Take Advice from Experts, not Acquaintances!

Why does everybody think they’re a presentation coach?
Just think about it! 
Look at your own life.

Remember your parents’ advice: stand up straight, speak slower, do not mumble, and be sure to have eye contact. Perhaps you now pass that ‘sage’ advice to your children and work colleagues.

I was at a pitch event recently, and the three people who spoke had good business ideas.

However, after the event, when talking to people in the network part of the evening, people who knew me and what I do wanted to share their comments and thoughts about the speaker’s presentation style.

Their Comments:

The entrepreneurs spoke too quickly. They spent too much time talking to their slides with their backs to the audience, particularly the judges. Spoke too softly etc.; you know the drill.

Nobody spoke to me about the excellent business ideas, some of which already have significant sales.

Why does everybody think they can do my job? 

I just wanted to get that issue off my chest. Now, let’s focus on you and provide some advice when presenting.

Where do we start?

Bring your audience back into the room; often, they may be in the room but not engaged.

Audience: preparation

We start with the audience: who are they?

Be sure to research your audience in advance on LinkedIn their websites. If all else fails, ask somebody who knows them. In particular, research the judges when presenting at a pitch event.

Problem:

People will pay to have their problems solved, but you must demonstrate a depth of knowledge of their issues. The best way to do this is by telling a problem story demonstrating your expertise/experience in your chosen marketplace.

Here is how Diarmuid O’ Muirghesa, a schoolteacher and CEO of Olus Education, did that on the night:

Open:

His Opening remarks:

“We are all told young people are digital natives, isn’t that what we all think?

Diarmuid says young people do not even have keyboard skills, never mind the ability to code or be creative on their computer.”

He got my attention and interest. Did he get yours?

A Pitch needs to cover all the following:

The Problem / The Market / The Team / The Solution and several other topics.

However, you are unlikely to reengage people later unless you get your audience’s attention immediately.

P.S.

Talk to acquaintances or friendly faces in your audience, it will put you at ease and increase audience engagement.

By Executive Coach Andrew Keogh of Aristo.ie