Pitching your story can be a daunting task, especially if you're an introvert. The thought of presenting your ideas to producers, directors, or agents can be nerve-wracking. However, embracing some extroverted traits can make this process smoother and more effective. As a seasoned screenwriter and story consultant, I've seen how channeling your inner extrovert can help you pitch your stories with confidence and charisma. Here are some tips to help introverts shine during their pitches.
Being an extrovert is a superpower, and trust me, if I could bottle it up and sell it to you, I would. Not only would I be a gazillionaire, and you would feel more confident and ready when you have that oh-so-scary pitch session.
I will get to specifics on pitching in a second, but first!
EXTROVERT techniques---these won't come easy, but try them.
SMALL TALK - When you meet someone, making small talk is a great way to warm up. Find something positive to say about anything that may be common ground. Even the weather, honestly, works. It's best to avoid politics or religion unless you know for sure this person and you share that.
SOMETHING IN COMMON-I can talk to anyone in the world I meet because I sum them up and figure out something we have in common and then talk about it or ask them about it.
I don't understand when people say to me "I can't talk to them, we have nothing in common!" Yes, you do. The human experience is one we have in common with the other 7 billion people on the planet. Be thoughtful about it. Here is an example. If you meet pilot of a commerical airline? What can you say when you know nothing about being a pilot? Well, you have been on a plane right? Ask, so what equipment do you fly? Trust me, a pilot's greatest joy is talking about themselves and flying. Meet an old lady who is super conservative and you aren't? Well, ask her about her garden or maybe you both crochet---something like that. Or you can comment about where they are from. Never been to Africa but meet someone from there? Ask them about it or if you have always wanted to go there, mention that. You get the idea.
EXUDE CONFIDENCE-not to be confused with cocky or arrogant but be confident. Even at the grocery store, you know why you are there, go in and get your groceries and leave. Easy peasy. Stand tall, and appear to know what you are doing, even if you don't.
SMILE-I know, I know, I know, don't we all hate when people tell us to smile? Yup, but it goes a long way. When you smile at someone, it's like a mini invitation into your day. That person immediately feels good, and so do you. Say you are out walking your dog and you see someone approaching you, when you smile at them, they will often stop and say hello. Now, you introverts may be thinking, but Stephanie, I don't want them to stop--I get it, but these exercises are to help you come out of your shell a little bit. You can go right back in later.
BE THERE AND SEEN-at a party, conference, work gathering, meeting, in line at Starbucks, on Zoom? Be present. If you are on Zoom, turn your camera on, at least for a bit, say hello to others, or chat in the chat. If at any gathering, mingle, move around the room. What you don't want to do is hide in the corner.
Try these things in everyday life, and then you will have some extrovert things to turn on while pitching. I know you can do it!
Now SPECIFICALLY FOR PITCHING YOUR STORY.
1. Be Prepared
Knowing your material inside and out can help calm your nerves and make you feel more at ease. Write down bullet points of your pitch and practice them multiple times, both alone and in front of a trusted friend or colleague. The more familiar you are with your material, the more confident you'll feel.
2. Embrace Your Passion
Think about what excites you most about your story. Let that enthusiasm come through in your voice and body language. Passion is contagious, and it can help you connect with your audience on an emotional level.
3. Ask Questions
Prepare a few questions to ask during your pitch. This can help you gauge their interest and make the presentation feel more like a conversation rather than a monologue. Remember that this is a business and the agent, manager, producer, or director is someone you will be working with should this go well, so ask questions. It's not only okay, it's important.
4. Tell Like You Would To A Friend
During your pitch, talk to the person like they are a friend but in a professional manner. No F bombs-really, don't do it, even if you are from New York hahahaha. What I mean is tell them what your story is about the way that you would tell a friend or colleague. A great way to practice this method is by doing it with a movie you already have seen and or love. Do the same for your script.
These are the main ones that will help you, BUT my favorite is this!
4. SHOW YOUR PERSONALITY!!!
SHOW YOUR PERSONALITY!!
Yup, I repeated that one!
Your superpower is WHO you are. What about you is different? What is unique? How do you see the world? That is how to SELL YOURSELF. Agents, managers, producers, directors want to know who they will be working with. If you are quiet, meek, a loner who doesn't engage, it won't matter how great of a writer your are. Well, there are exceptions to the rule but they want to know that they can talk to you, call you, email you, work with you.
FILMS are a collaborative endeavor, even if writing can be solitary.
It's about more than just your writing, which is important, but knowing who you are and what you bring is the most important thing.
I hope this all is helpful to you.
As a born extrovert, I know that for me, it's just who I am, but I know that you can do it so you can have a great pitch session.
******Of course, I can't promise results but these are just some ways to make it a better experience for you when you are in these situations.
XO Steph
Find me on social @stephobourbon
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