
Practice the Power Pose
Breathe
Watch the caffeine
Channel the energy up, not down
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Let’s Practice:
Talk #1 – Introduce Yourself
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Introduce yourself – 45 seconds
Video in back
Feedback (from you, me, all of us)
o 1 thing that went well
o 1 thing that could be improved
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Watch and Listen for …
EyesVoiceFeet/LegsPostureMovementGestureEnergy
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“Physical Skills”
Eye Contact
Voice
Stance and Posture
Arms and Gestures
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What are common eye contact
issues?
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Eye Contact
Hold for 5 seconds or … one complete thought
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What are common vocal problems?
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Voice
Image credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22651740@N00/2966490322/
Project to the farthest corners of the room
Slow down
Articulate
Vary your inflection
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What are common problems you notice
with posture and legs?
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Stance and Posture
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Take Up Space
This is not a “power pose”
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What should you do with your arms!?
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Arms and Gestures
BIG gestures
above the waistArms down by side, loose
and easy
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Let’s Practice:
Talk #2 – Your Company
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Introduce your company – 1 minute
Video in back
Feedback (from you, me, all of us)
o 1 thing that went well
o 1 thing that could be improved
25
Watch and Listen for …
EyesVoiceFeet/LegsPostureMovementGestureEnergy
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Where do you go from here?
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