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We’ve all heard about great pitches, elevator pitches, and the magical formula for a perfect pitch. The reality is, pitching has become one of those over-talked, under-appreciated arts. And yes, it is important. If you're starting out on your own, pitching might just be the most essential skill you need to develop. But the kicker is: it’s not about memorizing some grand script or rehearsing every line like a movie. You don’t need a scriptwriter, and you definitely don’t need a director.

What you do need is clarity.

Think of your pitch as the simplest, most direct answer to a problem. When people are pitching, they often get caught up in trying to make their idea sound bigger than life, like it’s the next revolution in whatever field they’re tackling. Truth is, no one cares about buzzwords. No one’s going to hand you a check because you threw around phrases like “game-changer” or “market disruption.” They care about understanding how you see the problem, how you’re solving it, and—most importantly—how you fit into that solution.

Here’s a mental framework to write a pitch that’s clear, grounded, and reflective of you.

1. Speak Plainly, Avoid Jargon

There’s a tendency to believe that the more complicated you sound, the more knowledgeable you seem. But that’s just not true. Jargon is noise. It takes away from your message. The simpler and clearer your pitch is, the better.

Imagine you’re explaining your idea to a smart friend. You wouldn’t throw industry terms at them to impress them, right? You’d give them a straight answer. Investors appreciate that same level of honesty. So, if someone outside your industry wouldn’t understand your pitch, you’re doing it wrong.

Let’s do a thought experiment: every time you write a sentence in your pitch, ask yourself, "Can a 10-year-old understand this?" If not, try again. Simplicity is a strength, not a weakness.

2. Think Mathematically, Not Marketing-Heavy

When you break it down, a pitch is a problem-solving exercise. It's more like solving an equation than spinning a marketing web. You're not trying to sell a dream, you’re trying to offer a solution. And just like in math, each part of the solution needs to be clear and logical.

It could not get more simpler than this, let’s go back to basics:

• Problem: What is the exact issue you’re solving? This should be sharp and easy to understand.
• Solution: How are you solving it? Be concrete. Your solution should feel like a natural answer to the problem.
• Proof: What evidence do you have that this will work? Investors want data, examples, or past traction that show you’re not just throwing ideas out there.

When you pitch this way, you avoid fluff. You avoid saying things like “We’re going to disrupt X industry,” because those statements don’t offer any real value. It’s like adding an extra zero to the end of an equation—it doesn’t help solve the problem. Investors aren’t looking for marketing, they’re looking for reasoning.

3. Don’t Be Married to Your Idea

Here’s where most people trip up: attachment. You’ve been working on your idea for months or maybe even years, and naturally, you believe in it. But if you cling to your idea like it’s the only answer, it can hurt your pitch.

Investors are trained to spot over-attachment. They know that the market, conditions, and even the product will change. If you present your idea like it’s the ultimate solution to everything, they’ll sense a lack of flexibility.

Instead, show that you’re adaptable. Be confident, but also humble enough to admit that you’re still learning. This openness can make a huge difference. Investors don’t want someone who’s rigid—they want someone who can navigate challenges and pivot when necessary.

4. Keep it Effortless and Personal

Your pitch is an extension of your personality. If it feels forced, rehearsed, or artificial, it will fall flat. Remember, investors are betting on you first and your idea second. If they don’t connect with you as a person, your pitch could be perfect on paper and still miss the mark.

Confidence is key, but that doesn’t mean you need to be overly polished. Speak in a way that feels natural to you. Let your personality come through. Instead of rehearsing your excitement, let your genuine interest in solving the problem show.

When you focus on being yourself, your pitch will stand out without needing any extra fluff or tactics. Authenticity builds trust, and trust is the foundation of any good relationship—whether it’s with investors, customers, or partners.

A Simple Mental Framework for Your Pitch

To make things easy, here’s a five-step framework you can use to structure your pitch:

Problem: What is the specific problem you’re solving? Be clear and relatable.

Solution: How does your product or idea solve that problem? Keep it concise.

Value Proposition: Why does this solution matter? What’s the tangible impact?

Traction: What proof do you have that this will work? Show data or real-world examples.

Team: Why are you the right person (or team) to solve this problem?

By following this structure, your pitch will naturally flow like a conversation. Each step builds on the last, much like solving an equation. Investors will see the logic behind your idea, not just the excitement.

Final Thoughts

A good pitch isn’t about selling; it’s about answering. Investors are looking for clarity, problem-solving, and authenticity, not flashy words or over-excitement. So, stay grounded. Speak plainly. Let your natural personality come through. If you can do that, you’ll give investors something real to believe in—and that’s far more valuable than any amount of jargon or hype.