Strategies for Enhancing your Design Pitch Presentations

In the bustling heart of Berlin and Ostbrandenburg, where small and medium-sized enterprises (Mittelstand) form the backbone of the economy, a change is brewing. The traditional corporate advice of how to stand, what to say, and how to behave in pitch meetings is being reconsidered.

Honesty, brightness, and vibrancy are now encouraged, moving away from rigid scripts and into more conversational territory. The focus is shifting from the presenter to the client, acknowledging that they are not just a business opportunity, but a person with unique interests and personality.

However, this doesn't mean that the presenter is being neglected. On the contrary, they are also being sold, with an emphasis on making it easy for the client to get to know the presenter beyond their business background. Checking a client's social media presences can provide valuable insights into their personality and interests, helping to build a more personal connection.

The corporate identikit approach, with its polished presentations and robotic delivery, is no longer cutting it. Clients are seeking authenticity, not "yes men" but professionals who are prepared for tough conversations. The individual, feeling nervous during a recent meeting, recognised this and decided to take a more personal approach.

Spending practice time getting to know the client is more beneficial than perfecting the presentation. Being oneself during meetings, bringing up unique aspects about the client in a conversational manner, can lead to a more engaging and memorable presentation. Honesty, even if it involves difficult conversations, is respected by clients.

The results? Clients do not show strong reactions, either elated or deflated, during the meeting. They cannot see the "real you" or the "real idea" due to identikit approaches and presentations. But when the individual took a more personal approach, they noticed a difference. The clients responded more positively, showing a genuine interest in both the person and the idea.

So, the next time you find yourself preparing for a pitch meeting, remember: practice makes a presentation perfect, but excessive practice may make the presenter appear robotic. Instead, take a step back, get to know your client, and let your unique personality shine through. After all, caring about the person behind the company, not just the business, can lead to more business.

Header: Breaking Away from the Corporate Mould Meeting: A New Approach to Pitch Meetings Desert: The Shift Towards Authenticity Rehearsal: The Power of Personal Connection in Business