MGT 3810: Business and Professional Communication
Industry Pitch
2 Parts: (1) Individual Presentation & Outline, and
(2) Visuals Submitted on Speech Day
DESCRIPTION
For this assignment, you will write an outline of your presentation and deliver a 3 to 4 minute presentation including visuals.
SITUATION
You are an entrepreneur with a great idea and a solid business plan who has been invited to present your plan to a group of high-profile investors who seek out the best and most innovative new products/services and ideas for investment. This assignment parallels the ABC television series, Shark Tank, and asks you to create a product or service, and draft a persuasive presentation to pitch your idea.
For example, you might cover the camera/photography industry, and create a competitor to GoPro cameras. Or, you could cover the fitness industry and your investment idea could be a new app. You could also create a new nonprofit organization that will address a particular social issue.
You will need evidence and a compelling story that supports your point of view. The investors will not be persuaded by just your opinion.
You will deliver this pitch to the class, we will act as investors. You will use visuals to support your argument.
STEPS TO COMPLETE THE ASSIGNMENT
Research current new industries. Pick one you think seems promising. Within that industry, create or identify a start-up company or product – anything that interests you!
Prepare your 3 to 4 minute presentation. Use our class notes and the outline structure on the next page.
Practice and time your pitch many times. A grades will only be earned by the most prepared and well organized pitches.
Industry Pitch Presentation Outline
Copy the pattern below into a blank Word document and fill in the information pertaining to your pitch in complete sentences. Bring a hard copy of your outline to the workshop and submit a final copy on the day of your speech. We will discuss how to do all of the following in class.
INTRODUCTION (4 phases)
1. Attention-getting Phase (capture audience’s interest)
2. Credibility Phase (articulate your expertise on topic)
3. Orientation Phase (articulate your purpose, “What’s in it for me?”)
4. Preview Phase (preview your main points and lead to first main point)
BODY
1. Main Point #1 (Description and analysis of the company or product within the industry that is worth exploring – this is the specific product or service)
[You will need to convince your audience that it is the best investment by providing strong, convincing evidence]
a. Subpoint 1: Evidence to support Main Point 1 (cite source if needed)
b. Subpoint 2: Evidence to support Main Point 1 (cite source if needed)
(Transitional phrase to Main Point #2)
Main Point #2 (Description and analysis of the industry that your idea is a part of – this is the larger community of business, such as “tourism” or “pop music” and clear discussion of your idea’s possible earning potential)
[You will need to convince your audience that this is the best investment by providing strong, convincing evidence]
a. Subpoint 1: Evidence to support Main Point 1 (cite source if needed)
b. Subpoint 2: Evidence to support Main Point 1 (cite source if needed)
(Transitional phrase to Conclusion)
CONCLUSION (2 phases)
1. Summary (summarize main points)
2. Concluding Device (strategy to end on a memorable note; create sense of closure)
Grading Criteria
Captured attention/interest of audience in a unique way (1)
Articulated credibility and purpose – why should we care? (1)
Clearly previewed main points and kept them in order (1)
Kept audience attention/ used imagery (text 6 ideas; 12 techniques) (1)
Supported claims with credible evidence and complete citations (3)
Incorporated summary in conclusion & employed memorable concluding device at end of speech (1)
Made a clear distinction between industry and company (1)
Outline followed structure, was on time, and was free from errors (1)
Visuals were on time and enhanced your presentation (text 7 steps) (2)
Used extemporaneous delivery style (4)
Volume Speed/ pacing
Sustained eye contact Use of verbal fillers
Use of hedging (kind of, sort of, maybe, etc.)
Used effective nonverbal messages (4)
Moved around room Moved toward audience
Used a proxy Fidgeting or self-soothing behaviors
Penalty (minus .5) for exceeding time (over 4:30)
Grade out of 20
Industry Pitch Presentation Grading Rubric
Here is how your visuals will be graded (-.5 for any error):
The slides have a professional design and style that is easy to read
The organization of the information is logical and follows your preview
The colors and graphics enhance the presentation and are appropriate
Any links or videos are seamless and not distracting to the audience
Slide transitions and effects are conservative and professional – you would employ them at your workplace
The text is easy to read and consistent in style (there may be size variation)
The slide titles are consistent in font style and size
Sources on slides are cited on the slide to enhance credibility
There are no grammar errors
There are no spelling errors
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