Pitch with personality: Interactive keynote speech at THWS inspires those interested in starting a business
"Start your business with confidence – with attitude and voice": This was the motto of the interactive keynote speech "Pitch Your Personality" at the Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS). The event marked the launch of a new networking and event format: Under the motto "Together for Women Success (T4WS)", the Entrepreneurship@THWS team at the Campus for Applied Research plans to host an event at least once a year: EXIST Women participants and their mentors, students, alumni and others interested in starting a business are welcome to attend. An open networking format is deliberately offered in order to raise the profile of female founders and promote diverse teams.
At the kick-off event, pitch coach and business mentor Alexa Hurka provided participants with tools to present themselves authentically and convincingly when starting a business – on stage, online, and in front of investors. The presentation focused on questions such as: "How do I come across to others?", "How do I find my own pitch style?" and "How do I remain clear and confident?"
A valuable aspect of this was that the audience not only received input on the content, but was also able to participate directly. "I thought it was great how the audience engaged with the quick coaching and asked questions," said the speaker. "The atmosphere is great and the participants perform their so-called 'archetype', which leads to many 'aha' moments." In psychology, archetypes are universal patterns and primal images deeply rooted in the human psyche.
Practical tools, new perspectives and a strong community
One participant describes: "The keynote speech is a real source of inspiration for me. I am particularly impressed by how clearly and approachably the speaker conveys the topic of 'personal impact'. The space for honest exchange and empowerment on an equal footing gives the event a special depth."
THWS student and aspiring founder Ocucidia Maxaieie adds: "Unlike other training courses that focus primarily on posture, voice and gestures, today's course focuses on personality and individuality. First, we have learnt to better understand our own facets. Then we have worked out how to bring these to bear in an authentic and professional manner."
During the subsequent networking session, participants were able to explore the content in greater depth, share experiences and gain new perspectives.
About EXIST-Women at THWS
With the EXIST-Women programme, the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE) provides targeted support to women interested in starting their own businesses. EXIST-Women starts at an early stage of start-up support and offers female founders personal mentoring, its own workshop programme and a scholarship. Nine scholarship holders are currently being supported for a whole year at the THWS Campus for Applied Research.
Further information on EXIST-Women at THWS
About THWS
The Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt (THWS) is one of the largest universities of applied sciences in Bavaria and has driven teaching and applied research since it was founded in 1971. With about 9,000 students and a wide range of more than 60 degree programmes, we cover a broad spectrum ranging from technology to economics and social sciences, language and design. THWS is not only rooted in the region, but also has a strong international focus, which is reflected in numerous collaborations and exchange programmes worldwide and not least in a versatile English-taught degree programmes.
Contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Campus for Applied Research (CAF)
Anna Fischer
Münzstraße 12
97070 Würzburg
Press contact:
Technical University of Applied Sciences Würzburg-Schweinfurt
Angela Kreipl
Münzstraße 12
97070 Würzburg
+49 931 3511-8354