The pitch, The exercise in essence that seems to be mastered by any startup promoter who wishes to profit a little bit one day from an investment, or even support whatever it is. Although it is sometimes a subject of great anxiety, it does not remain inaccessible, however, and of course we can afford to say that a good startup pitch obeys a few “standards”.
Let’s go.
What is pitch in essence?
Pitch refers to a set of persuasion techniques. Today, it is more like a short and synthetic presentation: a speech summarizing your project in less than five minutes. In some cases it can be focused on emotion rather than on the product itself.
Knowing how to touch hearts is sometimes essential, the aim being to motivate those opposite, so that they seek to know more about your project. If you manage to tear the “wow” from their mouths (which is not easy at all), you can celebrate a small victory.
They must see in you someone passionate, determined, someone convinced by their project. So let’s see some tips for getting there ^ _ ^
Tips for a successful pitch
Let’s explore the subject by answering 2 questions: “How?” “, And” Using what? ”
How? ‘Or’ What ?
- A good preparation
This is the one that answers five essential questions: Who? What? How? ‘Or’ What ? When? Use digestible language to speak about your product, its target in order to be well understood by the layman.
- Wear neat attire.
- Without being frozen, stand straight, head up.
- Look your recipients in the face.
- Ask the problem for which you have the solution
The need creating the offer, your pitch should illustrate the origin that led to provide this useful solution.
- The weight of words
Your pitch should be natural and give off serenity.
- A hard-hitting approach
It aims to keep the audience alert. To get there, you will have to do tests with your entourage, pre-pitches that will refine you. - The right tone
A voice that does not tremble and carries enough inspires confidence. Establish that bond of trust. A few brief moments of silence will help you catch your breath, and order your words to best convey the message to your interlocutors. - Body language
The smile is free, it shows the confidence you have in your project. Do not hesitate to use big gestures to support your words, while being careful. - The target of your pitch
Your speeches should focus on “the business to be concluded” with your potential investors. You have to adapt it according to the target of the moment, and the time allowed. - “Show who you are”
Your leadership will inspire. Insist on your company name and its slogan so that they memorize them. - Pitch evolution
Create interaction. As comments and questions flow in, improve the details that will make it better. - Don’t overbid
It is to be avoided. Be explicit in your project without doing too much or not enough. “Less is more” they say. - Be kind.
The exchange phase after pitch often has the gift of “touching where it hurts”. You will have to remain calm and bring, if necessary, a relevant counter-argument.
Using what?
Since visual memory is more receptive than auditory memory in pitch circumstances, it is often better to have visual aids.
Powerpoint or video for your startup pitch?
You can go with one as with the other, depending on your ease and the conditions of the pitch, which can sometimes be imposed.
Let’s go for the slides:
- Single subject for each slide
Light, but essential content. - Touch the problem and the solution
Like a writer, bring out in a brief and concise manner thesis and antithesis, by being brief and concise. The choice of visuals and words must be in phase. - The icons
They must materialize the key elements in a coherent design and style. - Images
Always use images that match your words - Repeating pattern
Without doing too much, it will be your personal touch on your slides, repetition being the mother of science. - Diversify the layout
To keep the beneficiaries going. - The infographic button
While remaining digestible, the information in the form of graphics, icons, pictograms will illustrate the key terms. - Original design
Through characters, colors, font, subtlety that is out of the ordinary. - Transpose your personality
You have to perceive your DNA, just by looking at your visuals. Your registered trademark as a sign of authenticity
The mistakes not to make if you want to succeed in your startup pitch
- Speak at the same time as your interlocutors.
- Present your project as a dream come true.
- Having everything answered, especially when it isn’t.
The essential points for a good startup pitch
- The conciseness.
- Generate interaction.
- Demonstrate usefulness and profitability for a potential investor.
- Leave aside the speeches recited by heart, be true.
- Use simple terms that are easy to understand.
Is it necessary to have a project already completed to make a startup pitch?
To make a Pitch, you don’t necessarily have to have finished your project. Five minutes is enough to raise millions of dollars, and more than it takes to bring the project you want to life to life.
The above answers to these two major questions should constitute the winning combination for achieving your pitch. However, whatever the outcome, stay professional until the end. Failure cannot be the end of your entrepreneurial adventure, quite the contrary.
Other article: https://www.afrikatech.com/start-business/senegal-dakar-pitch-competition-looking-for-the-best-talents-in-digital/
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