Deconstructing the Pitch: How Storytelling Amplified My Presentation
We’ve all sat through pitches - some forgettable, others gripping. When I set out to present Tanssikone, I aimed to ensure it resonated with the audience, not just as a business idea but as a compelling story. Here’s a deep dive into how I crafted my pitch, drawing inspiration from creative writing and theatrical storytelling.
The Power of Intentional Storytelling
The foundations of my pitch lay in what I had learned from the Creative Writing Specialization by Wesleyan University on Coursera. I adopted the ABDCE narrative structure - Action, Background, Development, Climax, and Ending. This narrative arc became the backbone of my presentation.
In addition, the Dramaturgy course by Grus Grus Teater guided my photo choices, ensuring each image augmented the narrative. The clothes I wore were not an afterthought. The black t-shirt, with the silver print “HYMY, ASKEL, TOISTO” (in English, “SMILE, STEP, REPEAT”) and the red trousers and dance shoes, were chosen to communicate a deeper story.
Slide-by-Slide Breakdown
Slide 1 - Personal Context
A photo from a challenging period in my life set the stage. This personal vulnerability created an immediate connection with the audience.
Slide 2 - Progression
As did the story, my journey with lavatanssit continued, showing growth and progress.
Slide 3 - The Return
An image of genuine happiness represented the culmination of a personal journey, setting the context for the solution I was about to introduce.
Slide 4 - Setting Expectations
A lively dance floor brought the audience into the world of lavatanssit.
Slide 5 - Identifying Problems
By presenting competitors’ shortcomings, I established a need.
Slide 6 - Highlighting The Gap
An empty dance floor underscored the issue at hand.
Slide 7 - Introducing the Solution
Screenshots of Tanssikone showcased a solution tailored for dancers, reminiscent of a knowledgeable friend.
Slide 8 - The Ideal Outcome
An ideal, crowded dance floor depicted the Tanssikone effect.
Slide 9 - Beyond Lavatanssit
Demonstrated the scalability of Tanssikone for various hobbies.
Slide 10 - Business Strategy
With a dancing couple as the backdrop, I touched upon monetization and the rationale behind the focus.
Slide 11 - Market Validation
Reinforced the popularity of lavatanssit.
Slide 12 - Growth Potential
Using vibrant imagery, I showcased the vast market size.
Slide 13 - Meet the Team
A personal touch, introducing myself and my passion.
Slide 14 - Testimonial
Demonstrating the impact of Tanssikone.
Slide 15 - Market Engagement
TikTok metrics were a testament to the real-world effects of Tanssikone recommendations.
Slide 16 - Personal Promise
Conveying my commitment with a thematic “Hymy taattu!” (in English, “Smile guaranteed!”) t-shirt.
Slide 17 - The Call to Action
Engaging the audience beyond the pitch, inviting them to join the Tanssikone journey.
The Takeaway
Every pitch is a story waiting to be told. But not all stories captivate. By meticulously weaving personal anecdotes, clear problem statements, tangible solutions, and compelling visuals, my pitch became more than just a business proposition - it was a journey, a dance that invited everyone to join in.
This deep dive is a useful guide for anyone looking to elevate their pitches. The key is to strike a balance between personal narratives, data, visuals, and, above all, passion.
Most importantly the pitch from demo day.
