It’s a brand new world…of pitching that is. On one hand, the idea of meeting someone in an elevator is less likely (I’m not sure if it ever was likely). But on another hand you can actually connect with angel investors, venture capitalists and other types of funders and potential fans easier than ever before with the click of a button. My 7 part check list is to ensure you come off as credible, confident and compelling online.
Let there be LIGHTING
You want to appear awake, present and pleasant because these traits add to your credibility and attractiveness (to fund, that is). To do so you need quality lighting. Identify a light source – window (natural light is best), ring light, or even a lamp (remove the shade). Place the light in front of you (behind) your computer and slightly overhead (2-3 feet away is ideal).
Sound vs NOISE
Silence is golden, in the movies AND in pitching. Therefore, you’ll want to keep people (and pets) quiet and pacified while sharing your presentation to avoid noise and interruptions. Put your devices (phone, tablet, watch, etc.) on silent. Turn off computer notifications (calendar, email and other apps) and close all other tabs and apps running on your presentation device (computer). This will enable you to not tax your bandwidth to ensure a clear voice and visual.
Clear the Clutter
Next to your presentation and you (the person) your audience is viewing your #IRL (in real life) background. So a cluttered environment is a no go! Watch out for cluttered spaces, items you’d prefer NOT be seen on camera and an overall lack of order. To see what others see, perform a review of your background via a Zoom Test HERE.
Smile in the CAMERA
Your objective is to make virtual meetings personable. One way to do this is to look into your listeners’ eyes. To accomplish this in virtual world DO NOT look at your screen but INTO your device’s camera. Be sure that your camera is at eye level (you may need to put your device on a riser like a box or books). You can still glance at your notes but be sure to return to the camera as you would in-person.
Take a STAND or a SEAT
Pitching while seated is like speaking during a meeting, it’s familiar and conversational. This is good as it makes you more approachable and easy to connect to. However, to increase your authority (a key positioning strategy that you may need to use in your pitch) be sure to do the following:
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- Sit upright (posture) and on the edge of your seat as opposed to slouching over and/or far back in your seat. You want to come off as relaxed but alert.
- Keep your device at eye-level or a bit higher (you may need to set your laptop on a book or box to achieve this).
- Make certain your camera shows your full head (not cut off) plus your shoulders and upper torso (to see your hands if you use them). you may need to adjust your screen angle to achieve this.
Pitching while standing has the same effect in-person as it does virtually, it exudes authority. This is good as it makes you seem competent, powerful and assertive. If standing, be sure to do the following:
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- Be aware of your backdrop & camera location at different height
- Check into desk risers (podiums that sit atop an existing table or desk) and standing desks (moveable podiums) and find one that suits your style and budget, they can literally range from $60 to over $600. My first standing test was a simple, low cost one, you can see it here. Always test the sturdiness of your podium with your presentation device.
- Be aware of holding on to the podium (standing desk, etc.) AND of walking or moving about. You want to present with your feet planted firmly.
Take NOTE
The number one advantage to delivering a pitch virtually is the ability to have your notes in front of you without anyone knowing they’re there. I recommend you become familiar enough with your pitch script to be able to speak it such that it comes off as conversational and to avoid reading. Having your notes in front of you can calm you and give you confidence.
There are already some great resources on how to integrate notes with online presentation platforms, especially if you’re using the Zoom platform.
Option 1: If you’re using PowerPoint (older or the newest version) Go here to learn more.
Option 2: If you use Google slides and are ok with adding an outside app (download at your own risk) Go here to learn more.
Don’t forget to S.H.I.P.
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- Smile – It goes a long way.
- Hand use – Remain as natural as you would be in person. If you talk with your hands, don’t resist it. This is how you maintain being authentic.
- Intonate – Intonating is all about how you use your voice to indicate your attitudes and emotions or to stress certain elements (by going higher or lower in tone).
- Pause – Pauses are powerful. They allow you take a needed breath, add emphasis and enable your listeners to take in what you’ve said.
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These are just 7 items to be checked off before you hit the virtual stage and deliver an online pitch of any kind. If you’d like more information or the opportunity to chat about how to pitch to win capital, customers and contests go here.