This week, we’re tackling two essential (and sometimes dreaded) aspects of event planning—pitching and networking. If you love planning events but hate the pitching process, you’re not alone! In I Love Event Planning—But I Hate Pitching!, I share common public speaking mistakes to avoid and tips to make pitching less painful (and maybe even enjoyable).

And since first impressions matter, our second article, Crafting the Perfect Elevator Speech, will help you refine your quick introduction so you can confidently answer, “So, what do you do?” Whether you’re in a client meeting or a casual networking chat, having a strong elevator speech can open doors and set you apart.

Use these insights to communicate your value with confidence and clarity."

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… But I Hate Pitching!

I love getting stuck into the nitty-gritty of planning an event. The logistics, the creative details, the problem-solving—it’s what I thrive on. But you know what I hate? The pitching part. Selling my services to a client just so I can get the project in the first place. I’m sure many of you event planners or producers out there are in the same boat.

Public speaking—whether in a formal pitch or an impromptu client meeting—is an essential skill in our industry. It’s how we sell our ideas, get buy-in from stakeholders, and, ultimately, win projects. Yet, for many of us, the thought of standing up and delivering a speech, or even just confidently presenting an idea, well, sends shivers down our collective spines.

Over the years, I’ve learned that good public speaking isn’t about being a natural-born orator. It’s about preparation, confidence, and avoiding common pitfalls. So, if you’re like me and dread the pitching part, here are some mistakes to avoid and some top tips to make the process easier.

5 Common Public Speaking Mistakes

Memorizing or Reading Your Entire Presentation

Your audience wants to hear from you, not a script. Treat it like a conversation instead of a recital, and you’ll feel more at ease.

Example: Instead of memorizing your pitch word-for-word, jot down key talking points and speak naturally about them. Imagine explaining your idea to a friend over coffee.

Not Knowing Your Material

It’s okay to stumble over a word or two, but if you don’t know your content inside out, you’ll lose credibility. Preparation is key!

Example: If you’re pitching an event concept, make sure you can confidently answer any questions about the budget, logistics, or attendee experience without needing to check your notes.

Speaking Too Fast

Nerves often make us speed up. Slow down—your audience will find it easier to understand you, and you’ll feel more in control.

Example: If you tend to rush, practice pausing after key points. Try recording yourself speaking and play it back to check your pacing.

Avoiding Eye Contact

Staring at a spot on the wall won’t connect you to your audience. Making eye contact builds trust and engagement.

Example: If speaking to a group, pick a few friendly faces in different parts of the room and rotate your gaze between them to create a sense of connection.

Forgetting to Breathe

Many speakers don’t realize they’re holding their breath. Breathe deeply and naturally to stay calm and maintain vocal control.

Example: Before starting, take a deep breath and exhale slowly. If you feel yourself getting breathless mid-speech, pause briefly to reset.

8 Top Public Speaking Tips

Outline Your Speech

Know your key points and arrange them logically. A clear structure makes it easier for both you and your audience to follow.

Example: If pitching an event, structure your talk like a story—start with the challenge, present your solution, and finish with the impact it will create.

Use Notes, Not a Script

Bullet points on index cards or slides can help keep you on track without sounding robotic.

Example: If you’re nervous, prepare a simple one-page outline and glance at it occasionally rather than reading every word.

Practice, Practice, Practice

You know what they say: practice makes perfect? Well it’s true. Rehearse in front of a mirror or record yourself. Identifying weak spots will help you improve.

Example: Try practicing in front of a trusted colleague and ask for honest feedback. The more you practice, the more natural you’ll feel.

Speak to One Person

Imagine you’re having a one-on-one conversation. It makes your delivery feel natural and engaging.

Example: Pick someone in the audience and direct your words to them, then shift to another person after a few sentences. It makes the talk feel personal and warm.

Skip the Humor (Unless You’re a Pro)

Jokes can fall flat or offend. If humor isn’t your strong suit, it’s best to leave it out.

Example: Instead of forcing a joke, use a relatable anecdote from your event planning experience to connect with your audience.

Control Your Movements

Avoid fidgeting. Plan where to place your hands so you don’t appear nervous.

Example: If standing behind a podium, rest your hands lightly on it. If you’re on an open stage, keep gestures purposeful—such as using hand movements to emphasize key points.

Recover Quickly from Mistakes

Everyone stumbles. The key is to move on smoothly and confidently.

Example: If you lose your train of thought, take a deep breath, smile, and continue. Most audiences won’t even notice minor slip-ups.

Keep It Short and Engaging

Less is more. End your talk before your audience’s attention starts to wander.

Example: If your time slot is 10 minutes, aim for 8 minutes of content, leaving room for a strong conclusion without rushing.

Final Thoughts

Public speaking—whether it’s pitching for an event or delivering a presentation—doesn’t have to be painful. By avoiding common mistakes and practicing a few key techniques, you can build confidence and make your pitches more compelling.

So, the next time you find yourself dreading that big client meeting, remember: prepare, breathe, and speak like you’re having a conversation. You might not learn to love pitching, but at least it won’t feel like such a hurdle.

Got any public speaking horror stories or tips that have worked for you? I’d love to hear them!

A Game-Changer for Event Planners

We’ve all been there—at a networking event, in an unexpected client meeting, or even just making small talk at a conference—when someone asks, “So, what do you do?” And suddenly, you freeze. You know what you do, but how do you sum it up quickly and make an impact?

That’s where an elevator speech comes in. It’s your quick, compelling introduction that sparks interest and opens doors. And just like public speaking, it’s something that can be improved with practice. Here’s how to craft one that works for you, plus some examples to bring it to life.

The Four Key Elements of an Elevator Speech

What You Do

Think beyond just your job title. What makes you different from others in your field?

Example: Instead of saying, “I’m an event planner,” try “I design unforgettable event experiences that engage and inspire audiences.”

Who You Help

Define your ideal audience. Who benefits most from your expertise?

Example: “I help corporate teams plan immersive retreats that boost collaboration and creativity.”

How You Solve Their Problem

Highlight the value you bring—what problem do you solve for your clients?

Example: “Many companies struggle to create events that keep attendees engaged. I bring fresh, interactive ideas that turn passive spectators into active participants.”

What You Want From the Conversation

Give your listener a next step—whether it’s scheduling a meeting, making an introduction, or simply staying in touch.

Example: “If you’re looking to elevate your next event, I’d love to chat about some creative solutions.”

Refining Your Elevator Speech

Once you have your core message, fine-tune it:

• Keep it short – Aim for 30-60 seconds.

• Use simple, conversational language – Avoid jargon or industry buzzwords.

• Practice out loud – Try it in front of a mirror or with a colleague.

• Be flexible – Adapt your speech based on who you’re speaking to.

• Bringing It All Together

Here’s how these elements fit into a polished elevator speech:

“As an event strategist, I help businesses turn their events into powerful brand experiences. Many corporate events struggle to hold attendees’ attention, so I create interactive and immersive formats that keep audiences engaged. I’d love to hear about the challenges you face with your events and see if we can collaborate.”

Final Thoughts

Your elevator speech is your ticket to making memorable first impressions. Whether you’re pitching a new client or networking at an industry event, a strong, well-crafted introduction can make all the difference. So, take a few minutes to refine yours—because you never know when the next big opportunity will present itself!

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