Say you’ve landed on a great idea. You know it’s going to be the next big thing. Now, how are you going to convince the rest of the world? This is where the fundraising part comes in. To raise money, though, you first need to spark interest with investors. There are two key ingredients in your recipe for success here: your pitch deck and your delivery.
Your pitch deck acts as your source material for the story you want to tell. It’s composed of stunning visuals, bold copy, and a clear storyline. But static slides aren’t enough; driving your message home also depends on the right delivery. There’s no fixed formula for a great pitch — but even the most compelling story needs an authentic voice to bring it to life.
This article will walk you through nine actionable steps to perfecting your pitch and bringing investors on board. You’ll learn to elevate your pitching skills to complement your slide deck and secure the signatures needed to grow your business.
1. Develop a Simple Script and Communicate It Clearly
Every effective pitch starts with a convincing story. But smoothing out a complex tangle of facts and figures into an impactful narrative is an art. To develop a tight script where every line and word counts, you first need to have a clear, overarching message that you then break down into the right structure.
Reflecting deeply on your business and vision can help you develop a coherent narrative. To transform the story behind your business idea into slides, utilize clear visuals and structured text that reflects your mission and goals.
The Secret to an Effective Voiceover
There’s a secret to adding an effective voiceover to your slide deck: Keep your language accessible. Imagine you’re explaining your business to a 5-year-old, and go from there. Using everyday words will create a natural flow and help your audience quickly grasp intricate ideas. Here are some strategies to refine your script:
- Outline Your Key Points: Create a bullet-point outline of your main ideas, ensuring they flow logically.
- Simplify Your Language: Avoid jargon and overly complex terms. Use analogies where appropriate to illustrate points.
- Engage Emotionally: Find ways to connect your message with the audience emotionally. Stories of personal experiences or customer testimonials can enhance this connection.
2. Establish Your Voice
Your product or service is unique, and your business model is robust — but so is everyone else’s. Your potential investors want to get to know the team behind the product. In fact, investors often say they invest in people, not ideas. To differentiate yourself from the pack, you need to establish your voice.
Conveying Passion and Authenticity
Every entrepreneur is different, so your personal fundraising success will depend on your own authentic delivery. Presenting in front of a potential investor is your opportunity to show them what type of person you are. Here’s how to make an impact:
- Show Enthusiasm: Your excitement about your idea should be palpable. Use your body language, tone, and facial expressions to convey passion.
- Be Relatable: Share personal anecdotes or challenges you’ve faced on your entrepreneurial journey. This helps investors see you as a real person.
- Build Trust: Transparency is key. Don’t shy away from discussing potential risks or challenges; this shows you are realistic and prepared.
3. Prepare for Your Audience
This step is all about figuring out who you’re pitching to. You’ll likely be presenting to different investor groups, and the specific makeup of each should directly influence how you prepare and deliver your message.
Understanding Your Audience
Familiarizing yourself with your audience yields useful data, so you never feel like you’re fumbling in the dark. Here’s how to effectively prepare for your audience:
- Research Investors: Learn about their investment history, interests, and preferred industries. This knowledge will help you tailor your pitch accordingly.
- Adjust Your Approach: Is the group you’re presenting to big or small? Audience size can determine how personal you get and how much you involve investors in your presentation.
- Identify Pain Points: Anticipate the concerns or questions your audience might have. Addressing these directly in your pitch will show that you’re attentive and proactive.
4. Tailor Your Pitch to Your Presentation Format
Now that you know who you’re pitching to, it’s time to think about logistics — the how. The best presentations are tailored to their contexts. Presenting over a video call on Zoom, for instance, has different requirements from an in-person pitch.
Choosing the Right Format
Decide on a format that’ll enable you to present your team and product in the best light. Here’s how to optimize your presentation format:
- In-Person Presentations: Ensure you can be heard by everyone in the room. Consider getting a clicker with a laser pointer so you can focus your audience’s attention, and try to maintain eye contact as you speak.
- Video Pitches: Your presentation setup is key. Having a clean environment and technical equipment like a light ring will make you seem more professional. Familiarize yourself with shortcuts to navigate your slides seamlessly, and focus your gaze on the camera to enhance your presence.
