Receiving the invitation to speak at the Higher School of Economics in Moscow (HSE University) was a genuine surprise. HSE, a top-ranked institution, asking me to lead a session on pitching? It was an honor, plain and simple.
The students were engaged, curious, and clearly driven. It was a refreshing atmosphere, one that made me excited to share what I’ve learned about crafting pitches that truly connect.
We dove deep into the nuances of crafting a pitch that resonates, not just informs. But, more importantly, we talked about the practicalities of pitching as a student, someone still navigating the early stages of their entrepreneurial journey. Because let’s face it, pitching isn’t just for seasoned CEOs. It’s a fundamental skill for anyone with an idea they want to share, whether it’s a startup concept, a research proposal, or a passion project.
Here’s the honest truth, distilled from my experience and the conversations I had at HSE:
- Your Passion is Your Superpower: Forget the polished jargon for a second. What lights you up about your idea? That raw enthusiasm is contagious. Let it shine through. People connect with authenticity, not just perfect slides.
- Know Your Audience (Even if They’re Your Professor): Who are you talking to? What are their needs, their pain points, their aspirations? Tailor your pitch to resonate with them specifically. It’s not about you, it’s about them.
- Storytelling is Key, Not Just Data: Data is important, yes. But stories are what stick. We’re wired for narratives. Weave a compelling story around your idea, one that makes people feel something.
- Practice, Practice, Practice (But Don’t Robotize): Rehearse your pitch until it flows naturally. But don’t memorize it word for word. Allow for flexibility, for spontaneity. Let your personality come through.
- Embrace the “Imperfect Pitch”: You’re a student. You’re learning. It’s okay if your pitch isn’t perfect. The most important thing is to get out there and try. The feedback you receive is invaluable.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help: Mentors, professors, fellow students – they’re all potential resources. Seek out their guidance, their feedback, their support. You’re not alone on this journey.
- Start Small, Think Big: you don’t need a million dollar product to start pitching, pitch your idea to your study group, your professor, enter small competitions, every pitch is a learning experience.
These lessons aren’t just for HSE students. They’re for anyone, anywhere, who’s ready to take their ideas to the world.
My own journey as an entrepreneur, before transitioning to coaching, taught me the power of a compelling pitch. It’s not about trickery; it’s about genuine connection. It’s about sharing your vision in a way that inspires and motivates.
I’m incredibly passionate about empowering the next generation of innovators. And if I can help even a few students unlock their pitching potential, then it’s all been worth it.
If you’re a university, anywhere in the world, and you’re looking to provide your students with practical, impactful pitching skills, I’d love to connect. Let’s work together to inspire the next wave of changemakers. Because the world needs their ideas, now more than ever.
