2021 St.Thomas Fowler GSIC Finals -Finalist Pitch Guide-

Finalist Pitch & Awards Ceremony Schedule Welcome & Finalist Pitches: 9 am to 11:30 am on Zoom Judge Deliberations: 11:30 am to 12:00 pm (Teams recess.

Rejoin via new Zoom link for Awards Ceremony) Awards Ceremony: 1:30 pm to 2:30 pm (Streamed live on Bizzabo)

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Schedule Details The Finalist Pitch Session will be hosted on Zoom. This part of the program is open to Finalists and Judges only. All teams will stay in the same Zoom meeting room for pitches. Please view a copy of the Campus Finals rubric here.

Each pitch session will consist of: 8-minute live pitch 8-minute Q&A and feedback 2-minute transition to the next team Your recorded video pitch will be shared in case we experience any technical difficulties.

Following the morning's pitches, finalist teams will join a virtual green room at 1pm to participate in the Awards Ceremony. All judges and guests will tune in for the live program via Bizzabo.

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Preparing For Success These tips apply to your pre-recorded video, live pitch/Q & A time and response time for winners during the Awards Ceremony.

Use stable wifi or hardwire internet connection: Zoom requires an internet connection in order to experience its full functionality. For participants who do not have internet access, please use the phone dial in option in your Zoom meeting/webinar details.

Test the audio and video: This will ensure your speakers, mic and camera are well placed and working properly for your recording and before the live events.

If possible, use a headset with a mic to reduce background noise and increase audio quality. It’s also a good idea to mute all notifications (including email, chats, cell phone, etc) before joining the event.

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Consider your location: Before your presentation, test out your location and ensure that you are in a well-lit and relatively quiet spot.

Alternately, you can use a branded team or favorite Zoom background. You are not obligated to use a virtual background if it does not work well with your computer.

Dress to impress: You’ll be on video and recorded. We recommend solid colors as opposed to garments with patterns. Be mindful of any accessories or jewelry if you are expressive with your hands as the noise and movement can be distracting.

Be on time: We recommend you join the competition at least 5 minutes before the start time to get comfortable on screen.

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During Your Live Q&A/Awards Response Time Look at the camera: This takes a bit of getting used to since you want to look at the other participants’ faces (and, let’s be honest, your own face), but try to look at the camera when you’re talking. This tactic will mimic the in-person feeling of eye contact. It’s important to gauge reactions by looking at the screen, but alternating that with looking at the camera makes the audience feel like you’re really talking to them.

Don’t get too close: Position yourself so the camera is seeing you from the chest or waist up, instead of just seeing your face.

This is more natural for the viewer (after all, in an in-person meeting you’re usually seeing more of a person than just their face). This is especially beneficial if you tend to gesture a lot.

Be practiced but don’t forget to be Human: Going virtual doesn’t mean you can’t be yourself! Have fun, and don’t worry about being too polished.

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