This article is written by Munira Hussein, a Contributor Author at Startup Istanbul.
It is always advisable to start with the most compelling feature of your company. This is basically what problem you are solving and why.
Simplicity. Most people talk too much. You think that you need to over explain. Use less words, be concise. Think of the most key points and say them in a lot less time. Imagine speaking to a five-year-old. Resist the urge to bombard your investor with technical jargon.
Personal impact. Breath is the most important part of your pitch. Breathe from the diaphragm and not your chest. You will pick up a sense of anxiety. When you breathe from your diaphragm, when you are nervous, you are still in control. Breathing helps to get clarity of thoughts and reconnect to your mission.
Posture counts as well. Stand tall, chest open, shoulders back. Signal leadership. Don’t play small. Your voice. Make eye contact and try to genuinely engage with people. Don’t remain in the little bubble and talk to yourself. Break down barriers.
Facial expression. Don’t have your face frozen. Relax your face. View the audience as your friend and not necessarily a threat. You will be in a much stronger position to communicate. Work on your slides and dressing but also on how you say what you want to say. If you can get your message across, you stand a higher chance. Technology is about people and relationships. Even when it is a tech pitch, humanize it.
Gestures. Be yourself and discover which gestures you want to use in real time. Do it with purpose and conviction and believe in yourself. You don’t have to practice prior to your pitch, just let your body language guide you.
Do you believe and trust in yourself? If you don’t look as if you trust yourself, people will doubt you too. Signal leadership and not a follower status. You are equal to your investor, it shouldn’t be a pitch, it should be a conversation. Ask your questions and find out what they are about. They might not even be right for you. Do your due diligence on your investor.
Remember to have fun on stage because all those people are there to listen to you. You are the person of the hour. It is your time. Leave a lasting impression on your investors such that even if you don’t get the funding, you know that you did your best and you have no regrets whatsoever.
