On Monday, January 30th we had our first E-pitch presentation. Public speaking has never been a strong point or activity I'm fond of. Actually, I try to avoid it as much as possible. The E-pitch is a different kind of animal however, a sort of one on one public speaking, without the script. Just by not having the E-pitch in the public speaking category makes it less intimidating, although neither are easy. Watching the replay of myself stumbling at times, and doing better in others really makes me want to prefect the art. The power of being persuasive to a marketer's career has to be crucial. That time in the "elevator" could really change a career for the better and that moment could come at any time. I wish I had known about the concept in general when working at a small bank. It could have made my ideas for their loan marketing program much more persuasive and concrete. I can remember leaving out parts of my ideas for a classic car loan option that I really wanted to include when meeting with executive staff. Had I known about E-pitches, it could have gone better.
Doing the exercise in class I believe was more beneficial to the idea of selling an idea and being confident about it than memorizing and delivering. Although under pressure I had trouble with both, the later attempt seemed to be much better in body language. I hope that means I'm getting better, although saying to myself, "it's not a huge deal" may help with the anxiety. I could see this actually helping out in real life, and that's why I have no problem putting myself through the misery. I've got to get comfortable at it sometime!
I completely agree with the fact that I wish this topic would have come up earlier in our marketing classes at St. Mike's. It seems simple on the surface, but I think we have all realized that it's certainly a challenge to be able to put what you know into action. In other words, it's easy to know what makes a good pitch, but actually writing and articulating the final product is harder than it seems. For example, I personally was having trouble evaluating what was too much detail. Especially about a topic like maple syrup, the smell of an old book, and a bonfire - it seems hard to sort out what is too little info. and what is overboard. But overall I think that everyone will be better prepared next time and our nerves will calm a little. It was a great learning experience!
ReplyDeleteI felt that actually being in the classroom and saying the e-pitch to our professor was the hardest part. The change of scene's made me feel less comfortable and made it hard for me to remember my speech. Hopefully as the year goes on I learn how to figure this out.
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