Pitch Writing Resources and Exercises 2/14

Pitches, in the context we’re talking about them, are quick, flexible summaries of a program, initiative, etc. 

What can pitches do?

1. 1. They can be presented to multiple audiences 
   2. They are usually meant to be flexible in length so you can adjust them from a 2 minute pitch to a 15 minute pitch or longer
   3. They may need to be presented by more than one person (so they shouldn’t be dependent upon one person’s personality or knowledge if possible)
   4. They need to introduce the issue, introduce your program as a solution to a problem, and explain anything you’re asking for (money, volunteers, space to use, time, political support, legislative action, etc.)
   5. Not detailed; just the basics
   6. Attention grabbing is key!!!

What should I put in my “pitch deck” for a new program or initiative?

1. 1. 1. A description of your organization (if you have one) 
      2. The problem or need
      3. Your proposed solution (program, event, legislation, initiative, etc.)
      4. A set of milestones (dependent on time)
      5. A definition of the proposed procedures  (dependent on time)
      6. A timetable and timeframes 
      7. An approximate budget on overall costs
      8. Relevant stakeholders  (dependent on time)
      9. Any endorsements if you have them  (dependent on time)
      10. An outline of action items

“Wow, How, Now” structure (cheesy, I know)

The “Wow, How, Now” structure is a great way of organizing your argument in a pitch.

1. 1. 1. Wow –  attention grab!
      2. How – how  will your program/ide solve a problem/address a need and give some examples if time allows
      3. Now – describe what action you want your  audience to take

Example from the World Bank Community Pitch program:

• WOW: “It is staggering to think that over 60% of the world’s population has no access to clean drinking water, and yet there are so many solutions out there that are replicable and scalable.”
• HOW: “Our Clean Water Network Community of Practice brings together like-minded professionals from diverse disciplines, to collaborate and share practical lessons from the field to drastically reduce this terrible number. In fact, at our last quarterly meeting, we connected a Smart Agriculture expert with a Smart Climate expert who collaborated to come up with a whole new way of assessing aquifer impact.”
• NOW: “The Community has great networking potential. As one of the leading experts in desalination, I am sure your ideas would be very valuable to the Community and you will surely find value in connecting with peers to discuss challenges, solutions, and potential innovations. Would you like to talk more? If so, I can help you get in the space if you are interested”

Now, one note: pitches are most frequently used to obtain funding through donors, investors, and grant organizations in both the for-profit and  nonprofit sectors

• If you search for  examples of “pitch decks” you will  find those kinds of pitches, which are extremely useful to add to your repertoire, particularly if you go into grant writing
• Since we already talked about grant writing, we’re not going  to focus on that type of pitch deck for now, but i wanted you to know that it’s out there and that it’s important as well