Francois CIVETTA and Solène DEL VECCHIO, M1 Business Management Track, share their insights on how the Pitch Academy improved their proficiency in public speaking and offer some winning tips to help you stand out from the crowd.
Written on 09 January 2018.
Pitch Academy is a core module offered in the Master in Management (MiM), Business Management track to help students discover, develop and hone their pitching skills. The course gives studentents hands-on experience and real-time feedback in presenting their ideas to key decision makers.
The semester long competition culminates in a grand finale event where 12 students compete to persuade the judges that their idea is the most convincing. This year the Pitch Academy was sponsored by Sapient Razorfish, and judged by Xavier BUREAU, Deputy General Manager of Sapient Razorfish. Students delivered their three-minute pitches around the theme: How to explain digital transformation to your grandmother.
Photo by Frank Vessia on Unsplash
Rehearse, rehearse, rehearse, this will never be said enough. Do not hesitate to change the script as you see fit, in order to make it even more audience-oriented. Finally, and that most certainly is the most difficult part to reach: let it go and abandon yourself. Being able to loosen up is essential. I believe when making a pitch, you should become comfortable giving of yourself and being vulnerable.
It takes confidence to accept that people might judge you. It is important to remain oneself no matter what. Expressing your authentic self allows the fear of judgement to disappear and frees you to focus your energy on poise, rhythm and eye contact with the audience.