How to Prepare A Pitch Deck

Editor's Notes

1. Pitch deck content may vary to some extent, but these 12 topics are essential. You might not cover all of them during pitching, but should be prepared to address all of them if asked. (E.g. you might not have testimonials from your customers yet).
2. First, think about the message/s of your pitch deck. What is your goal? What do you want your audience to do? Are you looking for donors/ partners/ support/ approval? What do you want them to think about you and your product/ service? Surely you want to seem trustworthy, as a right person to invest in and so on. What do you want them to feel after your presentation? What kind of emotion should you deliver to accomplish your goals?
3. Knowing your audience means understanding their motives and needs. Pitch deck is largely about finding investors and partners. However, they also need to see advantage for them. They need to believe your startup can make it and their investments will return to them with time. Remember: nothing comes for free. Think about: What can you offer to your potential investors and partners? How can you persuade them to invest in you? The product itself is not enough. Make them see you are reliable and perspective partner.
4. If you already sold the product, mentioned it: How many customers bought your product? What was the response? Do you have some testimonials? If you are not making any sales, try to talk to potential customers anyway. Are they interested in your product?
5. First impressions are indeed powerful. It does not mean only to know how to present and have a great product on your hand. Furthermore, you have to look like a professional – choose appropriate clothes for the occasion, too.
6. Make sure they will remember you when you leave the room. If they remember you, they will think about your startup. There are many ways to get there – great presentation skills, great content and great visual.
7. If you have time limit to pitch, make sure you will keep it. But even if you are not limited, don’t make the presentation too long. Focus on the most important parts and most important messages. Everything else can be answered during Q&A or next meeting.
8. Preparing and rehearsing your presentation is the crucial point here. Make sure to do your homework well, so you will avoid looking unprofessional or robot-like. Body language is also important part of the presentation itself (check our ppt on body language mistakes, too).