First of all, I thought that I knew everything about the 'perfect pitch'. I've done several programmes and pitched to investors before now and been successful, so arrogantly I thought I knew it all..... boy was I wrong!

I attended an event yesterday evening in Ireland, where I had the pleasure of meeting with Catherine Moonan, the pitch coach a well seasoned communications specialist, an author, broadcaster and journalist who truly opened my eyes and mind to what is needed to deliver a perfect 60 second pitch. Catherine has worked with many large corporations, has worked with over 700+ start ups globally and is well known as the pitch coach on RTE's Dragon's Den.

Catherine is quietly spoken, extremely friendly, supportive and professional and focused on all aspects of what is necessary.

For example, the importance of body language, how to control your fear and nerves, how you gesticulate when presenting, how the use of mindfulness & brainstorming can get your creative juices flowing for the composition of the perfect pitch. Don't waffle, be precise, have intonation in your voice, be as clear and simple as possible. Realistically you have 10 seconds to engage your audience, so create that Wow opening statement to engage them - not bore the pants of them!

There were many key things that came out of the session, but the most important one for me was defining the audience, it's very different to pitch to a small business owner than it is to pitch to an investor to ask him for several million euro's - the message needs to be tailored specifically for them.

Another very important point raised was that during the pitch, it is not actually about us, and we're quite selfish to think that it is, the pitch is about the audience - what's in it for them and why they should listen/commit to us.

Catherine's final message was Be Yourself, Be the Best of Yourself, Have no Fear and Allow yourself to shine - wise words of wisdom.

Spending time with Catherine and all the other attendees at this meeting session was superb and I now feel that if I do get the opportunity to complete that 60 second pitch, I can use the opportunity to achieve my goal, which is raising investment for a very important project.

Please take a look at www.pitchcoach.ie as you will definitely learn something extremely valuable.