The Zoom squares flickered to life, not just faces, but little windows into kitchens, shared offices, and quiet corners. Over 50 people, a mix of accents and backgrounds from Iraq, Lebanon, and Jordan, all tuning in for a workshop on pitching and public speaking. It was part of the Start Mashreq program, and I had the slightly daunting, but genuinely exciting, task of trying to unpack the art of communicating ideas in a way that felt real.
Let’s be honest, the usual advice about “storytelling” and “captivating audiences” often feels like it’s been run through a marketing department’s word grinder. Instead, we talked about the discomfort of standing in front of a screen (or a room), about the fear of stumbling over words, and the very human struggle to articulate something you care about. We didn’t rehearse practiced smiles or memorize power poses. We focused on the simple act of being present, of finding the core of your message, and letting that guide your words.
What struck me most wasn’t the technical questions about slide decks or voice modulation. It was the raw honesty. People shared anxieties about being misunderstood, about feeling like their ideas weren’t “polished” enough. We talked about the difference between delivering a performance and having a conversation. We explored how genuine enthusiasm, even with a few stumbles, resonates far more than a perfectly rehearsed script.
It wasn’t a masterclass in slick presentations. It was a shared exploration of how to connect with others, how to share your vision without feeling like you’re playing a role.
Here are a few takeaways, distilled from the workshop conversations, about pitching to investors at different stages:
- Early Stage (Idea/Prototype):
- Focus on the problem you’re solving and why it matters. Skip the jargon, speak in plain terms.
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of your potential customer and their needs.
- Show your passion for the problem, not just the potential profit.
- Growth Stage (Early Traction/Revenue):
- Back up your claims with data. Show real progress, not just projections.
- Outline your growth strategy with a focus on practical steps.
- Explain how the investment will directly contribute to your next milestone.
- Scaling Stage (Established Market Presence):
- Demonstrate a clear understanding of your market dynamics and competitive advantage.
- Show a robust plan for continued growth and expansion.
- Articulate your long-term vision and how the investment will help you achieve it.
The workshop wasn’t about finding a magic formula. It was about recognizing that effective communication comes from a place of authenticity. If you’re building something meaningful, that sincerity will shine through.
If your startup program, accelerator, incubator, or even you as an individual, are looking for a different approach to pitching and public speaking, one that focuses on genuine connection and clear communication, let’s talk. I’m interested in helping people find their own voice, not just mimic a pre-packaged script.
