Celebrating 4 of Don Draper's perfect pitches

He's done it. Jon Hamm has finally won an Emmy award for his role as Mad Men's Don Draper, at the 8th attempt. Time to tip our hats to the most compelling presenter on the small screen. Here are Don Draper's top 4 client pitches.

It's hard to imagine Don clambering onto the stage on all fours to accept a Clio award.

 

 

But, understandably, Mr Hamm was overcome with emotion. A feeling Don Draper's clients knew all too well, as Madison Avenue's finest delivered another emotionally-charged pitch.

Sit back and enjoy 4 of Don Draper's greatest client presentations.

Lucky Strike tobacco 

 

 

Sterling-Cooper's relationship with Lucky Strike is tense. In the early days, the cigarette giant accounts for a worryingly large portion of the agency's billings.

In a world waking up to the dangers of smoking, how will Don keep the American public asleep in its tobacco-scented dream? With an appeal to the senses, of course.

Advertising is based on 1 thing: happiness… It's a billboard on the side of the road that screams, 'Whatever you're doing, is OK. You, are OK.'

Belle Jolie lipstick

 

 

It was the campaign that put Peggy Olsen on the map. In the product testing for Belle Jolie lipstick, then secretary Peggy delivers her famous 'basket of kisses' line. The rest, is history.

But how do you win over a sceptical client? A 'non-believer'? As always, Don aims at the heart with Peggy's deep understanding of what the customer wants.

Every woman wants choices. But in the end none wants to be 1 of 100 in a box. She's unique.

Hershey's chocolate

 

 

Remember Don's Life cereal pitch? Fresh from his Clio award win, Don clattered drunkenly around the boardroom and stole another writer's idea to win over the client.

With Hershey's, Draper showed a little more restraint in the face of desperation. How do you present an American icon in a new light? Tell a story they've never heard.

I would eat it, alone, in my room, with great ceremony. Feeling like a normal kid. And it said 'sweet' on the packet. It was the only sweet thing in my life.

Kodak carousel projector

 

 

In the season 1 finale, we realise that Don is worthy of all the hype. He is, actually, every bit as good as the legend.

He delves into his troubled family life to remind us that people buy feelings, not products. Note the client expressions, and the teary colleague heading for the exit.

Nostalgia. It's delicate, but potent.

Congratulations Jon! Have an Old Fashioned on us.