You pinpointed a problem and came up with an award-winning solution. Check.

You learned the importance of having an elevator pitch. Check.

You had the opportunity to put your elevator pitch to use. Check.

Unfortunately, even with all of your preparation, your pitch didn’t work.

Whether you don’t have the investments you need to build a product, the volunteers to help your organization get kickstarted, or the buy-in from your leaders, it’s tough to be stuck. It’s time to determine why your pitch isn’t getting traction.

Keys to Remember

A great idea poorly communicated is a stalled, unfunded, and unsupported idea. Make sure your pitch is clear and concise. Come up with sticky statements that your audience will remember.
Related: Is My Pitch Sticky?

Your pitch is the packaging for your idea. Package it with not only words, but also with pictures. Steve Jobs initially sold iPods by painting the picture that this new technology was like carrying 1,000 songs in your pocket.

Ninety percent of communication is nonverbal. Ever heard the expression “It’s not what you said, but how you said it?” Body language makes a significant difference in how the audience responds. Here is one quick tip to improving your pitch without saying a word.

Top Reasons Your Pitch Failed

1. Nerves

You create uneasiness for your audience when you’re overly nervous. You begin to create doubts in the minds of those listening to you. What do you do to help calm your nerves? Don’t confuse adrenaline with nerves. Being amped up or having butterflies is a good thing. If you aren’t feeling anything, you aren’t passionate and won’t sell your idea. So they key is to prepare and practice, practice and prepare.

2. Bad assumptions

We are often caught up in our idea or solution and jump to assuming everyone sees the problem. Put yourself in the shoes of the audience. Get clarity around the problem and make sure the audience sees it the same way. Once you paint the picture, they will be more likely to buy into your solution.

3. Overlooking the obvious

We want people to believe in our idea. We often fail to realize the audience is wondering whether or not they can believe in us. They are looking at the person pitching more than the idea. If they don’t believe in you, they won’t believe in your idea.

To quickly connect with the audience, remember you aren’t the hero. You aren’t there to impress, you are there to help. You are there to serve them with what you are offering. Place the focus on them, not you.

Resources to Improve Your Pitch

Here are our top 3 articles to help you continue to improve your pitching skills. Before you know it you will have successful pitches and be well on your way to making your dreams a reality.

How to Pitch to Investors: Most people fail in their pitch when they stop at only offering their idea. You aren’t only selling your idea. Investors want to know how they will get their money back. Learn the one thing you must include in your pitch.

Readiness Checklist for Your Presentation: Are you ready for prime time? Here’s a simple checklist to help you assess your readiness.

How to Self-Evaluate Your Pitch: Ask a trusted friend or team member to listen to your pitch. Then ask them to give you feedback in three suggested areas. Evaluate yourself as well.