How To Prepare For a Virtual Pitch
COVID 19 has impacted everything including in-person meetings around the world, pitch events, including the just concluded Social Innovators Boot Camp Pitch Competition. Everything is moving online.
Here are a few helpful reminders of how to get camera-ready for your virtual pitch. This is really important as it can affect the quality of your delivery so please bookmark and save this post.
1. Give your undivided attention: Please, try to being unprepared before you turn on the camera. Check everything a day before so on the day of your pitch, you just plug and roll. Pick a position and remain there for the duration of time you will be on camera and speak directly to the camera. This can be hard- I know. Avoid looking at your phone and if possible, LOCK the door to the room you are in to limit background noise.
2. Lighting and background: Here is a trick that works magic! Avoid sitting in front of a window. Instead, make sure the window is in front of you. You can also try a desk lamp aimed at your face. This helps to reduce shadows and enhance your overall appearance. Try to ensure that your background is simple and clean so that the view does not distract the audience from you and the content of your pitch.
See all the free information you are enjoying. Just imagine the content yo are set to get once you sign up to SO YOU WANT TO DO GOOD? Ok continue reading . I digress.
3. Connectivity: Plug your computer or device directly into your network by ethernet cord, if using one. I constantly leave my mobile hotspot on so I can switch if I have to. Close all other applications so as not to overwhelm your computer or device. This one can make or mar you ( picture your system going off due to hanging issues). If you live in a third world country like Nigeria where power outage is real, please turn on your generator and use that till the end of your presentation. . Make sure your device is fully charged and plugged in with the latest version of the browser or app you are using installed.
4. Audio: Utilize a microphone to enhance the audio quality. If available, utilize headphones to avoid echos. Try to avoid that long earpiece. I know its sold everywhere but please eh try the smaller earbuds, you look more polished.
5. What to wear: Avoid solid white shirts without a jacket, and bright colors, especially green, which can pull focus from your face and change your skin tone on camera. (I copied and pasted this one haha). Select colors that are near in value to your skin tone to keep the focus on your face. Loose patterns and muted color ties are good options. Try to avoid clothing, jewelry, or hairstyles that would interfere with your microphone.
As a final note, your pitch is a work in progress. Once you deliver your pitch, take stock of what worked and what didn’t, because it can always be improved and refined over time. Try out new approaches and techniques until you find your own perfect pitch.
Best of luck!
Follow us on Instagram HERE or join our newsletter HERE to be notified as soon as a new post is up.
Original post culled from MIT Solve