See also Explainer Videos
Usually 30-90 seconds
A solid basic outline:
Introduction - A little about yourself (name, origin, relevant previous employment, volunteer work, clubs, etc.)
Problem
Solution
Value proposition - Use a template from the BMC page
A call to action (CTA) - Tell them what they can do if they are interested, like visit your web site or connect with you on LinkedIn.
Rehearse!
If using a presentation pitch deck, bring it up quickly and smoothly.
Publish your presentation to make it public
Test your link in an incognito window to make sure it is accessible.
Use a link shortening service so it will be easy for you to step up to the podium and type the URL for your presentation.
Introduce yourself.
Make eye contact with audience members and do not read from or look at the screen.
Be confident and have stage presence including being energetic and using appropriate body language and gestures.
Know how much time you have and stick to it.
You could use a stopwatch on your phone or have someone in the audience give you signals.
Leave time for questions if appropriate. Consider having a friend ask a prepared question if you have time to use up.
Use proper spelling and grammar. You may want to take important pitch decks to the Writing Center for feedback.
When entrepreneurs speak of a pitch deck, they could be referring to a few different things including a "sending deck" or "presentation deck". More information
Sending deck
Needs to have enough context so that an investor flipping through its pages can determine whether it looks like an interesting investment without you there to explain it.
Slides for Business Name, Problem / Need, Target Market, Solution, Competitors and Value Proposition, Traction, Financials, Investments and Funding, Team, and Conclusion.
Use as few words as possible, and no more than about 25 per slide. Use very short descriptions, a few bullet points, logos instead of company names, and as much information as possible put into simple, easy to understand graphics.
Presentation deck
The slides should only include what you need to explain what you’re saying (a screenshot of the software, a photo of the product, a graph of growing revenue.) Put as much into graphics as possible to illustrate your point.
The presentation deck should have very few words — 15 words is usually the maximum. Any words should only reiterate or illustrate the main points of what you’re saying.
The goal is to get an investor excited enough to sit down with you for a short meeting.
It is good to record your pitches showing yourself and your slides.
This can be done a couple of different ways:
By recording your computer camera and your screen (with your slides in presentation view) using software. You might need to slightly rearrange your slide content so your camera isn't covering anything important.
This is easiest using Microsoft Clipchamp through the web or, on Windows computers, you might already have it installed.
You should also be able to do this using Zoom.
Another option is Loom.
By standing next to your slides on a projector screen, television, or large monitor and recording with your phone camera (more challenging to make professional looking).