“Call to Action Talk Structure,”

Develop and deliver a three-minute (maximum time) business presentation that ends with an “ask”: perhaps an outright purchase decision, or investment, a loan, or government approval from a council/commission. Certainly you can be seeking funding for a start-up. If you wish, you could sell a real or imaginary product or service! Students have had great success and fun with outright sales presentations, pitching real or imagined products or services. The primary purpose of this exercise is to give you personal experience making an “ask,” which many find awkward.
You’re welcome to step outside your student status to create a simulated identity for yourself, which you will share with the class at the start. Create a simulated identity for the listeners as well. (For example, you are an entrepreneur, and the class is a group of angel investors; you are a sales representative for a new mobile device, and the class would be a group of potential customers at a consumer electronics exposition with thousands of attendees.) Remember, your presentation seeks a “yes” (you’re selling, bottom line), whether upon its conclusion or after a test or development period. The strength of your “ask” is important to your grade.
Props or samples are very welcome, but not PowerPoints or using the whiteboard in the classroom. Also, no notes or lectern. You are standing and perhaps walking about in front of the class by yourself. End the talk with the “ask.” For best results, what you are selling should be something you believe in. “Call to Action Talk Structure,” in the class packet, may help you craft your talk. These concluding talks of the quarter are normally very energetic. Deliver your talk as if is the real world, and it really is important to you.