Have you ever been in a position where you had a lot to talk about but just can’t speak up?
Well, that makes the two of us!
I’m Sameer Ahmed Khan, the CEO of Social Champ.
But let me tell you, it wasn’t an easy journey to get here. I’ve had my share of pitch disasters, which taught me a thing or two about how to write a pitch that actually gets people excited.
After years of grinding, I’m about to share everything I’ve learned about pitching. These tips have helped me think differently, so I think they might just do the trick for you, too.
Let’s get started!
Practice, Practice & Practice Again
Here’s a story!
Once my mentor asked me to pitch to a tissue box. I didn’t have my deck and wasn’t prepared for it, but being thrown into a situation like this taught me that I should be prepared to speak, even to a dead audience, with or without my deck.
No matter how naturally talented someone is, there’s no substitute for good, old-fashioned practice.
Think of it this way: every time you practice, you’re not just rehearsing; you’re ironing out wrinkles, building confidence, and making the material second nature.
So, give yourself the time to really go over things—not just once or twice, but as many times as you can.
As you practice, you’ll start spotting areas where you can add a personal twist or deliver a line with a little extra punch.
This familiarity makes you stand out because you’re not just saying the words—you’re owning them.
Time Your Pitch to the Nearest Second!
When you’re pitching, timing is everything. You might have just five minutes, and you need to make those seconds count.
Aim to finish in 4 minutes and 30 seconds, not a second longer. No one respects a pitch that goes over time—it shows you can’t respect the audience’s schedule.
This is where practice really makes the difference. The more you rehearse, the more natural and precise your delivery will be, making sure you hit all your key points without rushing or dragging it out.
So, grab that timer and keep practicing until you’re spot on!
Don’t Read From the Deck
It’s tempting to rely on your slides as a crutch, but here’s the thing: people can read faster than you can speak.
If you’re just reading what’s on the slide, they’re likely to get ahead of you, lose interest, or both. Your slides are there to support your message, not deliver it for you.
Instead, treat your deck as a visual aid that enhances your story. Add value with personal insights, anecdotes, or extra information that’s not on the screen.
This way, you’re giving people a reason to listen and engage beyond the bullet points. Remember, you’re the storyteller—use the deck as your backdrop, not your script.
Keep Your Deck Simple
Less really is more when it comes to your presentation deck.
Overloading slides with text, graphics, or cluttered information can distract your audience and take the focus away from you.
A simple, clean design with key points and visuals helps keep the attention on your message and lets you shine as the speaker.
Here’s just something I like to do to gain my audience’s interest. I try and grab their attention with the opening slide by adding something that demands attention.
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak at an SEO International conference. Luckily, I had met some of the attendees at ITCN Asia and even snapped a picture with them at my company’s booth.
I decided to include that picture as the opening slide in my presentation, and it instantly grabbed people’s attention as they recognized themselves.
Now, I’m not saying you should always use photos in a professional pitch, but the point is to make an impression.
Attention is everything, so find a way to grab it early and keep it. The quicker you catch their eye, the more likely they’ll stay tuned!
That said, a clean deck with clear, impactful points makes it easier for you to connect with people—and for them to remember what you shared.
Connect Your Slides
Your slides shouldn’t feel like isolated bits of information—they’re all part of one big story. Think of each slide as a stepping stone that leads your audience from one idea to the next.
The best presentations have a natural flow where each slide builds on the last, guiding listeners through your message.
To connect your slides, add transitions that link ideas together.
A simple phrase like, “Now that we understand this, let’s move on to that,” can keep your audience engaged and following along.
Or, try referring back to a previous slide if it ties into your current point—this reinforces key ideas and shows you’re guiding them through a narrative.
Telling a story with your pitch will make your presentation feel intentional and well thought out, which helps you stand out as a polished, prepared speaker.
Don’t Be Ashamed of Criticism
Criticism can feel uncomfortable, especially if you’ve put your heart into your work. But remember, feedback is one of the most valuable tools you have to improve and stand out.
Instead of seeing criticism as a reflection of your flaws, try to view it as a guide that points you toward growth.
To give you an example of why criticism is nothing to be ashamed of, I once attended a 3-month incubator training course in Oman with my co-founder.
Professionals from all over the world were there to refine their pitches.
One of the mentors was particularly tough—he wasn’t shy about criticizing and even scolding people, correcting their posture, tone, and every small detail.
Watching this, I realized that I, too, made some of those same mistakes. But there was no shame in it because we were all there to learn, and everyone was struggling with similar challenges.
Even though we weren’t always the ones being directly corrected, the feedback helped us pick up valuable insights, showing us that criticism, when embraced, can be a powerful learning tool.
Understand What Your Audience Is Looking for
To truly stand out, put yourself in your audience’s shoes. Think about what they’re there to learn, understand, or achieve.
Start by researching your audience or asking yourself what you’d want if you were in their place. This can help you shape your presentation to hit the points that matter most.
When you align your content with what they’re genuinely interested in, you’ll engage them more deeply and make a lasting impression.
Plus, audiences appreciate when they feel the talk was crafted with them in mind—it shows you care about providing real value.
Dress According to the Event
First impressions matter, and how you dress can set the tone for your entire presentation. When planning your outfit, think about the event, the audience, and the message you want to convey.
For example, if you’re attending a tech event in the US and show up in a tux, you might not be taken seriously. On the flip side, if you’re at a conference in the UK and show up in shorts and a T-shirt, the same thing might happen.
A formal setting might call for a suit or business attire, while a more casual or creative environment could allow for a relaxed, stylish look.
Dressing appropriately shows respect for your audience and the occasion. It also boosts your confidence, helping you feel more comfortable and in tune with the room.
Remember, the goal is to look polished and put-together while aligning with the vibe of the event—you want your appearance to complement your message, not distract from it.
Take Away
Kicking things off with a different way of thinking sets you apart. Once you start looking at things from a new angle, you will stumble upon fresh methods and ideas.
For anyone aiming to make it big professionally, evolving is critical, often requiring a unique perspective and vision.
Speaking from my experience as a co-founder at Social Champ, I’ve met tons of people worldwide.
And let me tell you, only a handful truly made an impression on me. I can count on one hand the times I’ve been blown away by someone’s ideas and personality.
I’ve taken these insights to heart and incorporated them into my own approach, so I’m living proof they work.
But remember, everyone’s journey is unique. You’ve got your own stories and insights, so take these tips for a spin and tweak them as you see fit.
If you’re looking for more guidance or just want to chat, don’t hesitate to book a meeting with me!