In this episode of the Connected Leadership Podcast, Andy Lopata welcomes guest Jenna Dominique, a pitch and communication expert, working with over 2,000 teams and individuals to become influential, high impact communicators. After starting her career as a broadcast journalist, Jenna’s dynamic background has led her to work with ambitious entrepreneurs to boards of directors, startups to global
corporations. An international speaker and event host, she uses her breadth of experience to deliver highly practical support to every audience she works with. She is also a hugely passionate adventurer and co-founder of DAT adventures, running unique retreats for ambitious individuals that want to progress personally and professionally
Andy & Jenna explore the importance of pitching in various professional contexts, from sales to networking and interviews. Jenna emphasises that pitching is not limited to formal presentations but is something everyone does daily—whether introducing oneself or articulating value in a conversation.
Jenna highlights key strategies for preparing an impactful pitch, starting with researching the audience to tailor the message effectively. She stresses the importance of focusing on benefits and outcomes to make the pitch resonate personally with the listener. Their discussion also touches on the logistics of pitching, such as understanding the
format (in-person or online) and time constraints.
A significant portion of the conversation centres on the much-maligned "elevator pitch". Jenna advocates for a more conversational approach, encouraging listeners to engage their audience with questions and storytelling rather than reciting a rigid script. She introduces the concept of the "corridor of conversation", where each response opens a door to deeper engagement, allowing the conversation to develop naturally.
Jenna also shares insights on how to create a compelling slide deck for formal pitches, emphasising "less is more" and the power of storytelling. She advises crafting slides that complement the speaker, ensuring the presenter remains essential to the message.
The episode concludes with Andy explaining how he uses the Rule of Three when planning presentations.
What we discussed:
1. Tailoring Your Pitch: Adapting your message to suit the audience's needs and context.
2. Storytelling & Engagement: Using stories and questions to build connection and keep the audience engaged.
3. Authenticity: Being genuine and true to yourself to foster trust and rapport.
4. Slide Deck Design: Keeping visuals minimal and complementary, enhancing rather than overshadowing the presenter.
5. Follow-Up & Relationship Building:
Ensuring the conversation continues after the pitch to nurture long-term
connections.
SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE
Connect with Andy Lopata: Website | Instagram | LinkedIn | X/Twitter | YouTube
Connect with Jenna Dominique: Website |LinkedIn
The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring