Pitching is part storytelling, part sales, and a whole lot of psychology. If you’re looking to see if a pitch actually landed or if it just "sounded nice," look for these five markers:

1. The "Problem" is Felt, Not Just Noted

A great pitch doesn’t just identify a gap in the market; it makes the audience feel the "pain" of the current situation. If the listeners are nodding along before you even get to your solution, you’ve successfully established high stakes.

2. Radical Clarity (The "Grandma" Test)

If you can’t explain what you do in one sentence without using buzzwords like synergy, disruptive, or next-gen, the pitch is weak. A good pitch leaves no room for the question, "Wait, so what does this actually do?"

3. A Compelling Narrative Arc

Facts tell, but stories sell. A good pitch follows a logical and emotional flow:

• The Hero: The customer or user.

• The Villain: The problem or inefficiency.

• The Magic Sword: Your product or idea.

4. Traction and Validation

Ideas are cheap; execution is expensive. A strong pitch backs up claims with social proof or data. This could be:

• Early revenue or user growth.

• Strategic partnerships.

• Specific, glowing testimonials.

5. The "What's Next?" Factor

The ultimate indicator of a good pitch isn't applause—it’s momentum. If the audience asks specific, tactical questions about how it works or how they can get involved, you’ve moved them from "polite listeners" to "potential partners."