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I have a big-wig pitch today, so I thought I'd share how I prepare for these things.
The first thing I do is write out what I want to say, not in a script form but paragraphs with bolds for what I want to emphasis in the meeting.
The next step is...
The first thing I do is write out what I want to say, not in a script form but paragraphs with bolds for what I want to emphasis in the meeting.
The next step is...
Practicing it aloud, but I don't just do it at my desk. I do it while walking. I have a mask on (as we all should) but when I didn't I would just put in an earphone and pretend I was having a phone call -- so I don't look insane.
Although, in LA, talking to yourself is common.
Although, in LA, talking to yourself is common.
After running through it a few times, I start to feel comfortable with it, not memorizing it, just enough practice that I'm not reaching for the words. I keep my notes with me while pitching.
The next thing I'll do is visualization. I sit, eyes closed, and visualize the pitch.
The next thing I'll do is visualization. I sit, eyes closed, and visualize the pitch.
I imagine sitting in the room, imagine the people I'll be speaking with, and I'll just play it all out in my head...a few times, until imagination feels more like a memory of something done well.
What that does is destroy any skittishness I might have because in my imagination I have already accomplished the task.
It's similar to sports, or martial arts, envisioning success before the match or the fight. Detailing it in imagination.
It's similar to sports, or martial arts, envisioning success before the match or the fight. Detailing it in imagination.
What I'll often do is imagine what I'm wearing in the meeting, and I'll make sure I'm wearing the same thing when I actually take the meeting.
This bridges imagination to reality, reinforcing the idea that I have already done it. I'm wearing what I wore when I did it.
This bridges imagination to reality, reinforcing the idea that I have already done it. I'm wearing what I wore when I did it.
That's the mental aspect. In practice, when pitching, I am NOT trying to sell something.
I'm telling a story. It's more like sitting around a campfire than trying to sell a client. I take the opportunity to be a storyteller. That's the job, not being a salesman.
I'm telling a story. It's more like sitting around a campfire than trying to sell a client. I take the opportunity to be a storyteller. That's the job, not being a salesman.
Finally, for me, the most important thing is understanding that it ultimately doesn't matter. Sure, it's a potential job and the benefits that come with it...but there will always be another, and another.
Give the process respect, but don't get windswept in the result.
Give the process respect, but don't get windswept in the result.
I've found that yes, the executives are judging your story, but they're also looking at your demeanor. For some, this might be the first time they've met you, so the true victory is leaving a solid impression of who you are as a creator.
That can often turn into more work.
That can often turn into more work.
Hollywood is often a place full of nervous, erratic energy. Being CALM can have a gravitational pull because sometimes you might be the only calm person in the process. Demonstrating that part of your nature, that calm facility with storytelling, can be very helpful.
