# The Art of Creating a Successful Pitch Deck
### By Deanna Meador
Creating a successful pitch deck is essential for securing funding for your business. Whether you have a few minutes or an hour to pitch, you need to answer three important questions to capture the attention of your audience. Here are some strategies to help you tell a compelling story through your pitch deck.
## Answer the 3 W’s
1. **Why** does what you are doing matter?
– Engage your audience with a relatable story that illustrates the problem your idea is solving.
2. **What** does your company do?
– Clearly explain how your company alleviates the pain points and brings value to your customers.
3. **Who** is on your team and whom do you serve?
– Highlight your team’s credentials and identify your target audience.
If you can answer the 3 W’s clearly and concisely, you are well on your way to an effective pitch.
## Additional Elements to Include
To create a comprehensive pitch deck, consider including:
– Market size
– Burn rate
– Competitive analysis
– Traction
– Projections
– Runway
– Amount you are raising and how you will use the funds
Depending on your business, you may also want to include a quick demo or a short video showcasing your product or service.
## Keep Visuals and Formatting in Mind
When creating your presentation deck, prioritize captivating visuals and engaging slide headings. Utilize powerful statements in your slide headings to clearly convey the key takeaway for each slide. Additionally, include visuals wherever possible to complement your verbal script.
## Prepare and Speak with Confidence
Perfecting your presentation is crucial for delivering a successful pitch. Here are some tips to help you prepare:
– Do several timed run-throughs of your deck.
– Prepare a script, but don’t rely on it when presenting.
– Film yourself presenting to evaluate your body language and delivery speed.
## Bring Supporters to the Meeting
Having support during your pitch meeting can strengthen your presentation. Bring team members or mentors to contribute their strengths and roles within your organization. This can also help establish credibility and build trust with potential investors.
## Communicate the Value of Your Business
Take a breath, smile, and connect with your audience as you tell the story of your business. Use your pitch deck to effectively communicate the value of your business and engage your audience through intentional storytelling and clear visuals.
## FAQs on Creating the Perfect Pitch Deck
### What Makes a Pitch Deck Successful?
A successful pitch deck conveys your vision with compelling visuals and practice. Ultimately, people will be buying into you.
### How Many Slides Should a Pitch Deck Be?
Keep your pitch deck concise—aim for 10 slides or less, focusing on the most important information. For short competition pitches, stick to five slides and include additional slides in an appendix.
### What Are Three Components of a Pitch Deck?
A successful pitch deck should answer the 3 W’s: why, what, and who. Lead with why your idea matters, share what you are doing, and wrap with the who—showcasing your team’s credentials and target audience.
*About the Author*
**Deanna Meador** is the CEO and co-founder of Couture Technologies, an AI-powered virtual fitting technology catering to apparel businesses. Connect with her on [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/deanna-meador-99bb5640/) and [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/couturetechnologies/).
Creating a successful pitch deck is a crucial step in securing funding for your business. By following these strategies and tips, you can tell a compelling story that resonates with potential investors.
