http://sunsationalhomeimprovement.com/little-bit-us/ What is a pitch? 

It’s a very short presentation describing your idea to potential supporters/stakholders to get them to be interested in or care about what you’re doing. Usually a pitch is delivered in person, but gathering these details will also work for written communication.

telephonically Get Started:

If you’re fundraising for an organization and/or raising awareness about a cause or a concern in your community, your pitch should ultimately answer these questions:

Why is the organization or cause important?

Why should someone care about this cause or problem?

What does the organization I’m supporting do?

Why should someone join or give to this effort?

How can someone join or give to this effort?

1. Practice Telling Others:

  • About Your Efforts (Who, Where, When)
  • About the Organization or Cause or Issue You’re Advocating For or Supporting (Why)
  • About Your Awareness Building and/or Fundraising Strategy (How)
  • About What They Can Do to Help (What)
  • Thanking Your Supporters/Parents/Sponsors

2. Know Your Details:

  • My organization is a non-profit that supports (details here), by doing (details here) 
  • My cause/concern/ issue is (details here) and I feel passionate about it because (details here)
  • More intel on my organization can be found here: organization website and/or link to promo
  • More intel about the issue I’m trying to solve can be found here: link to relevant information

3. Know Your Audience:

  • Know who you’re speaking to and tailor your message to fit
  • Message length can vary from very short on  Twitter to a speech for a larger audience

4. For Pitch Delivery:

  • BE YOU, BE NATURAL
  • Show your passion
  • Keep it short and simple
  • Smile
  • Breathe
  • Make eye contact
  • Use humor whenever possible
  • Tell stories whenever possible
  • Use visuals whenever possible
  • Remember that you rock!!!
  • Finish with a Call To Action about what you want them to do next or what’s happening next
  • If you’re unsure about answers to questions that come up, no worries. Direct people to another source or tell them who could be helpful. Let them know you’ll be back soon with correct information.

TOP TIPS (ESPECIALLY IF YOU’RE NERVOUS):

  1. Accept that being nervous is not a bad thing. Good news is that nervousness produces adrenaline which will help you think faster and speak with enthusiasm.  
  2. Don’t try to be perfect. Instead think of just being yourself. 
  3. Know your details inside and out. This will help with your confidence when it comes time to speak.
  4. Engage your audience. Ask questions and have them participate in an activity to hold their attention. 
  5. Breathe. Obviously, you need to do this. Take a few purposeful, slow breaths and tell yourself “I’ve got this and I am relaxed.” 
  6. Visualize your success. Imagine your speech from start to finish and picture what you and your audience will look like as you go. 
  7. Practice out loud. Best way to reduce anxiety is to hear yourself saying the words. Doing it for a friend or family member is even better.
  8. Make eye contact. Looking at your audience is tough if you’re nervous. Before you start, find friendly faces to focus on. If you give them a smile, you’re likely to get one in return!  

 

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