By Sam Ast, Re-Entry Workforce Development Specialist, Goodwill of Western Missouri & Eastern Kansas
Within this blog, you’ll learn some of the fundamentals of making a good pitch at work with confidence. If you’re interested in learning more about best practices for influencing change, expressing ideas to your superiors or addressing challenges with which you have unique experience, keep reading.
Speaking up is sometimes a nerve-wracking task, especially in workplace settings. You may be thinking of an assortment of questions. Is what you have to say important? Are you overstepping your bounds or responsibilities? Is there an appropriate forum through which you feel comfortable sharing your ideas? Will those in power even listen to you? Before spending time addressing these valid concerns, it is crucial to decide whether there is a clear purpose for your proposal in the first place.
Purpose of Expressing Your Ideas
There could be several motivations for drafting and sharing a position. One reason could simply be to educate others on a new idea or topic. Perhaps you are attempting to change hearts and minds, shift the debate or persuade those around you to adopt a new measure. Maybe you’re trying to implement a new policy that could solve a problem and help operations run more smoothly. Be clear on your purpose before you share.
How to Set Up and Facilitate a Pitch Meeting
First, set up a good time and place to meet with coworkers and managers to present your ideas. If you encounter resistance, be persistent. Don’t give up on your objectives. Once a meeting is set, allow others the ability to ask questions and discuss matters further. Fostering this type of open discussion is another positive ramification of expressing yourself. You’re opening the door to more conversation. Including others in the discussion allows you to not only present new ways of thinking but also provide the space needed for more growth and development. You might be surprised to find that those around you not only welcome your input, but also have recommendations of their own to add. This process ultimately makes your plans stronger going forward.
Preparing and Delivering Your Proposal
Before you unveil your proposal, be sure to practice what you plan on saying and do the requisite research so that you know all aspects of what you’re talking about. In the moment, speak clearly about all pertinent details. Make good eye contact and refer to visual aids that can help your audience comprehend the subject matter more readily. Express the value of any changes that might need to be implemented. People and organizations are often reluctant to make modifications or adjustments but are more likely to consider them if they understand the positive consequences doing so can produce. Beyond clearly stating your purpose, be forward-looking. Set goals and look to the future. Explain what is needed to assist in these efforts, and do your best to encourage those around you to use their talents to help your course of action.
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