What do you do when you're hit with a tough question—one you didn’t expect and don’t have a polished answer ready for?

Whether it’s a curveball in a donor meeting, a media interview, or a town hall Q&A, today's episode of the 7-Figure Fundraising Podcast breaks down three clear strategies you can use to stay composed and persuasive—even under pressure.

Trevor shares a memorable story from the Miss Teen USA pageant that became one of the first viral “word salad” moments on YouTube—and how most of us would probably stumble in similar high-stakes situations. From there, he walks through three tactics you can practice and deploy to answer confidently, clearly, and concisely.

What You’ll Learn

• The 3 go-to frameworks for answering tough questions:
  1. Two Points – A simple, structured response to organize your thinking.
  2. Story + Insight – A technique to connect emotionally and drive home a takeaway.
  3. Thinking Then and Now – A method for gracefully correcting misinformation.
• Why pausing for just a few seconds before responding can help you sound more thoughtful and credible.

Download the One-Page Cheat Sheet
Click here to download a quick reference guide to the three tactics you can print or keep at your desk. https://7figurefundraising.kit.com/f7370c2df6

To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/

To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com

How many of you know a good story? One you've never forgotten—one that moved you, inspired you, or stuck with you long after you heard it. What made it so compelling?

In this clip, we dive into why stories are the lifeblood of an effective pitch and how you can find and frame great stories to persuade donors. Learn about:

• The Story Safe—a simple habit for collecting powerful stories
• The Story Buckets method for organizing and retrieving compelling narratives
• How to frame your story to maximize its impact

Want to get the full formula for crafting unforgettable fundraising stories? Get the book:

Paperback & Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/7-Figure-Fundraising-guide-millions-change/dp/B0DC8K1MRD/

Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0DJRSBL79?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006

To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/

To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com

What do you want your new donors to see and hear from your organization during their first 100 days? This period is your chance to make a lasting impression and turn a first-time donor into a lifelong supporter.

In this clip, we break down how to craft a 100-day plan that keeps donors engaged, including:

• The four-part thank-you strategy that sets the right tone
• How to plan four meaningful touchpoints over the first 100 days
• Proven ideas like behind-the-scenes insights, success stories, and impact updates

Want the full strategy to build donor relationships that last? Get the book:

Paperback & Kindle: https://www.amazon.com/7-Figure-Fundraising-guide-millions-change/dp/B0DC8K1MRD/

Audiobook: https://www.audible.com/pd/B0DJRSBL79?source_code=ASSORAP0511160006
Make the first 100 days count—and create donors for life.

To see all the show notes visit: https://www.7figurefundraising.com/podcast/

To learn more about fundraising and our training visit: 7FigureFundraising.com