Whether you’re pitching a bold new project to a client or are seeking funding from investors, your delivery should match the power of your words. In this guide, learn how to perfect your pitch and own the room.
In our January Zoom Dive, we had the pleasure of talking to Mariana Lucia Marquez, the founder of Metaspeech, about the importance of great communication. She shared many tips and insights on how creative entrepreneurs can speak authentically and connect with any audience—we’ve captured some of the key takeaways from this valuable session here.
Clarify who you’re pitching to
It’s vital to understand who you’re pitching to when you deliver a presentation to ensure what you’re saying is relevant, engaging and persuasive. Different audiences will want to hear about different things. For example, investors care about how your business is doing and how it can grow, while a potential client will want to know how you’ll solve their problem, enhance their brand or bring another benefit to their business. By knowing exactly who is in the room, you can tailor your messaging to really hit home. Part of this involves speaking your audience’s language—too much detail on optional features for a client or excessive product talk for an investor could lose their interest.
Structuring your pitch
First impressions are crucial, so start with a well-crafted hook—a statement or question that immediately grabs attention and evokes curiosity. Statistics can work well here, e.g., a graphic designer might say:
“Visitors form an opinion about a website in just 50 milliseconds (0.05 seconds). Businesses with strong, cohesive branding are three times more likely to attract and retain customers. We helped [client name] make those milliseconds count—here’s how.”
In a client pitch, once you’ve delivered the hook, address any pain points and present your solution as the best solution. Include evidence to demonstrate credibility. Describe what working with you will be like and finish with a confident call to action, clearly stating what you want your audience to do next.
Example:
“If your brand isn’t making the right first impression, let’s change that. We specialise in crafting cohesive, high-impact branding that keeps your audience engaged from the very first glance. Ready to elevate your brand? Let’s talk.”
Body language tips and speaking techniques
Even if your pitch is carefully crafted and well-structured, your body language can make it fall flat if you come across as unsure or disengaged. To command attention and build trust, try doing the following:
- Stand with confidence—feet grounded, shoulders relaxed, and posture open. Avoid slouching or shifting your weight unnecessarily, as it can make you seem uncertain.
- Use natural, purposeful hand gestures. Open palms can help convey trust, but keep movements controlled and intentional rather than excessive or distracting.
- Make eye contact in a way that feels engaging and natural. Connect with individuals for a moment before shifting your gaze to the next person—this creates a sense of presence without feeling forced.
- A genuine smile can help you share warmth and feel approachable. It’s not about grinning constantly, but letting your facial expressions support your message authentically.
- Move with intention. Stepping forward to emphasize a key point can add presence, but avoid pacing or shifting aimlessly, as it can dilute your impact.
When delivering important facts, try pausing for a few seconds afterwards to let this information sink in. Speak clearly and avoid uptalking—that’s when the pitch of your voice goes a little higher at the end of a sentence. Read Mariana’s free guide on uptalking and how to ditch it to enhance your delivery.
Consider the Metaspeech 5-Pillars Method™
Mariana’s company, Metaspeech, has developed a unique communication training framework focusing on five key aspects of body language and presentation styles:
1. Posture & Presence – By defining how you hold yourself, you create a strong, grounded presence that naturally commands attention. A confident stance helps you feel more in control and makes others more likely to trust and listen to you.
2. Gestures & Expression – Learning to use your hands and face with intention allows you to reinforce your message rather than distract from it. You’ll appear more engaging, authentic, and aligned with what you’re saying.
3. Breath & Voice – Mastering breath control improves vocal strength, clarity, and pacing. You’ll sound more assured and persuasive, making it easier for people to stay engaged with what you’re saying.
4. Eye Contact & Engagement – Developing purposeful eye contact skills helps you connect with your audience and hold their attention. When done right, it creates a sense of trust and makes your communication more impactful.
5. Energy & Intention – When your body language, voice, and message align, you come across as clear, compelling, and confident. Learning to manage your energy helps you stay present and adaptable in any speaking situation.
Implementing this framework can help you deliver impactful and confident speeches and allow you to connect with your audience on a deeper level. To learn more, visit Mariana’s website.
A perfect pitch is about strategy, storytelling, and presence combined. The first step is to understand who is in the room. Then, structure your pitch to grab attention and deliver what your audience really needs to know. Your success will hinge on how well you connect, which can be greatly helped by practising the body language and speaking tips outlined above.
If you missed Mariana’s Zoom Dive, fear not! We have asked her to join us in another session during summer 2025. Keep an eye on our Events Calendar for more details coming soon.