Pitch Guidelines

Hi all.

So what can you say or show the judging panel in 20 minutes that gives you the best shot at having your project selected for the final round?

Here are some guidelines. They're not exhaustive. You don’t necessarily have to follow the exact order given below. And our colleagues in Marketing may want to weigh in with more details. But these should help.

1. “Elevator pitch”

Can you convince the panel in ninety seconds or less that your AIR-based product or service is a great idea that’s both needed and do-able in the time frame and with the resources available?

2. Benefits to community and the profession of journalism

The mission of the Reynolds Journalism Institute is to engage “media professionals, scholars and other citizens in programs aimed at improving the practice and understanding of journalism in democratic societies.” The RJI is especially interested in how we might use new technologies to re-connect community-based media companies with prospective audiences and advertisers. How does your proposal help further one or more of those goals?

3. Research

What research have you found or conducted that supports the need for (or desirability of) your proposed product or service? How will you gauge its usability and appeal once you've developed a prototype?

4. Potential revenue streams or cost savings

Is there money to be made or saved with your product or service? Describe the potential financial benefits, even if they’re indirect.

5. Tentative budget

How might you spend the $5,000 in expense money you’ll have access to if you’re selected as one of the three finalist teams? Do you need software? Hardware? Travel funds? Etc.

6. Q&A

Don’t fill your 20 minutes with prepared remarks. Leave five minutes or so for questions from the selection panel.

7. Presentation format

There is no set format. Want to show a PowerPoint presentation, website or some other computer-based demonstration? We’ll have a projector and laptop at your disposal. Bring the presentation on a thumb drive. Want to provide some kind of printed materials? Bring hard copies for five judges as well as electronic copies for archiving. Who’s going to speak for the group...one, some or all of the team members? Don’t OVER-produce or include too much information. The quality of the idea and the clarity of your presentation will make or break the pitch.

If you have any questions, please reply via email or on the blog.

Good luck!

Mike