By providing concrete evidence of the problem you are tackling, the size of your market, or the effectiveness of your idea, you will be able to build trust and credibility with your audience.
This is your chance to make a striking first-impression and make sure that your audience is interested in what you have to say. A hook could be a bold statement, a tagline, a rhetorical question, a story, or a surprising fact that piques your audience's interest.
Most pitches are one-sided, with one party talking and the other listening. Stand out by asking questions or by providing examples that your audience can relate to. It also gives your audience a chance to ask questions and provide feedback you can incorporate mid-pitch.
Pay attention to the mood of the room and adapt accordingly. This can involve adding humor (or keeping things serious), slowing down (or speeding up) your delivery, adjusting your tone of voice, or addressing any concerns or objections that come up during the pitch.
Feelings stick. Try using storytelling, jarring visuals, or bold claims to connect with your audience on an emotional level. Pitches that make an audience feel a certain way –whether that’s excited, agitated, or even hungry – are more likely to leave a lasting impression and increase the chances of your pitch being successful.