Effective Communication and Pitching Techniques.
Key Takeaways
- Barbara teaches a 3-part formula for pitches: problem, solution, transformation
- Confidence and practice are key for improving public speaking skills
- Recording yourself and getting constructive feedback helps refine your pitch
- Tailoring your pitch to different audience members is important but challenging
Topics Barbara's Background and Expertise- Developed communication techniques while living abroad and teaching languages
- Specializes in helping introverted leaders become authentic, powerful speakers
- Uses a dual approach combining anxiety management and presentation skills
- Emphasizes clear language structure to decrease cognitive load for listeners
Effective Pitching Techniques- 3-part formula: clearly define problem, present solution, describe transformation
- Tailor pitch to audience's knowledge level and priorities
- Practice and refine pitch, but don't memorize word-for-word
- Record yourself and get constructive feedback to improve
- Be aware of verbal tics or habits that could distract from message
Overcoming Public Speaking Anxiety- Have introverts exaggerate enunciation, volume, tone to expand comfort zone
- Focus on developing confident body language and energy
- Use exercises like shouting motivational phrases to build confidence
- Remember that charisma isn't required - confidence is key
Adapting Pitches for Different Audiences- Interview audience beforehand to gauge knowledge and priorities
- Consider tailoring pitch for different roles (e.g. CEO vs IT manager)
- Be prepared to answer unexpected questions without losing your place
- Refine pitch over time based on audience reactions and questions
Next Steps- Check out Barbara's website boldglobal.com for more information
- Practice recording and refining your pitch using Barbara's 3-part formula
- Look for Barbara's upcoming memoir about her experiences in Italy
- Subscribe to the Make the Grade podcast for more business tips
In this episode of the Make the Grade Experience Podcast, Dr. Steven Greene sits down with Barbara Boldt, a transformational communication coach who helps introverted leaders grow into confident, authentic speakers. Together, they break down the mechanics of effective pitching and public speaking, exploring how clarity, confidence, and storytelling can turn nerves into influence. Whether you’re an entrepreneur preparing to pitch investors, a student walking into an interview, or a professional looking to sharpen your communication skills, this episode delivers practical tools to elevate your message. Key Takeaways
- 🎯 The Three Elements of a Pitch:
- Problem — Define the challenge clearly and vividly.
- Solution — Show exactly how your product/service addresses the problem.
- Transformation — Demonstrate the tangible benefit and impact.
- 🗣 Clarity is King: If your audience struggles to understand, your message is lost. Grammar and structure matter because they reduce “cognitive load” for listeners.
- 💡 Confidence is Learned: Great communicators aren’t “born.” Skills can be taught, practiced, and improved through deliberate techniques.
- 📖 The Power of Storytelling: Stories make pitches persuasive, relatable, and memorable — much more than raw information ever could.
- 🤝 Audience Matters: A technical pitch for engineers won’t land the same way with executives or investors. Always tailor your language and style to the people in the room.
Quotes Worth Remembering
- “It’s not what you say, it’s what they hear.” — Dr. Steven Greene
- “A pitch without an ask is not a pitch.” — Barbara Boldt
- “Sales is really teaching.” — Dr. Steven Greene
- “Confidence comes from methodology, not memorization.” — Barbara Boldt
Resources & Links
- 🌐 Connect with Barbara Boldt: boldtglobal.com
- 💼 Find Barbara on LinkedIn: Barbara A. Boldt
- 🎧 Subscribe to the Make the Grade Experience Podcast: [Your Podcast Link Here]
About the Host Dr. Steven Greene — known as The Success Doctor — is an educator, entrepreneur, and coach who has helped thousands of students and professionals achieve their goals. Through his “Triangle of Success” framework (Product, System, Mentoring), Dr. Greene equips people with the tools they need to thrive in school, business, and life.
In this episode of the Make the Grade Experience Podcast, Dr. Steven Greene — The Success Doctor — welcomes transformational communication coach Barbara Boldt to explore the art of the pitch. Together, they break down the three essentials of any powerful pitch (problem, solution, transformation), discuss how introverts can build confidence, and reveal why clarity and storytelling matter more than charisma. Whether you’re pitching investors, preparing for a job interview, or leading a team, this conversation gives you actionable tools to communicate with impact.
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