As meetings go online, so does every pitch. Although challenges in offline pitching may be overcome with the use of technology, online pitching can have its own challenges, which may range from nervousness to tech issues. With such challenges, how can you successfully deliver a pitch in online meetings? Here are 9 strategies you can take to nail a pitching in the era of video conferences through apps like Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Teams.

BEFORE THE PITCH

Preparation is the most essential part of a presentation.  This is equally true in both offline and online situations. What can you do while preparing your pitch? The following points may give you some ideas.

1. Plan your Pitch

Making plans for everything related to your pitch is the first important step. Some things you can prepare are including but not limited to: (1) Hook (How will you get your audience’s attention?); (2) Visuals (Which visual aids can be interesting enough but not too distracting?); (3) Presentation method (Will you allow questions during or after the presentation?).

2. Invest on Better Equipment and Internet Connection

Buying proper equipment does not only eliminate the risk related to tech issues, but also help you look more professional. Delivering your pitch with a decent camera, microphone, and lighting equipment will give a better impression on yourself. Additionally, subscribing to a better internet provider or subscription package can help you avoid possible connection problems.

3. Work on Your Public Speaking Skills

Public speaking isn’t everyone’s forte. But the internet has a lot of content on presentation tips. Invest your time and energy on learning more about these things. Additionally, you can practice your pitch, record it, and ask your trusted coworker for feedback.

DURING THE PITCH

It’s the day of your pitching. You’ve done your best in the preparation stage. Everyone is ready, and you have only one shot of nailing this. The following are some tips that might help you during the pitch.

4. Build the Mood

You can set the mood for your pitching through doing nice little things. Come early to the meeting room. Also, if possible, engage in small talks before the pitching starts. Little things like these can establish good first impression and a degree of likeability.

5. Look at the Camera

In online meetings, you should look directly at the camera instead of the faces of people on screen. This influences the way your gaze appears in everyone else’s screen. (Also, if you’re the nervous type, this is a good trick for looking away from your audience’s faces while looking confident.) 

6. Stay Focused, but Remain Flexible

In general, it is always better to focus on the strategies you’ve prepared for the pitch. Going off topic can make you sound less convincing. However, it is equally wise to brace yourself for off-the-grid situations. 

AFTER THE PITCH

You’ve finished the pitch with flying colors. It was a good pitch. Now what?

7. Always Take Questions

Keep an open mind and let people be curious about your pitch. Don’t be afraid of questions. In fact, questions are a good thing. If people start asking questions, it means that everyone was paying attention to your pitch.

8. Work as a Team

Even if your pitch was great, it is always good to know your own limitations. After all, most likely, you’re working with your partners. If possible, pass on specific questions you cannot answer to another team member with better expertise.

9. Express Your Gratitude

Thank everyone involved in the pitching process, even if the pitching doesn’t work! A display of gratitude is a great way to end your pitch, and it may even influence the decision-making process in the long run. It costs 0 cent to say thank you, but it can make a whole lot of differences.