Pitching for impact

Whether you’re applying for a grant, looking for a collaboration, or wanting to involve the right target group in your research, you’ll need to convince others and get them excited about taking part. You can do this by pitching your research to them. Difficult? Yes. But with the right tools, you can do it.

Pitching is simply giving a powerful and persuasive presentation in about a minute, in which you get others excited about – in this case – your dementia research. A strong pitch will definitely help you to make an impact in the end.

How do I create a good pitch?

But how do you ensure your pitch is clear and effective? DEMPACT is here to help with six practical tips.

Tip 1: Make it easy to say ‘yes’

In your pitch, emphasise the positive impact of your research. For example, on the wellbeing of people with dementia or their loved ones, healthcare professionals or the healthcare system. People are more likely to say ‘yes’ when there are significant benefits. This also makes it clear exactly what they are agreeing to. For example:

• “All too often, people with dementia go missing. This causes great distress to their loved ones. With this innovation, we’re helping to prevent this from happening. And it provides a solution should the unthinkable happen.”
• “People with dementia often feel misunderstood and lonely. This accessible buddy programme provides an extra opportunity for contact with someone with dementia, making them feel safe and seen.”
• “Almost 80 per cent of people with dementia live at home. This often places a great deal of pressure on the loved ones who provide informal care. With this innovation, the informal carer can cope better and has more time to rest.”

Tip 2: Find a hook that resonates

Start with an emotional or inspiring opening (a hook) that highlights the human side of the problem. Use a recognisable scenario, a personal story or a powerful fact that resonates. For example:

• “More than 60 per cent of informal carers experience severe stress. What if we could support them better?”
• “Everyone deserves to live out their later years with dignity. But without effective care technology, this will be impossible for many people by 2045.”

Tip 3: Make the problem tangible and urgent

Describe the problem your research addresses. Make it tangible by showing how this problem affects everyday life. For example:

• “Current diagnostic methods are often slow and complex, resulting in valuable time being lost.”
• “Healthcare professionals say they need better support to be able to use healthcare technology effectively for person-centred care in dementia.”

Tip 4: Why your research makes a difference

Present your solution as an opportunity for positive change. Make it clear how your dementia research contributes to solving the problem described. For example:

• “We are developing a digital platform that offers informal carers personalised support, based on their specific situation.”
• “Through this project, we are creating a training programme for healthcare professionals, enabling them to use care technology with greater confidence and expertise.”

Tip 5: Emphasise the impact

Describe the direct and indirect benefits of your research. Explain, for example, how it contributes to improved wellbeing, a better quality of life and/or future care. For example:

• "Informal carers experience less stress and feel supported, which improves their wellbeing."
• "Care providers can deliver person-centred care, leading to greater job satisfaction and better care outcomes."

Tip 6: End on a positive note

Conclude on a positive note with a concrete and sincere invitation. Show your passion and explain why you believe in your research! For example:

• “I have seen first-hand in my own family the impact of dementia. Together with you, I want to ensure that people with dementia and their loved ones receive the support they deserve.”
• “Living with uncertainty is heart-wrenching. With your support, we can put our innovative diagnostic tests into practice within two years.”
• “I really want to make a difference with my research. That’s why I’m looking for partners who also want to make a difference, so that together we can investigate the impact of this platform in care settings.”

Practise, practise, practise

Have you turned the above into a clear and powerful pitch that you can present to others? Practise it a few times first with people close to you. They don’t necessarily need to be familiar with the subject matter. That’s precisely when you’ll know if your message is getting across. An added bonus: the more you practise, the more fluent your pitch will become.

Can DEMPACT help you with this?

Would you like to learn more about this, or perhaps organise a workshop in your research group? Let us know. Send an email or call Karin Postelmans, communications adviser & webmaster, on 06 3017 1495.