Seeing eye to eye: how to deliver your pitch to investors

You’ve been invited to pitch –– congratulations! An exciting, yet nerve-wracking opportunity.

It’s safe to say, many people do not enjoy presenting. Despite all the training, even TEDx speakers often feel nervous ahead of going on stage.

Whilst the content and visual cues are important, pay attention to your delivery. Investors are not only interested in your idea but also who you are and how you present yourself. In the early stages, before you’ve seen any significant results, they’re investing in you.

Your deck is ready and you know your content –– here are some useful pointers on how to deliver your pitch for the best results:

1. Start strong

Chatting naturally and building rapport with your audience as soon as you enter the room will help you feel more at ease before you dive into the pitch. To engage the group immediately, open your presentation with a story, question or compelling statistic. A strong start demonstrates confidence in your business and makes your pitch more memorable.

2. Engage your audience

Maintaining eye contact will create a connection with your audience. It shows you’re speaking not just at them, but to them personally. Investors will ask you questions, that’s guaranteed, but give your presentation an interactive format by asking the audience questions too.

3. Be the expert

With hours of practice before this presentation, it’s your time to shine. Whether you feel it or not, act confident and demonstrate you know your stuff. You are the expert in your area and your delivery style should reflect this. Combined with enthusiasm and passion for your product, you will deliver a real impact.

4. Vary your voice

Use some variations in pitch and tone to emphasise key points and engage the room. Balance this with your natural voice, as overdoing the emphasis can be distracting and may put investors off. Pause after important statements to allow the audience time to absorb and consider what you’ve shared.

5. Use positive body language

Standing up straight, using purposeful hand gestures and having a genuine smile helps build a positive rapport. Crossing your arms, pacing and fidgeting are all signs of nervousness and can be distracting.

6. Practice, practice, practice

Rehearsing your presentation is a no-brainer. Practice multiple times, ideally with a trusted, mock audience that will give objective feedback – this could be one of your close colleagues. Gathering feedback from your friends to help refine your delivery style, pacing and timing ahead of the big day is a very helpful tool and could make the difference when it comes to the real deal.

Striking up a good rapport and engaging with your audience is essential for any pitch presentation. Investors see these kinds of presentations regularly, so yours must stand out.

They are investing in you in the early days, so be authentic and passionate –– enthusiasm breeds enthusiasm. Finally, don’t forget to smile!