Ultimately, the format you choose is determined by how you want to come across to your audience.
5. Practice Your Delivery
When people get nervous, they tend to get clammy and speak quickly. But there’s a simple technique you can use to avoid the cold sweats and mile-a-minute delivery, and it’s called practice.
The Importance of Rehearsal
Many of the most natural-sounding presentations required lots of practice. That off-the-cuff TED Talk? Its breezy nonchalance is likely the product of hours of preparation. Here are some tips to enhance your delivery:
- Rehearse Regularly: Set aside time to practice your pitch multiple times. This builds familiarity and confidence.
- Record Yourself: Use recording tools to capture your practice sessions. This allows you to identify areas for improvement.
- Seek Feedback: Present to friends or colleagues and ask for constructive criticism.
Additional Tips for a Smooth Delivery
- Present Your Slides Without Looking at Them: Familiarize yourself enough with your content to maintain eye contact with your audience.
- Time Your Delivery: Ensure you stay within your allotted time frame to respect your audience’s schedule.
- Slow Down Your Speech: Pausing between points allows your audience to absorb information and gives you a moment to collect your thoughts.
6. Involve Your Team
Constructive feedback is a gift — and your team is there to give it to you. Ask your colleagues to watch your pitch rehearsals and live delivery. They can share tips for improvement or point out unconscious habits that may be distracting your audience.
Leveraging Team Collaboration
People who join your pitch meetings can also support the preparation process and ensure your presentation goes smoothly. Here’s how to effectively collaborate:
- Use Collaborative Tools: Utilize platforms like Pitch to collaborate on your deck in real time. This makes it easier to share presentations and invite specific collaborators.
- Assign Roles: Clearly define who will handle each part of the presentation to ensure a smooth delivery.
- Workshopping Sessions: Conduct group practice sessions where your team can provide input on your pitch and offer suggestions for improvement.
7. Draft a Presentation Game Plan
Whether you’re an experienced speaker or a total newbie at pitching, one thing’s for certain: You’re not immune to the pre-presentation jitters. The only surefire way to address those nerves is through practice and meticulous preparation.
Planning Your Approach
A successful pitch is the result of careful planning — before, during, and after the event itself. Here are some strategies to help you draft an effective game plan:
- Engage with Investors Early: Build rapport by reaching out to VCs ahead of your presentation. Sending them your pitch deck or business plan can set the stage for a more productive meeting.
- Pre-Presentation Routine: A few hours before you go live, aim to be presentation-ready. Take time to collect your thoughts, hydrate, and use the restroom.
- Stick to Your Game Plan: As you step into the spotlight, remember that you’re simply executing your well-oiled game plan — not scrambling to make last-minute adjustments.
8. Deliver with Confidence
You’ve put in the hard work, and you’ve done all the preparation. If you believe in your idea, you now need to wholeheartedly convey that assurance to your potential investors.
Projecting Confidence
To maximize your chances of getting investor buy-in, practice answering the tough questions repeatedly. This will help you hone your responses and stay cool in high-pressure situations. Here’s how to project confidence:
- Anticipate Questions: Prepare for common questions investors may have. Knowing your material inside and out will give you the confidence to address inquiries fluidly.
- Utilize Presentation Tools: Use tools like Pitch to stay organized. With features like speaker view, you can keep track of your notes and slides while maintaining a professional appearance for your audience.
- Engage Early in Conversations: Start conversations with your audience before the pitch. Building rapport early can make your presentation feel more like a dialogue than a monologue.
9. Iterate with Data
A good business pitch isn’t over until the paperwork is signed — it requires effective, tailored follow-up. After your meeting, it’s crucial to continue the conversation and gauge interest.
Effective Follow-Up Strategies
You don’t necessarily need to make any changes to your slides after the meeting. Here are some effective ways to follow up with potential investors:
- Record a Polished Version: Create a polished video of your pitch to send to investors who may want to review it asynchronously.
- Personalized Sharing Links: Save a separate version for each investor you present to and share it through a custom link. This not only personalizes your approach but also allows you to track engagement.
- Reach Out on Social Media: Find your potential investors on LinkedIn, Twitter, or other platforms and connect with them to keep the conversation going.