3 pitch tips you can learn from Billy Mayes
May 7, 2009
Billy Mayes is the master of direct response marketing ads for things like oxy-clean, mighty putty etc. While checking out his show pitchmen, I was reminded of many bad pitches I have seen over the years. I see dozens of pitches a year and regularly they disappoint and many times don’t live up to the underlying idea which is often a good one. Here are the three ways you can incorporate some Billy Mayes into your pitch:
1) Show some enthuisiasm: nothing kills a good pitch more than a speaker who is unexcited, monotone or overtly nervous. You don’t have to have the amped up volume of Mayes but show some life and passion for your idea.
2) Demonstrate it: Nothing sells your idea or product better than a demonstration. For web/software, have a demo or mockup. If you are in biotech or simply in a field where a demo isn’t feasible than use pictures, charts, graphs. Something to liven up the presentation and visually depict your concept
3) No word clutter: Nothing is worse than someone having their entire presentation written on the slides then just reading the slides to you. If you watch the ads for products Mayes presents, the only written words depicted on the screen are the products name and reiteration of the key point or takeaway. Keep the slides and your presentation focused on depictions of key concepts and have you verbally give the information so he audience is listening and not reading ahead.
Follow these tips and you are sure to keep your audience awake and engaged.
