As an entrepreneur, I’ve been following Guy Kawasaki’s influence in the world of startups for as long as I can remember. His 10/20/30 rule, which suggests that a pitch should have 10 slides, last no more than 20 minutes, and contain no font smaller than 30 points, is a great place to start when creating a presentation.
What’s Still Relevant in the 10/20/30 Rule
Despite being introduced over a decade ago, the 10/20/30 rule still holds up today. The simplicity of having only 10 slides allows entrepreneurs to focus on the most important information and avoid overwhelming their audience with too much data.
Overlaying My Pitch Deck Checklist on Kawasaki’s Template
When comparing my own pitch deck checklist to Kawasaki’s template, I noticed a few interesting omissions. The most significant one is the lack of a mission statement slide. A clear mission statement is essential for any startup, and it’s surprising that it’s not included in Kawasaki’s template.
What’s Missing from the Original Template?
In addition to the mission statement slide, I would also recommend including slides on:
- Why now?: Startups don’t exist in a vacuum, and considering why this is the right moment in time can be a powerful part of the story.
- Customer personas or target customer groups: This information helps investors understand who your potential customers are and how you plan to reach them.
Why the 10/20/30 Rule Still Works Today
The 10/20/30 rule is still relevant today because it forces entrepreneurs to focus on the essential information and avoid getting bogged down in unnecessary details. By keeping the presentation concise, entrepreneurs can engage their audience more effectively and increase their chances of securing funding.
Best Practices for Creating a Pitch Deck
When creating a pitch deck, keep the following best practices in mind:
- Keep it simple: Avoid using jargon or overly technical terms that might confuse your audience.
- Use visuals: Incorporate images, charts, and graphs to help illustrate complex points and make your presentation more engaging.
- Practice, practice, practice: Rehearse your pitch until you feel confident and comfortable presenting in front of an audience.
Conclusion
The 10/20/30 rule is a time-tested template that still holds up today. By incorporating a mission statement slide and emphasizing customer personas or target customer groups, entrepreneurs can create a more effective pitch deck that resonates with investors.