"I do my best pitches spontaneously!"
Every time I hear this statement from founders, I get really upset!
Not only is it disrespectful to your audience to show up unprepared, but it's also a dangerous myth that sets founders up for failure.
The Reality Check
When I test these "spontaneous" pitchers in practice sessions, the facade quickly crumbles.
Numbers get scrambled, key messages are missed, and the confidence is long gone – all this while pitching to me, their coach, who's there to support them.
Now imagine facing a room full of scrutinizing investors with millions at stake. That's when the real pressure hits.
As Oscar Wilde brilliantly observed, "Spontaneity is a meticulously prepared art."
This paradox captures the essence of great pitching – what appears effortless often requires the most preparation.
My Strategy
This approach emerges from a foundation of thorough preparation, not from "winging it.
Strategic Script Development
- Write out your complete pitch (every word), not to memorize, but to architect your message.
- Test tongue-twisting word combinations before they trip you up live.
- Avoid having to many words that ends with "S" as it is hard to articulate
- Map your power statements - those key messages that need precise delivery
- Create natural breathing points where audience interaction can flow
Calibrated Practice
- Find your sweet spot between 80-95% memorized based on your personality
- Record yourself to identify energy dips and verbal stumbles
- Eliminate complicated words - keep it simple
- Practice difficult transitions until they feel natural
- Test with different audience types to build adaptabiliy
Intentional Spontaneity Spaces
- Designate moments for pauses
- Prepare multiple examples you can swap based on who's in the room
- Build in flexible transition phrases
- Practice recovering from tough questions
What You Can Expect
- Command of Your Content: When you know your material deeply, you can focus on reading the room instead of remembering your next point
- Authentic Engagement: True connection comes from being present, not from being unprepared
- Consistent Excellence: Your key messages land every time, while your delivery stays fresh and engaging
From Preparation to Presence
The magic happens when your preparation is so thorough it becomes invisible. That's when you can truly be present, read the room, and adapt your message while keeping your core points razor-sharp.
Don't confuse unpreparedness with authenticity. Respect your audience – and yourself – enough to put in the work. Your investors are preparing for your meeting; shouldn't you do the same?
P.S. Ready to transform your pitch from spontaneous to stellar? 👇