The Power of Confidence In Storytelling

Hey Persuaders! Let's chat about the role of confidence in storytelling.

Author

Liam Gill
June 19, 2023

Hey all, quick reminder the deadline to apply to my accelerator is in one week. It’s highly selective, I’ve taken less than 5 of the 70+ applicants but, if you get in, the companies I’ve worked with in the last month have raised $4.8M in combined funding (including deals signed but still in due diligence).

The Power of Confidence In Storytelling

Confidence has two roles in storytelling (especially when pitching to investors):

  1. Transference

  2. Social Status

Transference

One of the key things that a pitch needs to do is transfer your emotions, perspective and confidence to the listener.

When you are confident in yourself and your product that can be transferred to investors. Startups have significant inherent risks so being able to instill a feeling of confidence in an investor can go a long way towards getting you funded.

How can you improve?

Don’t use phrases like:

  • I think

  • I believe

  • Could

  • May/might

  • Probably

  • Somewhat

Instead, use firm language that shows that you believe in what you are saying. These words make it seem as if you are uncertain.

Say “My company WILL change the world.” not “ My company MAY change the world.”

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Social Status

Those that are confident come across as having higher social status. We also tend to listen to those with higher perceived social status.

In short, being confident makes you someone that people want to listen to. I know that confidence and charisma are natural for some and hard for others. Do your best to come across confidently, I’m not going to lie and tell you that it doesn’t help, it really does.

Do you come across as confident when pitching?

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Want me to help you find your company’s strategic story?

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