Consider The Effect of Your Appearance, Voice and Your Gestures
Not Just a Good Story, But The Way You Tell It
TRUSTWORTHY
Any audience wants to instantly like a presenter. They want to feel the presenter is warm, kind, intelligent and human. It’s up to you to put these characteristics on display.
This Speaker Knows Their Stuff
This is about being trustworthy. Not “appearing” trustworthy. Actually, being trustworthy because you know your topic. Obviously, you are the right person who can pull off this big idea you’re discussing.
Audiences Want To Like You
After all, investors in the audience attend a pitch presentation, because they’re hoping to find a winning startup idea. More importantly they’re hoping to meet a startup founder who inspires confidence. Someone to believe in. Someone they can talk to and relate.
Investors in attendance at a pitch event are rooting for your success.
During your moment of truth, when you step up and begin your pitch, your body is probably busy managing adrenalin. But the trick to win over investors is pretty simple (and is inside of you).
Be Warm, Kind, Intelligent. & Human: Be Authentic. Be Invested.
Always sound natural. Sound professional and rehearsed, but not robotic. Show Passion. Know What You’re Talking About
Stay Cool
Be disciplined even when you are flustered or someone’s winding you up. Tell personal stories that connect you with your audience. Play to your strengths. If you’re funny, be yourself. Use the stage if appropriate. Your audience will find you interesting and exciting. They are more likely to stay engaged.
Eye Contact
It’s hard to trust someone who doesn’t look you in the eye. Make eye contact with each person in the audience. If you’re on Zoom look into the camera.
Voice
Your voice represents you as much as your appearance (or your LinkedIn profile or your web site). Speak With a Strong Voice. Vary Intonation. Pause For Emphasis. Breathe From the Diaphragm. Don’t speak too quietly. If you can’t muster up the necessary enthusiasm required, then speak LOUDER. Your audience will perceive your louder delivery as evidence of enthusiasm*.
First Rule of Theater: Make Sure Those Furthest Away from You Can Clearly Hear You
Smile
This might seem simplistic, but let’s face it, we all want to hang out with positive folks who are going somewhere. When you step up, create a warmth. Be welcoming. Be upbeat. Be enthusiastic.
Pace
Use A Pleasant Pace
Use your pace to set the tone for the story you’re telling. Take your time.
Have a rhythm. Use silence in your favor. Speak slowly and clearly. Emphasize important parts. Vary volume & enunciation. Calmness communicates confidence.
Refine Your Pitch Until It Fits
There’s no excuse for having your pitch go longer than your assigned time limit. You should be practicing ahead of time.
Posture
Stand up straight. Shoulders back. Chin up. Not like you have a stick up your back. Stand proud.
Want some additional pitch presentation insights? Check out this earlier blog post on Story Telling. Or scope out the “Start Up Guides” from the pitch coach experts at the BNChicago.com web site (additional pitch insights in infographics).
