Selling Yourself, Pitching and Public Speaking

This 2.5-hour session runs from 12.30-3pm and will help you develop skills in pitching projects to prospective funders and investors and in presentation techniques.

Using Mehrabian’s model of communication and language that persuades and engages, and a range of exercises, you will learn how to prepare your body and mind for selling yourself and making a compelling pitch.

The session will include practical techniques to help quell your nerves and improve your public speaking.

Meet the Facilitator

Fern Potter started her career as a professional dancer, choreographer, and teacher in New York City, touring in the USA and abroad, before working in senior management roles in fundraising and development.

She has produced numerous projects and has raised millions for various arts organisations, both large and small. Most recently, as Development Director for Birmingham Royal Ballet, in addition to working with other major cultural institutions in the UK, including the Barbican. Fern is passionate about sharing her expertise with others through freelance training, consulting, mentoring, and writing blogs, resources, and published articles.

She is a mentor for the Mercury Creatives’ programme, Southend Creatives’ programme, and Chartered Institute of Fundraisers’ Evolve programme. Fern is also a regular trainer for the Arts Funding and Philanthropy programme and a lecturer in fundraising for City St. George’s University of London’s MA in Cultural Management.  She is also the Chair of Viviana Durante Company, Co-Chair of Southend Creatives, and sits on the Boards of the Acosta Dance Foundation and Dance Mama. She holds an MA in Arts Management from City University and is a full member of the Chartered Institute of Fundraisers.

Bursary offer

A limited number of free bursary places are available for this event. To book one of these places, please email [email protected] to request one.