Pitching Series: Stand and Deliver

So, you’ve written the perfect pitch.  You’ve practiced until you’ve got it memorized.  So you’re done right?  Not quite.  When we speak we use different tones, inflections, gestures.  It’s important to incorporate all of that into your pitch.  No one wants to listen to someone recite something from memory in a monotone voice, with their arms glued to their sides.  Practice your tone inflections and gestures.  Remember to speak slowly.  The rate that you should speak will feel too slow to you, but will be just right for your listener.  Nervous?  Don’t worry, no one else can hear your heart pounding, they can’t see if you are shaking, and they won’t mind if you pause once in awhile to catch your breath.  Breathing while pitching is important–it will help you keep a good pace.  Also, pay attention to your audience.  If they laugh at a joke, then pause, let them laugh, and then continue.  Don’t try and talk over them.  So, now that you’ve practiced with your tone and gestures, you are now read to stand and deliver your well practiced pitch.