Pow Wow Pitch Finalists
Kate
MikeGoal
This activity is designed to encourage learners to engage in discussions while watching videos of Indigenous entrepreneurs pitching their business ideas to a panel of judges. The videos are sourced from the Pow Wow Pitch competition and feature entrepreneurs from the territories (recommended videos are linked below). The aim is to encourage learners to discuss the communication skills they see demonstrated in the videos. Additionally, learners will explore how these skills extend beyond verbal communication by examining the entrepreneurs' online presence.
Attachments
Materials
Instructions
Begin by introducing the activity to the learners. Highlight the purpose, which is to assess and discuss communication skills exhibited by entrepreneurs in pitch videos from Pow Wow Pitch.
Ask learners if anyone is familiar with Pow Wow Pitch. Discuss the purpose of the competition and its mission to support collective impact and success for Indigenous entrepreneurs.
Set up the technology for video playback. Ensure that learners have access to the selected video content.
Option: Provide learners with access to the Powwow Pitch website in advance and invite them to explore the website prior to the completion of this activity.
Provide learners with a few questions to consider while watching the pitch(es) before they start. These questions should prompt them to analyze various aspects of the entrepreneur's pitch, such as their delivery, content, and audience engagement.
What nonverbal cues do you notice in the entrepreneur's pitch, and how do they contribute to or hinder their message? (body language, facial expressions, tone of voice)
Did the pitch capture your attention from the beginning? What elements of the presentation made it engaging or less engaging for you?
Did the entrepreneur effectively convey what their product or service is and its value? Can you clearly articulate their offering after watching the pitch?
Take notes on the feedback and comments provided by the judges. What insights or recommendations did the judges offer, and how might they impact the entrepreneur's pitch and business?
Play the chosen video. Learners should actively take notes and consider the questions provided to guide their observations.
After watching the video, engage the group in a discussion based on their observations and the pre-provided questions (see debrief questions). Encourage learners to share their insights on the entrepreneur's communication skills and the impact on their pitch's effectiveness.
OPTIONAL ADD-ON
Following the discussion, offer the learners’ an opportunity to explore the websites and online presence of each of the pitch competitors. This is to enable learners to explore visual and written communication in addition to verbal communication from pitches.
Instruct learners to visit the entrepreneur's website or social media profiles to analyze how their communication skills transcend verbal communication.
They should look for consistency in messaging, branding, and engagement.
Allow learners time to explore the online presence and take notes.
Reconvene the group for a discussion focused on their findings regarding the entrepreneur's online communication. Explore how their online presence complements their verbal communication and the impact on their business. Questions learners should consider while looking at the online presence of each entrepreneur:
Is there consistency in the branding, messaging, and visual elements across the entrepreneur's website and social media profiles?
What types of engagement or interaction can you observe on the entrepreneur's social media platforms? Are they actively engaging with their audience, responding to comments, or fostering discussions?
Does the content address the interests and needs of their audience effectively?
Background
Preparation
Before the session, ensure that you have access to the selected Powwow Pitch videos and that the links work properly.
Test the technology for video playback and ensure learners can access the videos.
Additionally, prepare a list of questions for learners to consider while watching the video.
Technology Considerations
If the activity is conducted virtually, ensure that learners have access to reliable internet to watch the videos.
Use a video conferencing platform that supports seamless video playback.
Make sure learners are familiar with the technology and can navigate websites and social media.
Additional Context
It's important to recognize that pitching, or giving a short presentation about an idea, has both advantages and limitations. On one hand, it's a great way to quickly convey essential information about a project or concept. However, the challenge lies in the limited time frame.
Consider the difficulty of explaining a complex idea in just a few minutes. Entrepreneurs and presenters must carefully select and articulate the most critical aspects of their idea. This task becomes even more challenging when addressing a diverse audience with varying levels of knowledge and interests.
Understanding these limitations encourages us to appreciate the art of effective pitching. It's about condensing information and making it impactful. When observing someone pitch, it's essential to recognize the effort and skill required to capture attention and convey a message effectively in a short timeframe. This context helps facilitators guide discussions and activities related to pitches.
Tips for Localization
There are wonderful Pow Wow Pitch videos from entrepreneurs across North America. Below are all of the videos from entrepreneurs that identified as being from either Northwest Territories, the Yukon and Nunavut and have pitched at Pow Wow Pitch since 2021.
Northwest Territories
Cole Clark - Behchokǫ̀, NWT - STLN LNDS
Jackie DeCoteau-Gill - Liidlii Kue First Nation, NWT - Kokums Helper Society
Tanis Simpson - Sachs Harbour, NWT - Qiviut Inc.
Taalrumiq Christina King -Tuktoyaktuk, NWT - Taalrumiq
Nunavut
Bernice Clarke - Iqaluit, NU - Uasau Soap Inc.
Emily Joanasie - Iqaluit, NU - Miqsuqta!
Yukon
Joella Hogan - Mayo, Yukon - The Yukon Soaps Company
Debrief Questions
How did the entrepreneurs' communication skills in the videos compare to your expectations?
What were the most effective elements of the entrepreneurs' pitches?
Were there any communication challenges or barriers that impacted the effectiveness of the pitches?
What did you notice about the entrepreneurs’ online presence in comparison to their verbal pitch?
What lessons can be applied to your own communication strategies from these entrepreneurs' experiences?
How did the judges participate in 2-way communication with the pitch participants?
Would you be interested in the future to apply for the Powwow Pitch?
How do you think the contestants prepared for their pitch? (research, branding, community support, etc.)
How would you prepare for the Powwow Pitch? What would you need to move forward? (role model, community support)
If you won the $25k from the Powwow Pitch- what would you spend it on?
How could you use the resources from the Powwow Pitch website to prepare for your own pitch at the end of this program?
Can you think of other funding programs in the North that are similar or that can help you with your business?
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