There is a big misconception, when it comes to practicing a pitch. Many people say: ‘you shouldn’t practice your pitch too often, this makes your pitch sound unnatural’.

Why practicing doesn’t make your pitch sound unnatural

If you practice your pitch a lot, you will have no trouble recalling the text of your pitch. In fact, you should have studied it so thorough, that if someone wakes you up in the middle of the night, you wouldn’t have trouble doing your pitch.

The reason why you should study your pitch text so thoroughly has to do with your focus.

If you studied your text thoroughly, your brain doesn’t need to focus on that part during the pitch. Since you don’t need to worry about that, you can focus on your presenting skills.

So how to practice a pitch effectively?

1. Read your text
2. Cover your text and replicate it in your head
3. Practice your text out loud. Use a voice recorder to see how you’re doing
4. Practice your pitch with the right intonation, volume and silences
5. Practice in front of a mirror
6. Practice in front of the camera of your phone
7. Watch the video to see where you can improve
8. Watch the video without sound on to see where you can improve
9. Show the video to a friend or colleague

Want to get an elaborate explanation on practicing your pitch? Check out the Ultimate Pitch Guide.

A while ago I heard somebody say: ‘writing a pitch is for amateurs, the professionals freestyle their pitch’. Although I really like and admire this entrepreneur, this is the most stupid thing I ever heard.

A pitch generally doesn’t last for more than 5 minutes, it’s an opportunity to make one, or many people excited about your company. A great pitch requires an introduction, a problem statement, a solution statement, a market description, a team description and a call to action. Every sentence should be thought of. Every sentence should lead to that moment where your audience says ‘wow, that’s a great idea’.

You can guess my answer to the question: ‘Should I write my pitch text completely?’

Yes. You should write and practice your pitch thoroughly.

For more concrete tips on creating a killer pitch, check out the Ultimate Pitch Guide.

It’s important to have a clear storyline in your pitch. This way it’s easy for your audience to understand where you’re talking about. A clear storyline in your pitch also helps you to remember where you’re at in your pitch.

The structure I always recommend goes as follows:

1. The opening
2. The problem
3. The solution
4. The market
5. The team
6. Call to action

 Learn more about using a storyline in your pitch, get the Ultimate Pitch Guide.

To entertain the audience in a pitch it’s important to pay attention to 3 things:

• A clear structure
• Make it concrete
• Keep it energized

 1. A clear structure

To entertain the audience in a pitch, it’s important to have a clear structure. The structure I always recommend goes as follows:

1. The opening
2. The problem
3. The solution
4. The market
5. The team
6. Call to action

This way it’s easy for your audience to pay attention, as this structure is easy to follow.

2. Make it concrete

Use examples, numbers and (short) stories.

The more concrete, the easier it’s for your audience to follow and the more entertaining it will be.

3. Keep it energized

One of the most important aspects of a good pitch is the energy of the pitcher. Personally, this is one of my biggest strengths. Since I’m high in my energy throughout the day anyway, it’s easy for me to do this as well during a pitch. However, if you’re a bit more introvert or if you’re used to take things a bit slower, really try to practice an energized pitch.

The reason why you should pitch with a lot of energy, is because it is highly contagious. Roberto Cialdini, expert on influencing, describes in his book that human beings tend to mimic each other. If you’re able to pitch with a lot of energy, so will your audience be. Since energized people are more positive, this will work in your advantage when they mentally judge your pitch.

Learn more about entertaining with your pitch, get the Ultimate Pitch Guide.

The way you finish your pitch is extremely important. This is where your audience decides whether they will remember your pitch, or even better, do something with your pitch.

There is only one way to finish a pitch effectively. Finish your pitch with a call to action.

During this part you tell your audience what you want them to do. Do you want them to invest? To partner up? To make a deal?

Be clear about your call to action and focus on only one. Research shows that mentioning multiple call to actions reduces the success of your call to action. During your call to action, it’s important to be as precise as possible about what you want from your audience.

Learn more about finishing your pitch, get the Ultimate Pitch Guide.