A template or storyboard organizes your thoughts and ideas before you start drafting the actual presentation or pitch deck. Using this process not only produces the best results but saves you so much time and frustration. You might have lots of ideas swirling in your mind and are ready to write but be sure to list all your ideas and then organize them in the right flow before getting too far along. This also is very valuable in keeping your presentation within the allocated time – typically 7-10 minutes. The following steps provide a tried and tested method for organizing what you want to convey, keeping the focus and making sure you swiftly move through the most salient pitch content:
1) Create a Storyboard Template: on the left side of the page, list the topics of each slide and on the right side, corresponding to each topic, create a placeholder for the images that correspond to each specific slide topic.
2) Decide on the key slide topics for your presentation: for the purposes of this blog, let’s focus on a Pitch Presentation which should typically be short (7-10 slides) and have the following main slide topics (each representing one slide):
a. Open with a Hook! Start with a bang! Perhaps a quote, a statistic, a story or perhaps something heartfelt, all very applicable and corresponding to your presentation. The most interesting content is unique, interesting and even irreverent. It’s very easy to lose your audience, so your opening is your chance to literally let your audience know that what you’re about to present is truly worth hearing. Your audience is expecting just another ‘typical’ presentation, so take this opportunity to truly wow them.
b. What Problem are you solving? From the opening, transition right into the problem that you’re solving. This is the reason your business exists.
c. Introduction & Solution: This is when you introduce yourself and your business (i.e. the solution to the problem you’re solving). Your introduction is simply who you are (and perhaps something very credible about yourself if applicable) and then, specifically, what you’re doing that brings the value.
d. Demo: Depending on the type of business and its stage of development, you may be able to provide a brief demo of the product. This can be in the form of a video or simply images. Make the video short and sweat (remember to keep within the time guidelines). You may be very good at describing your product, but audio and visuals can often make a difference. If you are not far enough along for an official product demo, sketches of your concept or prototype can also be used. Remember that your audience may not be familiar with your concept and this type of clarification can be very helpful.
e. Business Model: Explain how your concept creates value and generates revenue. While your business concept may bring variable formats of value, it is essential to clearly convey why investors should be excited about this business.
f. Traction: If you’re making money, have customers or other traction, this is where you need to show this. It’s not essential as you may be too early for this (in development of your prototype of MVP), but if you have traction, it’s excellent value and very worthy content.
g. Market Opportunity: Think about why this business can be very exciting, financially. What is the size of the market for your product or offering? Be optimistic and realistic.
h. Team: What makes you and your team highly qualified and matched with this opportunity? What do you need to share about each team member that convinces the audience that you are the right team?
i. Summary / Close: Like the opening, make this memorable and relevant to the both the content of the presentation and, importantly, the opening. Think of the opening as one bookend and the closing as the other bookend.