This week I got a call to help someone with an investor pitch, but it was too late. They were pitching in 48 hours… the deck was final – they’d had to send it to the organizers already. Our schedules didn’t align quite enough. And we hadn’t discussed a general budget nevermind drafted any agreements.
Not Enough Time
I was bummed. I wanted to help them “Nail It!” And they wanted – likely needed – a “spit shine” so they could pitch with no regrets. So they could say, “We prepared the best we could.” But there just wasn’t time.
Not all was lost. I sent this video, 2 others, and 10 quick tips via e-mail; 5 about Nailing the pitch, 5 about not failing the Q/A portion. At least it was something.
If you’re considering coaching – for a presentation, investor pitch deck, keynote, TED talk –
call 3-4 weeks ahead of your talk date.
This video is one of my go-tos to anyone who’s about to present but has no time or budget for coaching. Why? It focuses on your first words and actions on stage, and that sets the stage. Literally.
Barely Enough Time
I was a bit under the gun on another occasion when a client called for help. We had 7 days, and although it wasn’t “no time” it was tight. The basic pitch deck structure was there, but we had our work cut out for us – I brought in a subcontractor to spruce up the slide design and really make it ‘sing’ (which made a huge difference). We got ‘er done, and he advanced to the finals!
*In short, consider these questions when you’re deciding on coaching: “Do I need help with… ”
- Slide deck content, storytelling, slide design?
- Rehearsal and delivery?
- Both 1 and 2 above and if so, what percentage? 50/50, 60/40, 80/20?
- Are there due dates imposed by another entity like a pitch competition or TED organization? What format should the deck be sent in? Who provides what for A/V at the site? Tell your coach.
- Which slides are smooth, which are bumpy?
- What is my budget?
With investor pitches, it’s often the case of “spending a couple thousand to get a couple million.” Coaching may not feel like a ‘need’; yet high quality, professional coaching will serve you beyond the next talk and into the dozens that follow.
Time and time again I have seen the difference it can make. And after all, you never have a second chance to make a first impression.
Cindy provides award-winning public speaking coaching and brand consulting to entrepreneurs and small businesses who seek to master their message on stage, online and in publications. Her passion for crafting, analyzing and presenting messages developed through over 25 years in the corporate, academic and entrepreneurial worlds. Cindy coaches clients on pitch decks, TED talks, storytelling, presentation presence, brand messaging, PR strategy and more. Contact Cindy at info@onpoint-communications.com or call 970-290-4684.
