At the just ended Women in STEM conference, there was a pitching session coordinated by Mr. Ayuk Etta of Mountain Hub. The participants were shared in groups and asked to come up with an idea that has a problem and use an app to create a product that brings solution to this identified problem, and the winning team would receive a prize of 50,000FCFA.It was a very beautiful exercise. But here’s what broke my heart: I realized most of the groups had amazing ideas but couldn’t pitch them right.Most of them became frightened when asked a question from the coordinators.I could sense they lacked public speaking and communication skills.You see, Every niche or sphere including Science, Technology, Engineering/Entrepreneurship and Mathematics(STEM)needs the art of public speaking and effective communication….You may say, after all I have the product and I can do the job ,why do I need to learn public speaking/effective communication? You could be in the same position as one of those participants presenting a product, a solution that will earn you millions but your inability to pitch right may make you lose it..When you’re asked to pitch a product, there are different things you should do and must have. Confidence is your foundation – its not just about feeling good, but believing in your solution so deeply that your conviction becomes contagious. When you truly believe in yourself and see yourself presenting rightly, that belief radiates through your voice, your posture, and your presence.The first 20 seconds of your pitch determines if you will capture the hearts of your buyer, audience, or not.Also, You need to master using a hook statement that makes people lean forward, not lean back.You must present a compelling hook that resonates immediately, hint at your unique product, create an emotional connection, and make them think “tell me more.” Your Presentation Introduction, body and closing all matter.Your ideas deserve to be heard But you must build the bridge between your product and your audience’s understanding. What’s your biggest challenge when it comes to pitching your ideas? Share in the comment sectionP.S; My book “Speak to Inspire – Understanding the art of Speaking and commanding the stage” is still available as hardcopy and on selar through the link
https://selar.com/1070391klw
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