4 answers
Mark
Student
West Hempstead, New York
1
Question
Asked
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What are some tips to executing a confident pitch?
When narrating a pitch in front of investors, it can be quite intimidating being stared at by investors. Do any professionals have advice for being confident and prepared?
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4 answers
Kangana Patel
Student
35
Answers
Edison, New Jersey
Updated
Kangana’s Answer
Hi Mark! I’ve given quite a few presentations and pitches myself, so I totally understand the nervousness that comes with it especially, when all eyes are on you and it’s something really important. One of the biggest things that’s helped me is slowing down when I speak. When you’re nervous, it’s easy to speed up, which can make your message unclear. Also, make sure you speak loudly and clearly, not yelling, but with enough volume and confidence so investors can easily follow what you're saying. It makes a big difference. I also recommend practicing your pitch multiple times in front of different people and in different settings. The more variety, the better it helps you get used to different environments, distractions, and even tough questions. In fact, asking others to challenge you with questions is one of the best ways to build confidence and strengthen your understanding of the material. Once you truly know your pitch inside and out, your confidence will come through naturally. Hope this helps!
Julie Severs Nash
SVP, Enablement & Operations
1
Answer
Charlottesville, Virginia
Updated
Julie’s Answer
Hi Mark!
Pitching success is all about preparation. Take the time to build your pitch to be as compelling as possible for the audience you are pitching to. Learn more about the investors and their personas - where do they come from, what might they care about that you can attach to, are there any objections or pushback you could anticipate based on your research.
In terms of the structure and content of your pitch, a few additional items to consider:
- What problem does your product solve? How can you make this sound as painful as possible so your solution shines? Is there data or a story you can use to back this up?
- Prepare to present not just the features, but the benefits. How are your product's capabilities uniquely differentiated, but most importantly what does that enable me to do that I wouldn't be able to do otherwise.
- Think through questions and objections and figure out how to weave that into your pitch to preempt them.
Lastly, practice the heck out of it! Write it out verbatim, work it down to bullet points, and practice it many times in the mirror. Control what you can control (the pitch) so you have more capacity to handle the curveballs.
Good luck!
Pitching success is all about preparation. Take the time to build your pitch to be as compelling as possible for the audience you are pitching to. Learn more about the investors and their personas - where do they come from, what might they care about that you can attach to, are there any objections or pushback you could anticipate based on your research.
In terms of the structure and content of your pitch, a few additional items to consider:
- What problem does your product solve? How can you make this sound as painful as possible so your solution shines? Is there data or a story you can use to back this up?
- Prepare to present not just the features, but the benefits. How are your product's capabilities uniquely differentiated, but most importantly what does that enable me to do that I wouldn't be able to do otherwise.
- Think through questions and objections and figure out how to weave that into your pitch to preempt them.
Lastly, practice the heck out of it! Write it out verbatim, work it down to bullet points, and practice it many times in the mirror. Control what you can control (the pitch) so you have more capacity to handle the curveballs.
Good luck!
Yueping Zhang
3
Answers
Princeton, Indiana
Updated
Yueping’s Answer
It is all about preparation! First you have to a believer of what you are going to give a pitch about. Ask yourself: Is this a real problem? Does it have sufficient impact or business value? Do I have a sound solution? If you are convinced by your answers to these questions, what remains is just practice. Try to have two versions of your pitch: a 30-second elevator picture and a 5-minute extended pitch. Then rehearse your pitches in front a mirror and run them by several other people (e.g., friends, family members, and teachers). Good luck! You will nail it...
Steve Benkin
project manager
5
Answers
Durham, North Carolina
Updated
Steve’s Answer
The best advice I can give you is practice, practice, practice. Write your entire talk down - word for word. Read it over multiple times. Read it out loud - not just to yourself. Edit accordingly. Practice in front a mirror. Record yourself. Time yourself. Repeat it so many times that you have every basic concept memorized - not necessarily every word. Write down a few key words/phrases on a 3x5 card, or small piece of paper to help you keep on track of the key points. If you can, practice with someone and then ask for their feedback. Listen to your own recording.
Imagine that you are giving the presentation to your audience so many times in your head that by the time you actually give it, it will seem "ho hum, done that already."
When you have done this, then you will feel 100% confident in your talk and it will show to your audience.
Best wishes,
Steve
Imagine that you are giving the presentation to your audience so many times in your head that by the time you actually give it, it will seem "ho hum, done that already."
When you have done this, then you will feel 100% confident in your talk and it will show to your audience.
Best wishes,
Steve