The perfect pitch - explaining your research in one minute

Summary

In this video, science communicator and presentation coach Andres Alma guides researchers on how to effectively create a one-minute research pitch. The goal is to capture the audience's attention by focusing on the problem, solution, and potential benefits of the research rather than diving into technical details. Andres outlines a structure—problem, solution, benefit, and action—provides tips on crafting a pitch, and stresses the importance of practice and feedback. The video emphasizes clear communication, proper lighting, sound quality, and avoiding slides for a more engaging pitch.

Takeaways

• 🎤 A pitch's goal is to capture attention and spark curiosity, not to explain everything about your research.
• 🧠 The key to a successful pitch is focusing on the most interesting and effective parts of your research.
• 📋 The structure for a one-minute research pitch is: Problem, Solution, Benefit, and Action.
• ⏳ Use a timer and brainstorm multiple answers to specific questions about your research to help draft your pitch.
• 🎯 Start your pitch by explaining the broader problem your research addresses, not just the research question.
• 🔍 Focus on how your approach contributes to solving the problem and what makes it unique, without dwelling on detailed methods.
• 📊 Highlight any key results or expected outcomes, emphasizing the potential impact of your research.
• 🌟 The pitch should end with a call to action, inviting the audience to learn more or take specific steps.
• 🤝 Involve your colleagues in creating the pitch and ask non-researchers for feedback to ensure clarity.
• 🎥 When filming, prioritize good lighting, sound, and a neutral background to enhance the video's quality.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of a one-minute research pitch?

The goal of a one-minute research pitch is to capture the listener's attention and engage them so they want to learn more about your research and start asking questions.

Why is it not necessary to explain all aspects of your research in a one-minute pitch?

It’s impossible to cover all aspects in just one minute, and that’s not the point. The pitch should focus on the most effective and interesting parts of the research to engage the audience and spark curiosity.

What structure is recommended for a one-minute research pitch?

The recommended structure for a one-minute research pitch includes four parts: Problem, Solution, Benefit, and Action.

Why is it important to start a pitch with the problem your research addresses?

Starting with the problem sets the stage and immediately captures the listener's attention, placing the research in a broader context that the audience can relate to.

What are some common mistakes people make when pitching their research?

A common mistake is starting with detailed descriptions of how the research was conducted, especially the methods, instead of first explaining why the research is important and the problem it addresses.

What is the role of a call-to-action in a research pitch?

The call-to-action encourages the audience to take the next step, such as finding out more about the research, asking a question, or providing something needed to advance the project.

How can you ensure that your one-minute pitch fits the time limit?

Write a script, practice with a timer, and aim for around 150 words, allowing time for pauses. Adjust based on feedback to ensure the pitch is concise and impactful.

Why is it recommended to gather feedback from people who are not researchers?

Feedback from non-researchers helps gauge how well the pitch communicates the main points to a general audience, ensuring clarity and engagement beyond just the academic community.

What are some tips for improving the visual and audio quality of your recorded pitch?

Use good lighting, preferably natural light from a window, and a neutral background. Ensure clear sound by recording in a quiet environment or using an external microphone.

Why should you avoid using slides in a one-minute pitch?

Slides can be distracting and take away from the personal connection that comes from seeing and hearing the presenter. The focus should be on the speaker to make the pitch engaging.