What should you do before you share your slides in a pitch?
Check in before you share the deck. Ask what's top of mind for them, then tailor what you present.
What I say in the video
I see this all the time. People spend hours perfecting a deck, then forget to connect before diving in. So whether you're pitching for new business, funding, or buy-in, the relationship matters way more than the slides.
Here's a simple line you can use: "I've got some slides I prepared, but before I share them, I want to check in. Are there any questions or anything top of mind for you?"
That one move shows you are putting them first. It also helps you tailor your message, skip what's less relevant, and build trust right from the start.
What I didn’t say in the video
People skip the check-in because the deck feels like the safe plan. You built it, you know the order, and opening the floor first feels like giving up control.
You're not giving it up. You're finding out where the room already is. If they tell you the budget is the only thing on their mind, you know which slide matters most and which ones you can move through quickly. And if nothing's top of mind, you start the deck exactly as planned, with an audience that feels heard because you took the time to check in with them first.
Try it today
Write your check-in question at the top of your notes for your next pitch or update, so you don't skip it once the nerves kick in.
Bill Smartt is a New York executive presence and public speaking coach and the founder of Smartt Talk. He works with leaders in financial services, tech, advertising and startups.
