Best Practice Presentation and Pitching Skills for Media, Creatives, Designers and Agencies

Introduction:

Getting new business is a constant and never-ending process. From the moments you are given to make your pitch the job is yours to lose. If they've agreed to see you, then they must be attracted to something you have. To create the very best pitch, you need to be able to create two-way empathetic communication; giving them an actual experience of what working with you would be like (not just another PowerPoint slide).

Work out what you need to ask them, not just prepare for what you're going to tell them; spice up your pitch presentation so they are eager to ask questions. You can have a great team, with experience and knowledge in depth, but if your Presentation and Pitching Skills are not doing justice to the talent involved, it's time to call in the experts!

Course Aim:

This presentation skills for pitching course will help you transform electronic presentations from sleep-inducing slide shows into dynamic two way communications that keep audiences involved and tuned in, focuses on your key messages and most importantly helps you to win the business!

Course Objectives:

By the end of the course you will be able to:

· Describe how to plan and prepare the most effective presentation

· Explain how to structure an effective presentation and alternatives to Powerpoint

· List the advantages and disadvantages of visual aids and choose and use appropriate visual aids to add to the message

· Describe the different needs across your audience

· Understand the need for clear interactive communication

Describe how to deal confidently and competently with difficult people and awkward moments

Develop and demonstrate how to give an effective presentation and gain audience commitment

· Overcome nervousness and anxiety

· Establish credibility and interest

Course Content:

Day 1:

· Course Introductions

· Delegates deliver initial pre-prepared presentations

· Initial feedback and direction

· Presentation Theory:

o Deciding the objective of the presentation

o Who is in the audience and what are their needs?

o 'Learning styles' and how they can help make your presentations more effective

o Left and right brain indicators and how to satisfy both

o Utilising brain-friendly learning in your presentation design

o Planning and preparing the content of your presentation using the scalar diagrams, brainstorming and mind mapping

o Scope and sequencing your presentation

o Structuring the presentation using the three-stage and linking process

o Assessing the best delivery medium

o Different types of visual aids – advantages and disadvantages

o How to use visual aids effectively

o Powerpoint

o Prezzi

· Handouts and how to design them

· Closing the presentation in a positive way

· Dealing with difficult people and situations

· How to use notes and prompts effectively

· Dealing with questions

· Preparing yourself to deliver the presentation

o Vocal emphasis

o Visual impact

o Positioning

o Practice

o Assertiveness and self confidence

o Effective communication

o Attitudes and beliefs

· Preparation for final work related presentations

Evening work – Preparation for final presentation

Day 2:

· Giving and receiving effective feedback

· Final work-related presentations and feedback

Action Planning

Participants will review their learning and establish an action plan to put the learning into practice. They will establish timescales and what support they require as well as what they envisage as being their initial steps

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:

Before attending this course delegates will be expected to have prepared a 5 min presentation on any subject of their choice – which is to be presented on Day One.

During the course they will have to work on a further work related presentation, therefore some evening work will be required.

If possible delegates should bring their own laptop to the course, this is not an essential requirement but will be useful if possible.