The Carousel Pitch from Mad Men (Season 1: Ep 13) is the greatest advertising pitch set in a TV series. If you're not familiar with Mad Men, it's a television series set in 1960s America, focusing on Don Draper, the Creative Director of an advertising agency. In this iconic moment, Draper's pitch goes beyond selling a product; it sells an emotional experience. Click here to watch the clip. So why is this the best Mad Men pitch?
- Don starts with a Connection: In the Carousel pitch, Don Draper addresses the client's concern about the product's connection to technology. Starting with the word 'technology,' he sets the stage for a pitch that goes beyond the expected.
- Lesson: Address your audience's concerns upfront to pave the way for your innovative ideas.
- Craft a Compelling Narrative: Don creates a curiosity gap by proposing a deeper connection with customers through nostalgia. By labelling nostalgia as "delicate but potent," he sparks curiosity and seamlessly transitions into the slideshow.
- Lesson: Build anticipation by creating a story that captivates your audience and leads them to the heart of your idea.
- Utilise the Discovery Technique: Don employs the 'discovery' technique, connecting pieces of information to lead the audience to the desired conclusion. The revelation that the slide projector is not a wheel but a "time machine" is a masterful use of this technique.
- Lesson: Guide your audience through the thought process so that they feel a sense of ownership over your idea.
- Make it Personal and Relatable: Don humanizes himself by showcasing family life and happy moments, transforming his image from a macho salesman to a relatable figure.
- Lesson: Personalise your pitch to resonate with your audience on a human level, fostering a connection that goes beyond the business transaction.
What makes the Carousel pitch extraordinary is its ability to make the audience feel a deep connection to the product, tapping into universal emotions of love, family, and cherished memories.
Mad Men offers a treasure trove of lessons for effective pitching. 🌟 If you're interested in refining your pitch game, I highly recommend revisiting this classic series! 📺 What's your favorite Mad Men pitch? Share your thoughts below! 👇 #MadMen #PitchingSuccess #AdvertisingMagic #CreativePitching