Big meeting coming up? Maybe it’s an investor pitch, a sales call, or a networking event that could change your career. You feel ready. But are you really? Not just “I glanced at my notes and put on a nice jacket” ready. More like “I know exactly how to steer this conversation and leave a lasting impression” ready. Too many people walk into high-stakes conversations assuming they can just wing it. Sometimes, sure, they get lucky. But more often, they fumble. They ramble. They lose their audience before they even get to the good part. Let’s talk about what you should avoid — and 7 best things you should do instead.
By Team Savant
Image: Lance Reis
Talking More Than Listening
It’s easy to do. You’re passionate about your product, your idea, your service. You want to share every last detail. But here’s the problem—nobody cares about all of it. They care about what matters to them.
Before launching into your pitch, take a breath. Ask a question. Find out what the other person actually needs. If you do this right, you won’t have to convince them of anything. You’ll just be giving them exactly what they’re looking for.
Not Knowing Who You’re Talking To
A one-size-fits-all pitch is a disaster waiting to happen. If you walk into a meeting with no idea who’s sitting across from you, don’t be surprised when their eyes glaze over.
Do the homework. Check their LinkedIn. Read up on their company. Understand the challenges they might be facing. When you show that you’ve put in effort before even meeting them, you’ve already won half the battle.
Overloading on Jargon
Nothing kills a conversation faster than a string of buzzwords that mean nothing. “We optimise scalable solutions to drive synergy”—what does that even mean? If someone needs a translator to understand what you do, you’ve lost them.
Keep it simple. Explain your value in a way that even a kid could grasp. If you can’t do that, you’re not ready.
Underestimating the Power of the First 30 Seconds
First impressions aren’t just important. They’re everything. If you open with a weak introduction or a meandering thought, you might never get their full attention back.
Start strong. Maybe it’s a surprising stat. A compelling story. A direct, confident statement of value. Whatever it is, make sure it hits hard and fast.
Failing to Plan for Tough Questions
Everything’s going great—until someone throws a curveball. Suddenly, you’re stumbling. Or worse, making something up on the spot.
Before your meeting, think of five tough questions you don’t want to be asked. Then, craft strong, confident answers. The best conversations aren’t just about delivering information; they’re about handling pressure with ease.
The Art of Being 100% Prepared
Know your key message. If you can’t sum up what you’re offering in one clear sentence, go back to the drawing board.
Practice, but don’t sound rehearsed. You want to be polished, not robotic.
Have a backup plan. Tech fails. Meetings get rescheduled. People flake. Be ready to pivot.
Look the part, but be yourself. Professionalism doesn’t mean stripping away personality.
And if you’re at a trade show, networking event, or expo, exhibition marketing can help you stand out. A sharp booth, engaging materials, and a memorable elevator pitch can make all the difference. Your brand shouldn’t just be seen—it should be remembered.
Confidence is the Secret Weapon
Preparation isn’t just about knowing the right things to say. It’s about how you carry yourself. Walk in with confidence, and even if you fumble, people will still believe in you.
So, before your next big business conversation, ask yourself: Am I really ready? If the answer isn’t a solid yes, take a step back. Get prepared. Because in business, luck is nice—but preparation is King.