The COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on virtually every aspect of our lives. This is especially true of how we communicate with others. For the foreseeable future, much of our communications will happen over Zoom or other virtual platforms. So, as an entrepreneur, obviously this is going to change how you go about pitching your idea/company to others, whether that be investors, judges... you name it! Here are some tips to optimize (and nail) your virtual Zoom pitch:
- LIGHTING - Make sure your face is well lit. Avoid sitting in front of a window whose light can overpower other light sources in your room creating a backlit image. I would highly consider using a ring light. (They are available on Amazon for about $10).
- BACKGROUND - Make sure your background is uncluttered. A busy background can be very distracting and detract from your pitch. Consider using Zoom's virtual background feature to create a custom background for your team. This will help your team stand out in a sea of faces and look quite professional.
- AUDIO SETTINGS - Test the audio setting on all team members' computers who will be presenting prior to the actual pitch event to ensure the volume is balanced between speakers. It may be as simple as learning how far or close speakers should be from their computer microphones. In some cases, you may want to consider using an auxiliary mic.
- DRESS CODE - It is hard to make a strong impression in a sea of faces. Consider having all team members wear all the same color (white, black, etc.) as a way to stand out. Or perhaps consider getting team t-shirts made with a distinctive color. This will create a strong impact, especially if you couple this with the use of a team virtual background.
- SLIDE DESIGN - Make sure that your slide designs work in a Zoom setting with participants' thumbnail images on the right side of the screen. You don’t want any information to be obscured. Do a test run with your team before the actual event.
- SCREENSHARE - If you aren't already, become familiar with the screensharing functions in Zoom before the pitch. You do not want to be learning on the go as you pitch.
- BE EARLY - Join the Zoom meeting a few minutes early to be sure you are familiar with the audio and video settings before the meeting begins. Your camera may be turned off as you enter the meeting. If that's the case, make sure to turn your camera on. In many instances, participants' microphones are muted upon joining a meeting. Be sure you know if you are muted so you can unmute at the appropriate time.
- PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE - Practice pitching with your team on Zoom before the actual pitch. This is the best way to prepare and improve your chances of making a strong impression!
Want to know more about perfecting your pitch? Schedule a time to virtually meet with Don through the Big Idea Center.