Most would argue that pitching your startup idea is key to growing and obtaining investment.
That is true, and we would actually add that in fact, being able to pitch properly, is also a very important activity to identify the distinctive features of your startup.
This would be it for the pitching side, being able to do this right helps you shape and prepare your message accordingly to the right audience but, there is also a very important aspect when pitching, which is the presentation side!
Presenting properly your pitch, not just the PowerPoint slides that you show but your way of peaking and moving, your body language, your CONFIDENCE, are all key to generate a lasting impression on the audience and become memorable.
Since pitching and presenting is such a crucial step in the journey of every entrepreneur, especially during the early years when there is the need to get the word out about your work, most courses try to introduce this topic on their syllabus. Mostly focusing on the "Pitching" rather than in the "Presenting", which we consider to be a bit of an oversight.
The University of Liverpool, with whom we have collaborated countless times in the past, have their own HEAR-credit based entrepreneurship programme called "Design Your Future", a 10-week course aimed to teach students how to kick start their idea.
As part of this great initiative, our Founder Moises Barbera gave the so important lesson on how to "Pitch and Present like an artist (for your startup)" during a 45-60 minutes talk. Sharing his experience at speaking in public at theatres around Europe to audiences over 8,000 people and at investor's meetings or startup competitions around the UK.
A couple of key takeaways about the talk would be:
PITCHING
1st. Tell a story
2nd. Identify your audience
You do not introduce yourself in the same way to a girl/guy you just met at the pub as you would do during a job interview.
Hence, your pitch shouldn’t be the same either.
Popular types of pitches:
Twitter Pitch
When to use it? With someone you just met someone at a conference or networking event. Individual or small groups.
What is it? A catchy/punchy line that explains in a few words your company.
Elevator Pitch
When to use it? As a follow up to “Twitter Pitch”, in front of small groups or individuals
What is it? 15 – 30 second pitch containing:
What should contain? Goal Of Pitch, What You Do, Unique Selling Point, Engage The Listener
Competition Pitch
When to use it? At a startup competition
What is it? Explain what your startup does and its traction in 3-7 minutes
Investor Pitch
When to use it? At a meeting with investors
What is it? Similar to competition pitch but more data needed related to investor's interests
PRESENTING
First take away: When presenting use any resources towards your advantage
Second take away: pay attention to the 5 magical points of your body language
From Moises' talk, we can find:
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