Pitching: The first 8 words

A few months ago, I interviewed a number of venture capitalists about public speaking as it relates to the hundreds of startup pitches they hear.

I asked, "What’s important to you in a pitch?"

There was one answer I’ll never forget. It came from David Wells of Kleiner Perkins Caufield & Buyers.

He replied, "Within the first 8 words, I’ve decided whether or not to keep listening."

8 words.

By Allison Shapira, Harvard Kennedy School

Full Story: http://www.boston.com/business/blogs/global-business-hub/2012/02/the_first_8_wor.html