Your audience is everything
Knowing your audience is crucial. Each setting comes with its own set of expectations, cultural norms, and professional standards. It’s not just what you’re saying that’s important but how you’re saying it. Before you dive in then, you need to read the room.
Exercise: Role-Playing Your Pitch
It’s role-play time. Your going to adapt and present your pitch in three quite different scenarios, but remember, it’s not about changing who you are to fit the situation; it’s about effectively communicating your authentic self to different audiences.
1) Pitching to a Business Team: Focus on how your idea aligns with the business objectives and how it can solve a particular problem or seize an opportunity. Get to the point and make it compelling.
2) Pitching at a Networking Event: A more laid-back setting allows you to be less formal but no less passionate. Bring your unique story into play, and focus a bit more on your interests and less on technical jargon.
3) Pitching to Family and Friends: These are the people who know you well. This is a great setting to focus on the personal milestones and life lessons that led you to this big idea. You can be your most authentic – and perhaps, most emotional – self here.