Communication & Pitching
A required skill for researchers trying to develop a potential product is communicating the product idea, value, and other characteristics to potential stakeholders. These stakeholders may have very different scientific backgrounds and levels of expertise so an important skill to develop is how to adjust your communication style and content for different audiences. Pitching is an example of a short, usually oral, form of communication intended to generate future conversations and funding. The resources below introduce you to the components of a business pitch and strategies for planning and delivery.
- The Only 10 Slides You Need in Your Pitch – In this article, Guy Kawasaki, former Chief Evangelist at Apple, writes about his PowerPoint 10:20:30 rule for a pitch, and provides a sample template.
- The Elevator Pitch – From BioSpace, an article that breaks down the 4 key components of an elevator pitch, including tips and examples.
- Raising Funds for your Venture – In this 5-minute video, from the B-BIC Skills Development Center, Dr. Seena Basu covers short and long pitch decks, and how to match the opportunity and the stage of development to the right investors.
- Initial Investor Pitch - How to Talk about your Technology – In this 3.5 minute video, from the B-BIC Skills Development Center, Dr. Johannes Freuhauf covers how to discuss your solution in your first meeting with investors.
- Committing to your Pitch – In this 3.5 minute video, from the B-BIC Skills Development Center, Dr. Johannes Freuhauf covers the summary/ask in an initial investor pitch.
- How to perfect your pitch – This 45-minute video is provided by the NHLBI Small Biz Hangout. Speaker Sven Karlsson delivers an example of a good pitch and Dr. Steve Flaim highlights features to keep in mind for your own pitch.