Robert Levitan of Pando did a GREAT job of connecting with us in the On Hollywood audience. He walked the stage. He spoke to people. He gave us a great pitch about why Pando was great, and why we needed it. Justin Chapweske from Swarmcast is doing a great job, too. He’s really connecting with us, talking about our passion, and giving us the problems that his product will fix.
We Are Out Here
Some of the OTHER people gave some iffy presentations. I won’t name names. That’s rude. It’s not the point. But let me say this: do NOT talk as if we’re watching a six minute YouTube clip. I’m out here. I’m watching you. I’m just as real out here as you are up there. So talk like that. Talk like you’re addressing humans, humans who are interested in what you’re saying, and who might have something to learn.
Stop with Formulaic Pitching
At least three people acted like they’d read the same book on how to pitch their app. However they did it, Robert Levitan, Justin Chapweske, and some of the other people, TALKED. They brought information to me, educated me, and yet talked as if I was who they were pitching.
Here’s the trick: you think you’re telling me about your company. You think you’re telling me about your product. You’re not.
Tell me about me. Tell me about me USING your product or service or whatever. I don’t give a SHIT where you’re from. It’s all about me, baby. Sure, it might be neat to know you’ve got great big fat customers, but not really. Because you want ME as your next customer. You want my millions (if I were an investor). You want my business.
Connect. Connect. Connect.
There is no PHRASE in your presentation that will blow me away. YOU will blow me away. Think. Work hard at this. Look into ways that you will talk as if you already know me.
And please, give up on scarcity. Yes, you only have six minutes. But not for your WHOLE, ENTIRE, LIFE. Get me so interested in you that I’ll hunt you down, buy you lunch, beg you to tell me more. Don’t STUFF your presentation down into my head.
Go gently, racecar driver. Go gently.
Who Does it Right? What Bugs You? What’s YOUR Feedback?
I want your take. I really want you to take a moment and belt it out: where have you seen excellent connection between people and the audience? Where’s your example of a super good presentation (Yes, I know about Steve Jobs)? Let’s blow this open.