Pitch Perfect: The Essential Guide to Presentation Formats

Meeting with investors is absolutely critical to enhancing brand awareness and recruiting the best stakeholders. Presentations are a powerful tool, yet they should vary significantly depending on the format and the audience. From panel discussions to in-person presentations and virtual meetings on platforms like Zoom, each presentation format has its own unique advantages and ideal uses. These formats are not as interchangeable as some might think—each excels in different scenarios. 

Here’s how to excel in any situation:

In-Person Presentation

Strengths: A well-executed in-person investment thesis presentation in front of a large audience of investors is undoubtedly the gold standard for converting a large number of potential investors into real stakeholders. 

When: That said, it places a magnifying glass on the company, the executive, and the audience. A near-empty auditorium can create a negative impression, undermining the quality of the presentation or the strength of your value proposition. This format is best reserved for occasions where not only is the presentation and delivery perfected, but also when a full audience can be assured.

Panel Discussion

Strengths: Panel discussions leverage the collective expertise and reputations of the panelists to deliver compelling, multifaceted content that can enhance the reputation of each contributor. It’s an opportune moment for the CEO to drive home key messages that further differentiate the company as a trailblazer in its niche.

When: This format is ideal if management is conversant about the latest trends, key issues, and recent developments related to the subject. The best prep advice: familiarize yourself with the viewpoints and backgrounds of fellow panelists to anticipate the flow of discussion, and develop key messages that will help you stand out on stage.

Zoom or Teams

Strengths: The benefit of Zoom or Teams meetings is that they can be recorded, providing a valuable resource for both presenters and attendees. Presenters can review their performance and improve future presentations, while investors can revisit the recording to better understand the details. Additionally, recordings can be shared with potential investors who were unable to attend the live session via social media, extending the presentation's reach.

When: The vast majority of investor presentations, including updates like quarterly earnings or AGMs, are conducted virtually. Additionally, for presentations on sensitive topics, such as crisis communications, doing so on Zoom or Teams offers complete control over the proceedings - something never quite possible in either an in-person presentation or a panel discussion.

Need an outside perspective when it comes to crafting your best presentation? Reach out to Graham Farrell (Graham.Farrell@Harbor-Access.com) [in Canada] or Jonathan Paterson (Jonathan.Paterson@Harbor-Access.com) [in the US] to start a conversation.