10 tips for a winning hackathon pitch

10Ken Tabor, @KenTabor

Tips Winning

for a

Hackathon Pitch

Have working code loaded. Disable sleep mode and screen saver. Get hardware on

Wi-Fi if needed. Swap wallpaper for a solid color. Sweep away distracting icons.

#1: Setup

Choose roles before presenting. 1 demo driver. 1 speaker. It’s too hard to speak and demo at the same time. Remaining

team are supportive extras.

#2: Play Your Role

Write down 3 key talking points. Serves as a loose outline. Don’t script - it sounds

mechanical. Deliver your message authentically. Small paper notes are fine.

#3: Speaker

Keep on the happy path. Straying from it means potential disaster. When

something goes wrong don’t freak out. Just recover gracefully.

#4: Demo Driver

Nod to support the speaker. Engage the crowd with eye contact (don’t be creepy.)

Show your excitement. Be prepared to answer judge’s questions.

#5: Supportive Extras

#6: Practice

Speaker and demo driver pitch out loud. Talk like it’s for real. At least 5 times to become comfortable. Give each other

useful feedback. Reveal annoyances.

#7: Relax

After set up and practice take time to chill out. Hackathons are emotionally and physically stressful. Meditate. Power nap.

Listen to music. High five each other.

Are human beings who respond to stories. Might not be technical. Want to

be sold. Are curious about the future. Will ask questions.

#8: Judges

Smile. Be confident. Vary your speech. Delete “um”, “uh” fillers. Pause silently instead. Stand straight. Keep hands out of pockets. It’s a skill you can practice.

#9: Speaking

Believe that we want to understand your work. Take us on a journey. Deliver value into our lives. Inspire and inform us. Show

your passion. Build community.

#10: Audience

Remember great success is still yours for the taking. Define what it will be. Meet

future colleagues. Learn something new. Finish what you started.

Only 1 Team Wins Today

I can’t wait to hear of your success. Share your story!

Ken Tabor, @KenTabor

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