How do you prepare for a 'client pitch' mock final round?

Strategic leverage: does it make sense?
Valuation depth: is the idea supported with data?
Banker voice: does it sound like a banker, not an academic?

Answer

Mechanics

Mock-pitch preparation in 5–7 hours.

Client research: the last 2 years of annual reports, all sell-side reports, recent earnings-call transcripts, strategic M&A activity over the last 3 years.
Develop a strategic thesis: what is the "one-slide story" — why should the client pursue your proposal?
Concrete ideas: identify strategic M&A targets (3–5 concrete ones), or capital-markets ideas (bond issuance, refinancing), or restructuring proposals.
Valuation of the idea: SOTP, pro-forma EBITDA, synergy quantification, multiple-implied range.
Slide deck (10–15 slides): executive summary, client profile, market trends, strategic idea, valuation, synergies, financing, timeline, bank credentials, discussion topics.
Q&A prep: anticipate 20+ likely questions, have short answers ready.

Senior-banker assessment criteria

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Pitch tip

A final-round mock pitch today is often 30 min of pitch + 30 min of Q&A. Practice with a stopwatch and film yourself.