Section outline

  • The Power of the Pitch: Strategies for Effective Communication

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    This training session took place on 17 April 2024

  • Agenda

     10:00 / Intro (15 min)
    • Intro to the programme (5 min)
    • Intro to the session (5 min)
    • Round the room (5 min)

    Matteo Bocci (BRIDGE-BS), Eleni Manousiadi (DOORS), Ebun Akinsete

    10:15 / Pitching Foundations (25 min)

    Martin Gurria

    10:40 / Q&A and Break (10 min)


    10:50 / Practical Exercise - Participant Pitches (45 min)        
    • Elevator Pitch Practice (60 sec per participant)
    • Feedback

    Ebun Akinsete

    11:35 / Investor Q&A (25 min)
    • Feedback from investors (10 min)
    • Questions from participants (10 min)
    • Wrap up (5 min)

    Moderated by  Matteo Bocci (BRIDGE-BS), Eleni Manousiadi (DOORS), Ebun Akinsete

  • Learning objectives

    • Gain an understanding of the structure and components of an effective pitch.
    • Learn techniques for crafting a compelling elevator pitch.
    • Develop skills for delivering a concise and impactful pitch within a limited time frame.
    • Learn how to effectively handle questions and feedback from investors.
    • Gain insights into the key elements that investors look for in a pitch.

  • Expected learning outcomes

    By the end of this training session, participants will be able to:

    • Articulate the purpose and value proposition of their business idea succinctly.
    • Engage in practical exercises to refine their pitching skills.
    • Gain confidence in presenting their ideas to potential investors.
    • Learn strategies for effectively responding to questions and feedback from investors.
    • Have a clearer understanding of what investors seek in a pitch presentation.

  • Trainers and Moderators

    Dr. Ebun Akinsete

    Dr. Ebun Akinsete is a Senior Researcher and the Head of the Department of Stakeholder Analysis and Decision Support Systems at ATHENA RC and UN SDSN Greece. She is an Associate Lecturer at the School of Applied Social Studies, Robert Gordon University (Aberdeen), and Senior Partner with Nigerian-based consultancy GEN Sustainable Solutions.  With a BSc (Hons) in Architectural Technology, MSc in Project Management and PhD in Urban Regeneration and Sustainable Communities, she has several years of both industrial and academic experience in Europe, Asia and Africa; collaborating with governmental agencies, NGOs, aid organizations, academic institutions, the private sector and local communities.  Her main areas of interest are sustainable development, urban regeneration, SDG policy and implementation, community development, climate change mitigation, transition management, renewable energy, stakeholder participation, participatory planning, evaluation and impact assessment for sustainability, and sustainability in developing nations.

    Matteo Bocci - BRIDGE-BS

    Eleni Manousiadi  - DOORS

    Martin Gurria  - BRIDGE-BS