Your ability to deliver a successful pitch to investors depends on a number of factors. Obviously the first is preparation. But even the most well prepared presentation can fail to grab investors attention if the delivery is flat.
Tips for a successful delivery
Rehearse your pitch
Practise your pitch repeatedly until you can reel it off without using notes. If you know your content well you'll appear more confident and be able to focus on tailoring it to the audience. Don't read from documents.
Introduce everyone
Introduce everyone in your team to the investors and make sure you know the investors names.
Go easy on the visuals
If you must use powerpoint, keep slides to a minimum and use only three or four points per slide. A short video, if done well, can be an effective introduction.
Have a hook
The first couple of minutes of your presentation are vital. To hook your audience start your pitch with a punchy fact or state an opportunity the business will bring for the investor. And explain what your company does in the first minute.
Be enthusiastic
Display your passion for your business and for working with the investors –this is one of the reasons you need to know who you are pitching to.
Vary your voice
Speak clearly and vary the pitch and tone of your voice.
Scan the audience
If you are pitching to more than one investor be sure to look at each of them at some point during your presentation.
Be sincere
Honesty is essential. If you don't know something, say you don't know.
End with your audience wanting more
Give the high level view with just enough details to keep the investor interested.
