It’s now easier than ever before to submit your entry for an esteemed Nigels Award, with a new streamlined format and two fresh award categories. Even better, enter the Nigels now and you’ll score exclusive coaching from none other than Paul Rogers; the ANZ region’s go-to-expert in standout procurement storytelling.
Not sure where to begin? To help you craft an entry that dazzles, inspires and heads straight to the top of the pile, Paul is sharing his top tips.
If you’ve got a story to tell, now’s the time to share it. Make it compelling. Make it memorable. Make it Nigels-worthy!
Tip 1: Use a hook to grab the audience’s attention
“I was once asked to help buy a billion dollars of gold in an off-market deal…”
Got your attention? That’s the power of a great hook.
In storytelling, the hook is the key to attracting an audience’s attention. Instead of starting with ‘background to the project’, consider ‘how we overcame resistance that nearly derailed the project’.
And spoiler: The best presentations aren’t about slides, they’re about people. Connection. Story. Impact.
Tip 2: Set the scene. Don’t set sail on a saga!
Use bold visuals and paint the background context with broad strokes. What does the audience need to know to grasp the key issues?
“Pistol shots ring out in the barroom night…”
That’s how Bob Dylan opens Hurricane. Just eight words: boom, you’re there. A smoky bar. Tension so thick it crackles. No buildup. No backstory. Just instant atmosphere.
Now, your procurement project probably didn’t involve gunfire (we hope), but the lesson still hits: your opening matters.
Skip the history lesson. Ditch the slow warm-up. Whether you’re pitching a new process or leading a transformation, start strong. Make people feel the moment, because if you can hook a room full of procurement pros from the first line, you’re already halfway to a win.
Channel your inner Dylan. Start bold. Set the scene. Let the story do the heavy lifting.
Tip 3: Make them care
Make it matter. Define the challenge with punchy, relatable language and urgency. Show why this problem can’t wait.
Let’s be honest, other people’s dreams aren’t as captivating as our own. That’s why secondhand stories and abstract generalisations often fall flat.
If you want your audience to really care, ask yourself: “What’s in it for them?”
- Make it relevant to their world
- Anchor it in something personal or professional
- Use anecdotes to bring it to life
- Speak to both the head and the heart
Whether you’re presenting at a conference, pitching a new idea or writing content, connection is truly everything.
Always focus on tangible and relatable content that connects with the heads and hearts of your audience. The more relatable your message, the more powerful your impact.
Tip 4: What’s the big idea?
Reveal the ‘aha!’
Make your core insight bold, clear and memorable. It should be the thread that ties the story together. This is your story’s turning point!
Ask yourself:
- What’s the key message?
- What’s the insight or theme that unites the whole piece?
- What’s the one takeaway you want to stick?
The point of the big idea is to crystallise what your story is about. Here are some tongue-in-cheek examples:
- “Buying with Purpose. Delivering with Impact”
When the contract has a conscience
- “They Thought Procurement Was Boring – Until they Saw the Results!”
Data. Drama. Deals. A behind-the-scenes look at transformation
- “Delivered on Time, Under Budget, Beyond Expectations.”
The high-stakes drama of getting it right when it mattered most
These examples might be a bit OTT but, remember, you have just 10 minutes to make an impact with your presentation. Having a unifying insight helps people understand instantly what your story is about.
If you have never thought of yourself as a movie mogul, it’s never too late to start.
Tip 5: Zoom out!
Link your idea to stakeholder priorities or organisational goals. Show that it’s not just a smart idea, it’s aligned with a bigger picture.
The most compelling Nigel entries don’t just stay focused on the project – they show how it fits into the bigger picture.
- How did it align with your stakeholders’ priorities?
- What organisational goals did it support or accelerate?
- Did it strengthen trust, change the culture or move the dial for the business?
A great project is powerful, but a great project that clearly supports your organisation’s strategic direction? That’s leadership.
Remember:
The Nigels aren’t about over-polishing or over-selling. They’re about showing how smart procurement matters – to people, to purpose, to performance.
Why enter?
Recognising excellence in the procurement profession, the Nigels are a great way to showcase inspiring stories about procurement, from which others can learn.
You’ll be contributing to a respected event, in memory of someone who made a difference, while encouraging good leadership qualities from your team and improving your presentation skills.
The Awards are unique for four key reasons:
- They’re easy to enter. Simply fill in the form and submit a 12-slide deck using the template provided
- They’re judged by your peers. No bias, no fluff, your peers decide the winners at the PASA Premier ConfeX on 15-16 October 2025
- They’re performance based. Finalists present live at ConfeX to a panel of expert judges
- They offer expert coaching. Get personalised support from Paul Rogers FCIPS, a pro in procurement and presentation
Stay tuned to the Insider for part two. Coming soon!
