Updated & Expanded Edition

Transform Yourself Into a Persuasive Presenter

Communicate with authority in every room and win more business. The complete system used to coach Fortune 500 executives, NFL leaders, and top-tier professionals.

The Power of the Pitch book cover

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Praise for The Power of the Pitch

“Paul’s expertise as a writer and communications coach has helped me perform my responsibilities at a high level. He is responsive, creative and professional in his work. He also has a wonderful sense of humor and boldness that makes him fun to collaborate with.”

Peter Mindnich

President, Braille Institute

The Power of the Pitch incorporates the tremendously valuable strategies, tools and techniques Gary Hankins has been teaching our professionals over the past decade into one neat package. I recommend his book to everyone who makes a living by persuading others to see their point of view.”

John C. Cushman III

Chairman of the Board, Cushman & Wakefield

“There is power in the pitch, and the Pygmalion concepts help unleash it! Having been through the coaching experience with Gary Hankins, I can attest to the effectiveness of the concepts outlined in this book. Incorporating just a few of them will enable readers to become more confident—and more effective—in any business environment.”

Burv Pugh

Senior Vice President, Retail Distribution, MassMutual Financial Group

“Anyone who thinks public speaking is more frightening than jumping from a plane will go out and buy a flight suit after reading Gary’s book. This book is fresh, clear, practical, insightful, and humorous. It is a must for anyone who aspires to leadership, through public speaking.”

Robert J. Dowling

Publisher and Editor in Chief, Hollywood Reporter

“Gary Hankins is a marvelous teacher of powerful speaking fundamentals that can be very beneficial to speakers and presenters of all levels. His book and program are a must for all those seeking to improve their speaking skills.”

Terry Donahue

General Manager, San Francisco 49ers

“We have used Gary Hankins’ principals and methodology right across Asia Pacific for a number of years, and they work. The lifeblood of any service organization is satisfying and retaining your current clients and attracting and winning new ones. The Power of the Pitch is equally relevant for both groups. The skills Gary has taught us and detailed in the book are a big part of what makes our people market leaders.”

Peter Barge

CEO, Asia Pacific, Jones Lang LaSalle

“I am in the business of pitching shows to TV networks. I needed to be a better closer. The Power of the Pitch helped me fine tune and focus my presentations. The results speak for themselves.”

Eugene Young

Senior Vice President, Programming and Development, Endemol USA — Producers of Fear Factor, Big Brother, and Extreme Makeover, Home Edition

“Gary’s book condenses into writing what he has been coaching our partners to do for years. His insights and approach are clear and to the point, and allow our partners to be more effective in serving our clients and communicating with our people. Gary’s insights are an important element of our professionals’ development and success.”

Tony Buzzelli

Office Managing Partner, Deloitte & Touche

“Gary’s book serves as a detailed guide to making presentations while providing important “life lessons” along the way. It is immensely readable and informative. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to improve their public performances to a world class level.”

Larry Hirsch

Former Chairman and CEO, Centex Corporation

The Power of the Pitch allows us to add the way we present to our list of competitive advantages. The Power of the Pitch is an excellent vehicle to teach new sales people critical presentation skills and allow experienced salespeople to fine tune their skills.”

William L. MacDonald

Chairman, President, and CEO, Retirement Capital Group, Inc.

“Gary Hankins has distilled the essence of a successful pitch. The Power of the Pitch should be required reading for anyone who intends to successfully communicate. I will keep this book in my office as an integral part of my reference library.”

Allan Anderson

Resident Director and Business Litigation Partner, Ropers, Majeski, Kohn & Bentley

“Having the benefit of Gary Hankins’s wisdom early in my career was fortuitous. Gary’s lessons have become an integral part of training in the businesses and organizations in which I hold leadership positions. His message is useful to every person in his or her professional and personal life. Even my sixteen-year-old daughter preparing for college entrance interviews has benefited from Gary’s teachings. Those who read The Power of the Pitch will increase their opportunities for success.”

Brian R. Kroh, CCM

General Manager, John’s Island Club, and Director, National Club Association

Paul Vroom

Paul Vroom

Communication and presence coach, actor, and photographer who helps professionals develop authentic authority in how they speak, appear, and connect. With more than thirty years of experience in performance, presentation, and visual communication.

Paul worked directly alongside Power of the Pitch author Gary Hankins for over a decade as his primary workshop facilitator and coaching partner — delivering intensive communication programs for corporate leaders worldwide. His theater training and SAG-AFTRA membership inform a uniquely human-centered coaching method.

“Paul has a rare ability to meet people exactly where they are, uncover their specific communication challenges, and guide them to grow beyond what they previously believed possible.”

— Gary Hankins, Founder & CEO, Pygmalion, Inc.
30+
Years of Experience Performance, executive coaching & visual communication
SAG
SAG-AFTRA Member Working actor — stagecraft informs every session
PYG
Pygmalion Inc. — Lead Coach Gary Hankins' international consulting firm

A Complete System for Persuasion

17 chapters built on 30+ years of coaching executives, sales professionals, and speakers across every industry — from the first impression to the power close.

Chapter 1
The Power of the Pitch
Why most presentations fail — and how to structure one that wins.
Chapter 2
Be the Brand
How your personal brand and professional image shape credibility before you speak.
Chapter 3
Get Psyched Up, Not Out
Master your Presentation Self — turn nerves into conviction with affirmation and visualization.
Chapter 4
The Laws of Non-Verbal Presence
Eye contact, gestures, posture, and purposeful movement — what audiences see before they hear you.
Chapter 5
The Power of Packaging
The One-Notch Principle and the Three T's — dressing to communicate authority.
Chapter 6
Put Power in Your Voice
Vocal dynamics, positive language, and the art of the strategic pause.
Chapter 7
Foolproof Preparation
The Power of the Pitch Presentation Process — strategy, outline, rehearsal, and debrief.
Chapters 8–10
The Pitch: Parts I, II & III
The STAR grabber, ISB persuasion model, and STARUS power close — the complete pitch framework.
Chapters 11–12
Storytelling & Humor
The edutainment advantage — how stories and well-placed humor make messages stick.
Chapter 13
Secrets of Building Rapport
The 20-50-80 principle, four steps to overcoming objections, and the Killer Three.
Chapter 14
The First-Glance Verdict
How audiences decide before you speak — visual presence, visuals that add authority.
Chapter 16
Virtual Pitches
Command presence through the screen — video, audio-only, and hybrid meeting mastery.

Bring the Power of the Pitch to Your Team

Paul delivers intensive, hands-on workshops based directly on the book — helping teams present with clarity, confidence, and conviction. Tell us about your organization and we'll be in touch.

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Book Paul for Your Event

Paul brings the Power of the Pitch methodology to keynotes, conferences, and corporate events — delivering immediately actionable insights that transform how audiences communicate.

The Power of the Pitch — keynote
Persuasive communication in the modern era
Executive presence & non-verbal authority
Virtual & hybrid communication mastery
Sales presentations that close
Storytelling for business leaders
✓ Got it! Paul's team will follow up within 48 hours.
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