RULE 1:
There is no one form that is guaranteed to make a great pitch.
RULE 2:
(As much as possible) Know who is in the audience.
RULE 3:
Know what you want from the audience.
RULE 4:
Know what the audience expects from you.
RULE 5:
Start with the standard pitch form, but do not end there.
RULE 6:
Start your pitch with a story.
RULE 7:
Grab your audience’s heart.
RULE 8:
Never let the audience stop to think.
RULE 9:
Do not ask the audience a question.
RULE 10:
Be consistent (in all facts, numbers, units, etc.).
RULE 11:
Each slide needs to have a single purpose.
RULE 12:
Your first pitch deck is just a first draft.
RULE 13:
Remember to make a good first impression. Start strong.
RULE 14:
The opening should be creative, grabbing the audience’s attention.
RULE 15:
Provide a hint that you know what you are talking about.
RULE 16:
Begin by describing a problem and, specifically, whose problem it is.
RULE 17:
Trends convey the importance of a problem.
RULE 18:
Don’t dwell on the problem.
RULE 19:
Avoid leaps of logic.
RULE 20:
Present in “English” rather than jargon.
RULE 21:
If you can present a visual “walk-through,” do it.
RULE 22:
If you have a physical object for “show and tell,” bring it.
RULE 23:
If you are pursuing a big opportunity, flaunt it.
RULE 24:
All organizations need money to operate. Explain your income!
RULE 25:
All companies have competitors.
RULE 26:
Do a thorough job in researching the competition.
RULE 27:
In a competitive matrix, your company is the leftmost column, your competitors are in the other columns, and the features/benefits are in the rows.
RULE 28:
In a competitive matrix, if is important that your company does not appear perfect.
RULE 29:
In a competitive matrix, show only five to seven features/benefits and no more than seven competitors, aggregating them if needed
RULE 30:
If the competitive matrix requires more details, use varying-sized marks, Harvey Balls, or actual values.
RULE 31:
In a magic square, pick two measures and plot the competition such that your company lands in the top-right corner.
RULE 32:
Show how your efforts create a barrier to future competition.
RULE 33:
Present financials as big, simple models that are easy to understand.
RULE 34:
Show off your team, without modesty or boastfulness.
RULE 35:
Every presentation includes an “ask.”
RULE 36:
The pitch is not over on the last slide, but rather after the Q&A.
RULE 37:
Practice your Q&A.
RULE 38:
Write down every question asked.
RULE 39:
Ensure the presentation answers the obvious questions.
RULE 40:
Make sure to address the risks of your plan.
RULE 41:
If pressed for time, skip or shrink a section and provide that information in the allotted Q&A.
RULE 42:
Take control of the close; do not let the last answer linger.
RULE 43:
Less is more. Fewer facts. Fewer words. Better presentation.
RULE 44:
Your presentation needs to stand out. Be a purple cow.
RULE 45:
If you are not excited, the audience won’t care, either.
RULE 46:
Never turn your back on the audience.
RULE 47:
Own the room.
RULE 48:
Scope out the venue.
RULE 49:
Ensure your slides are readable when projected.
RULE 50:
Stick with the black or white text to ensure your slides are legible.
RULE 51:
Design your presentation to be presented to a large room.
RULE 52:
Minimize the wasted space on your slides.
RULE 53:
Use widescreen slides whenever possible.
RULE 54:
No rhetorical questions or any questions that ask the audience to stop and think.
RULE 55:
Don’t tell the audience about themselves.
RULE 56:
No list should have more than seven items.
RULE 57:
Do not read the words off your slides.
RULE 58:
Round all numbers or two to three digits of detail.
RULE 59:
Pick one person on your team to present the whole presentation.
RULE 60:
Supporters should speak only upon request.
RULE 61:
Avoid adding second answers to the Q&A questions.
RULE 62:
Redirect questions to the right member of your team.
RULE 63:
Do not start and end each sentences with the same phrase.
RULE 64:
Entertain the audience.
