Entertain to inform
Entertain first, then inform: audiences engage when you prioritize their experience; information lands only after you have their attention (Guy Kawasaki, via Think Fast, Talk Smart).
- Pitch goal: stay in the game—not “wire transfer today.” Progress to the next step (e.g. due diligence); avoid elimination.
- Delivery: think fighter jet, not 787—core value in the first ~30 seconds; resist life-story padding before stating what you do.
- Slides (10-20-30): cap volume and time; large type forces you to know the material (glance test: audience looks at you, not paragraphs on screen).
- Substance still gates technique: the dominant ingredient is having something real to say—not communication as personal branding.