After more than two decades helping entrepreneurs craft investor pitches, I’ve noticed one glaring trend:
Most pitches don’t grab me.
They don’t spark curiosity, stir emotion, or get me to care. And if I don’t care, I don’t listen—and I certainly don’t invest.
Instead, many pitches are overloaded with jargon, scattered ideas, and flat delivery. The result? A lukewarm response at best, and missed funding opportunities at worst.
A Great Idea Isn’t Enough
It doesn’t matter how revolutionary your idea is, or how solid your research may be. If you can’t convey it clearly and compellingly, it’s just an idea—floating out in the void.
To turn that idea into something tangible, something investable, you have to communicate it in a way that triggers emotion, raises eyebrows, and sparks action.
So how do you do that?
You go to S.E.A.™—a method I teach in my pitch coaching sessions and keynotes.
What Is S.E.A.™?
S.E.A.™ stands for Stories, Examples, and Analogies—three tools that can take your pitch from forgettable to fundable. Let’s break it down:
1. S is for Stories
Stories are sticky. Your audience is far more likely to remember a relatable, emotional story than a wall of data or bullet points.
One of my clients, a medical professional, initially presented a flat pitch about a new eye procedure. But when we reframed it with the story of Joey—a young boy at risk of losing his ability to play catch with his dog—the pitch came alive. Suddenly, investors weren’t just hearing about a device—they were meeting the kind of person it could help.
The result? Millions in funding.
Stories work because they activate emotion and memory. They put a human face on the problem you’re solving.
2. E is for Examples
Examples help ground your audience. They make your pitch tangible.
Let’s say someone at a networking event asks what I do. I could say, “I help entrepreneurs deliver high-impact pitches.” But if I follow that with, “For example, I helped one client win $25,000 in seed funding after a single pitch competition,” it suddenly becomes more real—and more persuasive.
Examples clarify. They offer proof. And they help your audience picture what’s possible.
3. A is for Analogies
Analogies make complex ideas easier to digest.
For instance: “A great presentation is like a great road trip: You’re in the driver’s seat, and it’s your job to take the audience on a journey they’ll never forget.”
Analogies help your audience understand the unfamiliar by comparing it to something they already know. They also make your message more relatable—and more memorable.
Why S.E.A.™ Works
Whether your pitch is heavy with data or centered on a personal mission, using Stories, Examples, and Analogies will:
- Make your message clearer
- Create emotional connection
- Increase engagement and retention
- Move your audience toward action
This isn’t just for investor pitches. It applies to keynotes, elevator pitches, boardroom updates, and team meetings—any situation where clarity and persuasion matter.
Ready to Pitch With Power?
The next time you’re preparing a pitch, remember: It’s not just about informing. It’s about inspiring.
So go to S.E.A.™:
- Tell a story.
- Offer an example.
- Draw an analogy.
And if you need expert support shaping a pitch that truly lands? Let’s talk. I’d love to help you bring your big idea to life—and to the funding finish line.
📘 P.S. My newest book Charismatic Presence: Five Principles for Magnetic Presentations launches on June 19th. Click here to get on the list for updates and the release party!
Follow me on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/elenikelakos/
Eleni Kelakos, CSP The Speaker Whisperer®