Fighting The Fear of Pitching

This article is written by Munira Hussein, a Contributor Author at Startup Istanbul.

Amy Tez is an actress turned Performance Coach who uses her unique blend of acting and transformational experience to change the way you communicate your business forever. She will share her insights into creating a Winner’s Pitch so that no matter who you are talking to, you will own the “stage”.
Amy has worked with a multitude of entrepreneurial leaders in London, San Francisco and Istanbul, including TEDx speakers, CEOs and high-profile actors. She was at Startup Istanbul 2017 where she shared insight on pitching.

Pitching is usually a horrifying experience. It shouldn’t be. You are usually tensed and nervous because you want to get it right. You want to impress your investors and you want to get the capital. By trying so hard to win, you end up losing because there is no one who wants to invest in someone who lacks the confidence to be themselves on stage.

Let’s talk about pitching with authenticity. To be authentic means to be yourself. Pitching with authenticity means pitching from the perspective of yourself and no one else. This is important because when you are authentic, you relax. Take a deep breath, and let the fears and worries go. It is a great way to start any pitch so that you can relax and not try so hard to impress the investor. Say things slowly, say with clarity and authenticity. This will ensure that your message gets across. Your thoughts will be more comprehensive and aligned, you will not fumble.

 The investor invests in you. You have to be the attractive thing that makes them want invest in your company. The whole of you, your strength and your weaknesses, funnel it into your pitch.   Work on you. Learn to own your own presence. When you are aware of yourself and your surroundings, you will be more at ease and confident even in your communication.

  Don’t be afraid of doing something wrong or saying things that you think are not right. They are not mistakes, they are lessons.  Don’t be afraid when you pitch or present, to make a mistake. Cut yourselves a bit of slack. Most media trainers say that your body language counts more than your words but your choice of words are very important. Know what problem you are solving, why you are solving it and why it is important. For that, you need the right words.

 Speak things of value and think about the words. How you say what you say is of equal importance. Don’t speak in a monotone, there should be interest, introduce variety. Project using a strong voice. Sound interesting.  Non-verbal communications is how you use your voice and body. Employ every communication skill to ensure that you have captured and retained the attention of the investors. Don’t overdo it, don’t be dramatic, just be yourself.  

People tend to come on stage and say things the same way. There is no excitement and passion. If your business is the thing you live and breathe, act like it, show it, prove it.  Make it exciting. Show your investors that you know what you are talking about and you are excited to share that knowledge with them. It is your investment; it is important to you. Give your investors that feel and you will not be disappointed. If you sound bored about your own venture, be sure everyone else will have the same feeling.

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