I’ve been in founder meetings where I have had to dig deep just to uncover useful insights. It’s as if, when a company is raising, the founders aren’t interested in telling their story. This can be a real missed opportunity because bad articulation can easily lead to a suboptimal fundraise.
At the cost of sounding preachy, for those of you who aren’t natural storytellers, here are 7 tips that have worked for me:
1️⃣ Fundraising is about selling your idea.
You won’t become a great salesperson overnight, but with the right mindset, you can definitely improve. Slow down when speaking, switch to a language you’re comfortable with (as long as the other party understands), and pause before responding. These simple shifts will help you get your point across more clearly.
2️⃣ Don’t let awkward silences derail the conversation.
I've seen too many founders stay silent, answering only the questions they're asked. That’s a missed chance to tell your story. Actively work to avoid those awkward silences. Speak up, share more, and connect the dots.
3️⃣ Understand the question behind the question.
It’s not always about answering what's directly asked. Sometimes, it’s about understanding why the question is being asked. If you don’t have an answer, it’s okay to say so. Just note it down and follow up when you have a more complete response.
4️⃣ Don’t attend meetings unprepared or uninterested.
If you're not ready, or if the meeting doesn’t feel like the right time, reschedule or cancel. Every meeting leaves an impression, and doing a half-baked job is never worth it.
5️⃣ If you're not a great speaker, use slides to support your story.
Slides can be a great tool to help convey your narrative, but only if they’re well-designed and focused. Don't rely solely on words. Visuals can strengthen your message.
6️⃣ Don’t compromise on your deck.
A sloppy deck makes a terrible impression. Avoid verbose slides, unnecessary details, and too many slides that lead to confusion. Each slide should have a clear purpose, and if it doesn’t have a purpose, move it to backup. Aim for a max of 3 minutes per slide and plan your deck accordingly.
7️⃣ Practice, practice, practice.
Do a couple of mock pitches with your core team before you talk to anyone external. You’ll identify gaps in your story, find ways to improve your delivery, and know where to place the right emphasis.
Trust me, if you start seeing early wins from these small improvements, the momentum will build. It happened for me, and I know it will happen for you too.