Pitch Perfect: Proposal Prep and the Art of the Oral Presentation

Winning the proposal is only the beginning—how you present it can make or break your chances. In this dynamic session, Meredith Roedel, Win Strategist and Founder of Spire Proposals, shared expert strategies for turning a strong written proposal into a persuasive, high-impact oral presentation that closes the deal.

Bridging the Gap Between Proposal and Presentation

Meredith emphasized that the most successful teams don’t treat the written proposal and the oral presentation as separate efforts. Instead, they create a unified story that carries through both formats, reinforcing their value proposition and building evaluator trust. Attendees learned how to align key messages across channels, avoid contradictions, and deliver a seamless experience from page to podium.

Structuring a Winning Proposal Narrative

This session explored the building blocks of an effective proposal-driven presentation—from narrative development to slide structure and delivery flow. Meredith broke down how to create a storyline that speaks directly to the customer’s goals, reinforces differentiators, and presents complex solutions in a clear, engaging way. With an emphasis on storytelling, clarity, and confidence, attendees gained tools to turn even technical content into compelling messaging.

From Preparation to Persuasion

Beyond content, the session covered the human side of performance: how to prep your team, manage nerves, and deliver with authority. Meredith offered tips on team roles, practice techniques, and visual design best practices that enhance—not distract from—your core message. The goal? Equip every team member to contribute to a confident, cohesive presentation that leaves a lasting impression.

Elevating Your Proposal Strategy

Whether you’re new to orals or looking to sharpen your approach, this session provided a playbook for ensuring your presentation is as strong as your proposal. By connecting written and spoken narratives, you move from simply responding—to truly persuading.