... / Launch Beaufort / Week 8: Pitch Practice + Virtual Pitching Tools

Welcome to Week 8! You’ve already built your pitch deck and explored investor readiness. Now it’s time to focus on delivery — the part that truly sells your vision. A brilliant idea and beautiful slides won’t matter if your delivery falls flat. Investors want confidence, clarity, and conviction.

In this module, we’ll explore pitch practice strategies to help you refine your presence both in-person and online. You’ll learn how to use storytelling techniques to connect emotionally, anticipate tough investor questions, and communicate with authority under pressure.

We’ll also look at virtual pitching tools that allow you to present effectively in digital-first environments. Since many investors take initial meetings online, mastering virtual delivery is just as important as live presentation. Tools like Zoom, Descript, and OBS Studio can help you not only present but also review and improve your own performance.

By the end of this week, you will:

●​ Deliver a compelling pitch both live and virtually.​

●​ Identify strengths and weaknesses in your pitch delivery.​

●​ Use modern tools to record, analyze, and refine your performance.

Many founders invest countless hours perfecting their pitch decks, only to stumble when it’s time to present. The reality is that delivery is just as important as content. Investors are evaluating not only what you’re building, but also who is leading the charge. They want to see conviction, competence, and composure — because if you can’t clearly present your idea, how will you lead a company?

Strong pitch delivery rests on three pillars:

Clarity

Speak in simple, concrete language that anyone can understand. Avoid buzzwords, acronyms, or technical jargon unless you’re certain your audience is familiar with them. Investors often fund outside their own technical expertise, so your explanation should be accessible to a smart generalist. Example: Instead of saying, “Our platform leverages blockchain-based distributed ledger technology to optimize supply chain provenance,” say, “We help companies track their products from factory to customer with tamper-proof digital records.”

Confidence

Confidence isn’t about arrogance; it’s about composure. Project calm authority by

maintaining eye contact, speaking with steady pacing, and using strong posture (shoulders back, hands visible). Investors are ultimately betting on you more than your slides. If you appear uncertain, they’ll doubt your ability to lead a team through inevitable challenges.

Connection

Data is persuasive, but stories are memorable. Connect emotionally by framing your business around human impact — the frustrated customer you’re helping, the pain point you’ve personally experienced, or the bigger vision you’re chasing. A strong connection ensures that investors don’t just understand your idea, they care about it.

Practical Technique: Pause for Impact

Don’t rush. After sharing a big vision statement, customer story, or key metric, pause for 2–3 seconds. This allows your words to sink in, demonstrates confidence, and creates anticipation. Silence, when used strategically, is one of the most powerful tools in public speaking.

In today’s fundraising environment, many first impressions with investors happen online — often through Zoom, Google Meet, or another virtual platform. While the fundamentals of a great pitch remain the same, the virtual format introduces unique challenges. Small technical or presentation mistakes can distract from your message, so preparing for the online environment is essential.

Lighting & Framing

Good lighting communicates professionalism. Position yourself facing a natural light source or use a ring light so your face is clearly visible. Avoid sitting with a window behind you, which can cast you in shadow. Keep your camera at eye level— looking down at your laptop camera can make you appear disengaged or unconfident.

Background

Your background sends signals about your attention to detail. Choose a clean, uncluttered space with minimal distractions. If your environment is busy, opt for a simple virtual background — ideally branded with your company logo or colors. This subtly reinforces your business identity throughout the meeting.

Engagement

When speaking, look into the camera lens, not just the screen. This creates the effect of direct eye contact, making your delivery more engaging and personable. Nod occasionally while others are speaking to show attentiveness. Use gestures naturally but keep them within frame.

Timing & Pacing

Online attention spans are short. Aim to keep your formal pitch between 8–10 minutes, leaving room for questions. Speak slightly slower than you would in person to account for audio lag, but avoid monotone delivery — vary your tone to maintain energy.

A successful pitch isn’t perfected overnight — it’s the result of repetition, reflection, and refinement. Each time you present, you gather new insights that can strengthen your delivery and clarify your message. Treat every pitch as a learning opportunity, not a final exam.

Why Feedback Matters

Investors, mentors, and even peers often notice things you might miss — such as a confusing slide, jargon-heavy phrasing, or lack of emphasis on your traction. By actively seeking feedback, you uncover blind spots that can make the difference between a lukewarm response and genuine investor interest.

Questions to Ask After a Pitch

*●​ Which part of my pitch resonated most with you?​

●​ At what point did I lose your attention?​

●​ Was there anything unclear or confusing?​

●​ If you were me, what would you highlight more strongly?​*

The goal isn’t to collect endless opinions, but to identify recurring themes. If three people say your financials are confusing, that’s a clear signal to simplify.

Using Tech Tools for Self-Review

Platforms like Descript allow you to transcribe your pitch video and review your word choice, pacing, and filler words (“um,” “you know”). This objective analysis helps pinpoint habits you might not be aware of. Pair it with Loom analytics (e.g., where viewers drop off) to understand audience engagement.

The Iterative Mindset

Think of pitching as a cycle of practice, feedback, and improvement. Your first pitch is version 1.0; by version 10, your clarity, confidence, and storytelling will be significantly sharper.

Zoom (Virtual Presentations)

Zoom remains the default platform for investor calls and virtual pitch sessions. It provides screen sharing, breakout rooms for smaller discussions, and a built-in recording option. Before your pitch:

●​ Run a mock session to test audio, video, and slides.​

●​ Check your internet connection and use headphones with a mic for clarity.​

●​ Use the recording feature to review your body language, pacing, and clarity.​

Pro tip: Pin your own video thumbnail to ensure you’re framed correctly and avoid awkward camera angles during your pitch.

Descript (Editing + Analysis)

Descript is a game-changer for improving pitch delivery. It automatically transcribes your video into text, allowing you to:

●​ Edit video by editing text — cut filler words like “um” and “you know” with one click.​

●​ Spot awkward phrasing or sections that drag on too long.​

●​ Share a polished pitch recording with mentors, peers, or even investors for feedback.​

Practical use: After recording a pitch on Zoom or Loom, import it into Descript, clean up the rough edges, and re-export a professional version.

OBS Studio (Advanced Recording & Streaming)

For founders who want a higher production value, OBS Studio offers robust tools for recording and streaming. You can:

●​ Combine slides, video, and branding overlays into one seamless pitch.​

●​ Customize backgrounds and layouts for a professional broadcast look.​

●​ Stream live to platforms like YouTube or LinkedIn if you’re pitching in a public showcase.​

Though it requires a learning curve, OBS can help your pitch stand out visually.