Kicking off its Global Entrepreneurship Week, the IDEA Bank hosted the “Pitch with Confidence” event. Speaker Patrick George taught attendees how to make an effective business pitch.

From detailing his long journey as a professional public speaker to giving step-by-step tips for a convincing pitch, George gave those at the event plenty to learn from.

For George, one of the greatest uses of public speaking is to inspire others.

“I want to be a tangible role model,” said George, an instructor in leadership at TROY. “I didn’t just want to give a message, but I also want to be an example.”

“I remember sitting in the audience, hearing [former tennis player] Roger Crawford. I wanted to be that person, coming to a school and reviving that kind of energy and motivation,” he said.

During his lecture, George emphasized the importance of setting tangible goals, having marketable skills and staying on topic when it comes to a business pitch. He also highlighted how crucial it is to be familiar with one’s own strengths.

“Understand what you bring to the table, why you over somebody else,” said George, author of the book “You Can’t Fry Chicken in 8 Minutes but You Can Set Incredible Goals in 8 Steps.”

The event, open to anyone that was interested, was informative and helpful, featuring a presentation and a time for the audience to ask questions.

“[Public Speaking] is especially important when you get put on the spot,” said Daniel Wyche, TROY alumni and aspiring business owner. “If you don’t have the confidence to stand in front of people, where can you move in life? It was a great presentation, an awesome presenter and he’s doing some great things for the community.”

George covered all the bases for making a pitch, from pricing to ideas and how to effectively communicate with others.

Entrepreneurship Week continues at the IDEA bank and online with events every day, culminating in the highly successful Nonprofit Summit on Friday.