Your client pitch joke fell flat. How can you bounce back and regain their trust?

1 Acknowledge Awkward

When humor misses the mark, acknowledging the situation can help defuse the tension. It shows self-awareness and humility, which are key qualities in building rapport. Quickly address the failed joke with a light-hearted comment or a simple acknowledgment that it didn't have the intended effect. This can help to reset the atmosphere and show your client that you're adaptable and not easily thrown off course by a minor setback.

2 Stay Confident

Maintaining confidence is crucial after a stumble. Your reaction to the misstep can influence your client's perception more than the joke itself. Take a deep breath and continue with your presentation as planned. Displaying confidence reassures clients of your expertise and professionalism. It also helps to shift the focus back to the content of your pitch, where your strengths lie.

3 Pivot Gracefully

Pivoting away from the awkward moment is an art. Use the opportunity to transition into a key point of your presentation. This demonstrates control over the situation and keeps the pitch moving forward. Your ability to pivot shows that you're focused on delivering value to your client, rather than dwelling on a momentary lapse.

4 Rebuild Connection

To regain trust, work on rebuilding the personal connection with your client. Engage them in the presentation by asking questions or soliciting their opinions on the matter at hand. This interactive approach can help re-establish a collaborative atmosphere and demonstrate your interest in their needs and feedback.

5 Highlight Value

Redirect the focus to the value proposition of your pitch. Emphasize the benefits and solutions you're offering, making it clear how they address your client's specific challenges or goals. By reinforcing the value, you help the client see past the failed joke and concentrate on what truly matters—their potential gains from your proposal.

6 Follow Up

After the meeting, follow up with a courteous message thanking your client for their time and reiterating key points from your pitch. This professional courtesy can go a long way in solidifying the relationship and showing that you are serious about their business, despite the earlier hiccup with humor.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?