Pitch perfect: A simple structure tip

I was recently reminded about this writing tip when listening to the Happier In Hollywood podcast. The hosts - both successful screenwriters and show runners - had a breakthrough with their pitches for TV shows and it was all about the structure of their presentations.

This is a structure I remember from essay writing days and is something I’ve used throughout my career and encouraged clients to explore. It is really is so simple but speaks to a fundamental way that we humans receive and process information.

It is:

• Tell the audience (reader) what you’re going to tell them

• Tell them

• Tell them what you’ve told them.

This works for pitches, presentations, longform writing, books and whitepapers. It is, of course, not great for hard hitting news pieces or fiction. So as with any good tip, use it in the correct context and it will not only help to clarify your own thinking but will ensure your message lands with impact.