1. A 1.1.16

2.  Plan!  Decide who is going to be the lead person or whether you’re going to present as a team.  Making a good pitch is an essential form of marketing for a small business because it gets your ideas across to potential customers and investors.  Use a multi media approach: power point, display or poster, prototype, photographic images/video.

3. Create a positive visual effect

4.  when presenting, never read directly off the slides.  never put too much information onto the slides.  make it no more than 7 slides, no longer than 10 minutes and size 30 font. You should start preparing the pitch weeks in advance and never at the last minute.  Avoid complex transitions and animations. Keep it simple.

5.  Use a story to get your points across and to show the audience what your product can do.  The more you can allow the listener to picture using the product the more likely they will be to take action.  Be passionate about your product and that you know enough about it to be able to answer any questions people may ask you.  Be professional in manner and appearance.

6. Levi Roots made a successful pitch earning a £50,000 investment from the Dragons.

7.  Rehearse your pitch.  Practice all transitions and timings.  Be clear and audible.  Vary the tone of your voice.  Use eye contact.  Structure your pitch with a dynamic opening and memorable closure which highlights the USP of your product or service.