Can You Pitch Your Business in 5 Minutes?

Pitching to investors can be exciting but also stressful, especially for those unfamiliar with the process or unprepared to perform under pressure.

Kapatid Mentor ME (KMME), a mentorship program designed to help micro and small enterprises in the Philippines and spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship, offers practical advice to help budding entrepreneurs maximize pitching opportunities.

The Business Manual has distilled information from one of KMME’s presentations. Here are the insights:

Preparation is Everything

Whether English is your first language or you speak with a thick regional accent, preparation is your biggest ally. 

Grettalou Apolinar, a Baguio resident who completed the KMME program and owns a startup, says putting all of her thoughts together is one challenge.

The other is to narrow down sentences and paragraphs into one-liners for the pitch deck. Still, having a coherent presentation helps.

A pitch deck may be simpler to create than a full business improvement plan, but that does not mean that it is also a breeze. 

Here are three common challenges and how to face them head-on:

Challenge 1: Deliver a Clear Message 

If you have too many ideas swirling in your head, clarity is your lifeline. 

Potential investors do not have time for long-winded explanations. Your pitch must be concise, compelling, and easy to understand. 

First, narrow down your paragraphs into single, powerful sentences

Even if you are fluent in English, nerves can easily sabotage your delivery. Pause and breathe slowly if you suddenly lose your train of thought. 

Practice with a friend, mentor, or family member—anyone who will give you honest feedback. 

Finally, speak at a steady pace. Talking too fast signals anxiety, not confidence. 

You may also want to time yourself to make sure you hit that five-minute mark. 

There are ways to deliver your presentation. As described in this TED-Ed video, there are two techniques that you could try: one where you write a script first then memorize it until it becomes second nature to you or have a clear plan without scripting it so you can follow your points when you present it.

Challenge 2: Know Your Business Terms 

Sometimes, even if you are comfortable with your pitch, you may come across an unfamiliar term. Do not fret. You cannot afford to freeze like a deer in headlights. 

Words like “value proposition,” “market fit,” and “revenue model” should be familiar from the very start. Expect them to be raised during your Q&A post-pitch.

Be ready to explain why your business matters, and why investors should care.

Moreover, confidence in your vocabulary shows that you are confident in your business.

Challenge 3: Use Engaging Visuals

Choosing the right visuals should engae your audience and spark storytelling. 

When they see your visuals, they should feel your vision and be compelled to take part in it. 

Your visuals should support your storytelling from start to finish. 

There is a tendency to add more images than what is necessary. Rather, choose high-impact imagery. For example, use photos of you leading a workshop with the community members to better tell the story of your advocacy. 

Lastly, stay on-brand. Your images should be reflective of your identity: from colorful fabrics, eye-catching fonts, and styles that go with your product and values. 

Test for Impact

Once you have completed your pitch deck, you may want to try it out with someone who is unfamiliar with your startup, as mentioned above. At the end of your pitch, ask what they remember. This will indicate whether you have captivated them with your pitch. 

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