“Tell me about yourself” is a question that comes up as often as it is difficult to answer. Having great talents is only half the battle, you’ll also need to make it known effectively. In this blog we’ll be going over 8 tips for your personal pitch that’ll help you communicate what’s important. There will also be a bonus tip at the end for people that need to face a Dutch audience, because I know how difficult we can be.
1. Be who you are
Having people understand who you are is important, but there is more to communication than just words. Pitch yourself by means of your tone, your clothes, your hand gestures, et cetera. Let your personality and unique features be the inviting backdrop of your pitch. Pitch at every level, don’t limit yourself to words alone. Let your authenticity speak for itself.
2. Be relevant
Always adapt the content and style of the pitch to the needs of the audience. Make sure you match their interests and questions, don’t just repeat a standard story about yourself. Imagine you’re telling to people what you’re all about. You’re probably not imagining telling them about your cat’s favorite food or the sandwich you had the other day. It’s easy to end up falling into trap of sharing comforting thoughts when you’re stressed; however, a good pitch is not about making yourself feel comfortable, but to be of service to your audience. Stay on topic, be relevant, and pitch yourself effectively.
3. Have a clear core message
Keep your core message simple. Giving a lengthy explanation to illustrate a specific point is not going to do you any favors. Even more so, the audience will have a harder time actually remembering your message when it is convolutely presented. When you pitch yourself, you should have a clear and simple worded core message.
4. Repeat repeat repeat
If the core message of your pitch can be confused with a stellar marketing slogan, then you’ve got yourself something that’ll stick. Find something that can seamlessly pop in and out of conversation over and over again without it seeming force. Repetition is key, but it shouldn’t distract.
5. Bigger than yourself
Can you think of something to bring that’ll help you visualize your personal pitch? Bring it! Pitch yourself with additional power by having your examples be bigger than yourself. A book, a drawing, an apple, you name it. Anything that helps you add an extra dimension to your personal pitch is welcome, but don’t overdo it!
6. Share an adventure
Tell your audience about an experience you’ve had, share with them how you’ve contended with the world. When you pitch yourself, you are you own best example. A picture is worth a thousand words, but an expressed emotion might stick with someone for a lifetime. Don’t shy away from an opportunity to share.
7. Ask a stranger
So, you’ve got yourself a pitch figured out; structure, content, and all. Now it’s time to put it to the test. The best way to get some unbiased feedback on your personal pitch is to ask a complete and total stranger for a couple minutes of their time. Who knows, you pitch yourself, they might be looking for someone, and before you know it, you’ve got yourself a job!
8. Show them your best!
Your might be great, but there’s other great people out there. You have to be different, and let it be known. Bring your unique talents to the table, define them and sell them. To pitch yourself effectively, is to show people what’s so special about you and why they should be interested in you.
Bonus tip: Radiate confidence
Bonus tip for when pitching to Dutch people
Sometimes stereotypes are true. Dutch people are direct, even when they think they’re not. Don’t think you’ll come off as arrogant when you try to pitch yourself confidently. When you’re timid and careful, Dutch people might just think you don’t believe in yourself.
