Pitching Your Idea

Overview

Do you need people to back your ideas? Whether it’s convincing your boss, acquiring support from colleagues or cash from investors, sometimes it all comes down to a single compelling proposition or pitch. Even when there is a lot at stake, the secret to a successful pitch is 10% presentation and 90% preparation.

In this Masterclass, you will learn how to engage your audience in a way that sets you up to succeed. You will explore ways to give your pitch a simple yet effective structure that will hold your audience’s attention and potentially influence their decision-making. You will develop a presentation style that is personalised and authentic and learn a few simple techniques to overcome anxieties related to public speaking.

The Masterclass is offered in two formats:

• Taster Session
• Masterclass

The Taster Session and the Masterclass are designed and delivered independently.

The Taster Session is designed to introduce you to the topic of developing and pitching ideas. It provides a unique opportunity to sample the material, ask questions and meet those involved in developing and delivering the Masterclass.

The Masterclass provides a comprehensive understanding of pitching design and delivery. It explores pitch design for different audience types. It introduces tools and techniques of visual communication and allows participants to reflect on their authentic voice and personal challenges when it comes to pitching.

Completion of the Taster Session is not a pre-requisite for Masterclass participation.

What are the Course Objectives?

On completion of the taster session, you will be able to:

• Understand pitch design and structure.
• Apply this understanding to a range of pitch types.

On completion of the taster session, a Certificate of Attendance will be provided. 

On completion of the masterclass, you will be able to:

• Structure your pitch to meet the needs of the audience.
• Pitch and deliver information using your authentic voice
• Reflect on your challenges with public speaking.

Upon completion of the masterclass, a Certificate of Completion will be provided.

What topics will you cover?

Taster Session (1 x 1-hour online workshop)

• The key features of a successful pitch;
• An overview of different pitch types and associated aims.

The Taster Session aims to provide you with:

• An insight into pitch design and structure;
• An appreciation for the range of pitch types to choose from.

On completion of the Taster Session, a Certificate of Attendance will be provided.

Masterclass (1 x 3-hour workshop)

• Audience profiles;
• Pitch types, related structures and styles;
• Visual communication for clarity and impact;
• Personal pitching styles.

On completion of the Masterclass, you will be able to:

• Structure your pitch to meet the needs of the audience: networking pitch, elevator pitch, formal pitch;
• Apply tools and techniques of visual communication;
• Reflect on pitching using your authentic voice;
• Reflect on your challenges with public speaking (i.e., nerves, stress).

On completion of the Masterclass, a Certificate of Completion will be provided.

Who is this Masterclass for?

This Masterclass is for anyone in business who needs to create a convincing argument that will persuade colleagues, managers, potential clients, investors or other key stakeholders to support their venture. It is relevant for intrapreneurs seeking to gain support for their business ideas from colleagues and organisational decision-makers. It is equally applicable to entrepreneurs and start-ups who need to pitch for investment.

Who Teaches the Masterclass?

Steve Rawling: Director, NewThinking.Tools

With more than 20 years’ experience as a TV journalist, Steve knows how to make his message work and now helps clients like Google, Roche, the BBC, and IDEO to tell better stories about their work. Steve has worked with media companies, designers, innovators, charities, start-ups and CEOs across Europe.

Steve helps people find the great stories that are sometimes buried beneath the business-speak. He helps them tell simple stories to connect with customers, staff and investors. He has told 20,000 stories in his career and he can help you to tell yours.

Time, Date, and Place

Taster Session: One 1-hour interactive online live webinar.

Masterclass: One 3-hour interactive online live webinar.

Attendees should have a computer with a microphone and video capability and are expected to participate in these interactive sessions.