A great idea can easily be lost in translation when trying to pitch it to a superior. Effective communication is highly important to convey the idea in a way that allows the listener to perceive it the same way the pitcher does. How do you do that?
*Know Your Audience
Pitching an idea is going to be to provide additional information to a larger crowd. That idea has to get past whoever is deciding if it should live or not. Even if that person does not necessarily think the idea is very interesting, they may be able to identify with usefulness.
Who will be reading or hearing the final product? The pitch should include information about the audience and how it will benefit them. Another good angle to approach is how it will elevate the host of the information in the eyes of their audience. Establishing oneself as an authoritative entity on a topic requires a diverse body of work relating to the subject matter.
*Enthusiasm Sells
A person pitching an idea needs to have some excitement about the subject matter. If they cannot get excited about it, how are they ever going to get a superior or an audience excited about it? Enthusiasm helps to push an idea through a door because it shows others there is excitement and pride behind the idea.
Sure, it is hard to get excited about some obscure ideas that do not seem to matter in the major scheme of things. Whatever it takes to get excited about the idea will do wonders for selling it. Some writers opt to take a boring idea and build excitement on the personal challenge it presents. Be bound and determined to make that subject matter interesting to the reader.
*Research Before Pitching
Do some research before even bothering to pitch the idea. No one is going to listen to an individual that has plenty to say about a topic that has no basis in reality. By knowing why the pitch is a good idea, it will be easier to demonstrate that with additional details and bits of information. It is not necessary to do in-depth research before a pitch.
Another great point to keep in mind with preliminary research is finding out if there will be enough interesting subject matter to present. Creating content or information that is only partially useful and the rest fluff is a sure way to turn off the readers. In turn, that will tank the host’s credibility who will not be at all pleased that their efforts are being undermined.
*The Unique Angle
The best tool the pitcher has is themselves. Each person is unique with their voice and own interpretation of the idea. Present the idea from that unique point of view with supplemental information and enthusiasm. No one is interested in regurgitated information.
Terrific article Andy … another thought about pitches is that the most effective are wrapped in a story … facts may be important, but they are dry and unemotional.
Marquita,
I am always up for a great story! That is a good point to build the pitch with a story.
Andy