Build a pitch like a sandwich

If you are planning to pitch an idea to your boss, build it like you would the perfect sandwich to get the greatest results:

• Bread: Your introduction and conclusion. The bread of your sandwich holds all your ingredients together in the way that your introduction and conclusion holds your presentation together. For your introduction, tell your audience what you are going to talk about and why it matters to them. Then, during your conclusion, restate what you said in your summary, in a slightly different way.
• Filler: Your three most important points. Think of it as the bacon, lettuce and tomato (or lettuce, ham and cheese if you prefer), or the main ingredients in your pitch. You must get those points across if you want your pitch accepted. Sticking to only three points keeps the presentation focused and won’t overwhelm your listeners.
• Condiments: The proof to back your points. This is the hummus, brown mustard or mayo that you use to spice up your sandwich and give it more flavor. Data, examples, facts and anecdotes add the heft to your presentation that you need to gain listeners’ support.

— Adapted from “Harness the ‘Power of Three’ to Nail Your Pitch,” www.bytestart.co.uk.