You know one of the major things that will make or kill your career as a screenwriter?
Your ability to impress in meetings.
Over the years I’ve watched writers with talents that were, politely, less than stellar, do very, very well.
Over and over some of them would win out over better writers – and even go on to have major careers – all because of their ability to pitch well in pressured script meetings.
Sheer meeting technique can get you a very long way in this industry.
I know when I started out I used to ignore this. I really firmly believed it was all about the writing, and I used to think I could have my entire career from in front of my pc screen.
I quickly learned I was wrong of course. This is a team game, and if you’re going to work as a screenwriter you need to be able to hold an audience while you talk.
If you can project authority, charisma, and clarity with any power you will be so far ahead of better writers who can’t communicate the fact they are better writers.
But from the emails I get I know that’s a daunting thought for a lot of people.
If the thought of pitching to a room full of people is what’s putting you off committing to your screenwriting career, then maybe, just maybe, this is something you ought to think about getting fixed.
In the long run you could look at joining any public speaking group to get experience talking in public and holding an audience. When you’re ready, Toastmasters is probably the best established of them all.
But turning up at something like Toastmasters when you’re just starting out can be very daunting.
So what to do?
Well, there’s always the internet. You can find anything you want out there. If you’d rather start building up your public speaking skills on your own just for a while before being thrown into the hot seat there’s a whole load of people out there who can help. I had a quick look round the other day and here’s two of the more authoritative seeming sites:
(Just click on the names)
These are just two of the many, many courses that are out there, so if they don’t appeal then just keep on looking for one that does.
But do keep on looking!
If you do have this fear then I urge you to take steps.
Being good in meetings is a specific skill, and, like any other skill, you CAN acquire it with the right help.
How To Write A Screenplay
{ 9 comments… read them below or add one }
Hiya Phil,
just read your bit about pitching and couldn’t agree more. In my experience it’s crucial. My tip is to be yourself, be passionate and believe in what your pitching. Know your story and characters inside out, so you can bring them to life. be visual and make them laugh at least once. Columbo always had his hand on the door knob when he delieverd the best bit – so my best tip is nicked from him and that’s leave them with something special and truthful just before your exit.
Well hope that helps? ta
Gill x
Hi Gill – thanks for that – admire your discipline – I always splurge out the good stuff the minute I get chance – must learn discipline! So what are you working on at the moment?
Well I graduated of the BBC writers Academy at Christmas…now you’re talking about
discipline!!!
( I have a short bit ‘The writers Heart’ on BBC writers room about my time there)
Cheers Phil
great site and getting better.
Gillx
Can’t find the article – post a link?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/writersroom/2009/03/writers_academy_10.shtml
Thanks Gill – fascinating!
This is being discussed in the forum:
http://www.screenwritinggoldmine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1536
Good post. I know a few screenwriters who are timid with selling themselves. I agree with Phil, having a passion about your writing helps.
Many writers lack verbal communication skills. They’re shy about promoting themselves and their work. If you can’t “toot” your own horn, no one else will. Also, writers need to learn how to build and develop relationships. This is very important because they’re entering the entertainment business — emphasis on business.