10 Rules of Presenting Worth Following
- Simon Jones
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
Beyond the Numbers: The Art of the Financial Pitch
It’s pitching season again. The summer break is behind us, diaries are filling quickly, and with shifting economic headwinds, I’ve been revisiting Fortitude London’s presentation decks. The question is simple: in a market where capital is cautious and scrutiny is sharper, are we being consistent, clear, and memorable?
In parallel, I’ve been developing a Strategies Playbook for Turnaround. My focus has been on advice that translates directly into practical action – strategies leaders can implement, not just discuss. I’ve taken the same approach with our presentation review. What makes a pitch resonate with investors, lenders, and boards isn’t theory – it’s practice. And what I’ve captured are the essentials that make a presentation land with a financial audience.
10 RULES OF PRESENTING FOR FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS
1. BE CLEAR
Clarity of thought is as important as clarity of numbers. Decide what matters most – the financials, the drivers, the outcome – and say it plainly.
2. STAY FOCUSED
A pitch is not a data dump. Highlight what the market, investors, or credit committee must know. If you lose focus, you lose confidence.
3. BE ENGAGING
Balance sheets don’t need theatre, but they do need energy. Show interest in your own numbers – it signals conviction, not just compliance.
4. MAKE A CONNECTION
Investors and boards hear endless forecasts and projections. What stands out is relevance. Link your numbers to a story: market demand, operational change, turnaround momentum.
5. BE MODEST
Markets are unpredictable. Confidence is welcome; certainty is not. Acknowledge risk, show balance, and you’ll be trusted more.
6. BE DISCREET
Don’t boast about calling the market or having privileged insight. In finance, discretion earns credibility; arrogance erodes it.
7. DON'T RAMBLE
Extra words cloud the numbers. Nervous chatter risks undermining precision. Keep it sharp: headline, evidence, impact.
8. DON'T PREACH
Boards, lenders, investors – they’re experts in their own right. Share insights, don’t lecture. Respect the audience’s knowledge.
9. USE STRAIGHTFORWARD LANGUAGE
Financial jargon alienates as quickly as legalese. Plain English cuts through complexity and reassures the listener that you know your subject.
10. BE YOURSELF
Everyone feels the weight of presenting under financial scrutiny. Authenticity matters: if you believe your plan and your numbers, others will too.
At Fortitude London, we help leaders sharpen their performance, refine their strategy, and deliver with conviction. Trusted advice isn’t about clever slides – it’s about clarity, confidence, and connection.
Always happy to hear your thoughts.
Simon R Jones
Founder, Fortitude London
And there is no reason why these don't work for any professional business presentation!
10 RULES OF PRESENTING FOR NON FINANCIAL PROFESSIONALS
1. BE CLEAR
Clarity of expression follows clarity of thought. Work out what you want to say, then say it plainly.
2. STAY FOCUSED
Keep yourself organised and on point. Drift, and you’ll lose the room.
3. BE ENGAGING
You don’t need theatrics, but you do need presence. Eye contact, tone, and genuine interest in your subject all carry through.
4. MAKE A CONNECTION
Preparation is expected. What stands out is connection. Find common ground, open with a story, or touch on something that matters to them. That’s when they start listening.
5. BE MODEST
Confidence is welcome; arrogance isn’t. If someone challenges you, it means they’re engaged – not wrong.
6. BE DISCREET
Avoid crowing about getting the call right or having inside knowledge. It rarely impresses and usually irritates.
7. DON’T RAMBLE
Nervous chatter blunts your message. Keep it sharp and concise.
8. DON’T PREACH
Nobody wants to be talked down to. Respect the audience – don’t take them back to the classroom.
9. USE STRAIGHTFORWARD LANGUAGE
Bullets are cues, not a script. Let your sentences flow, use natural speech, and avoid words that aren’t really yours. Forced language shows.
10. BE YOURSELF
Nerves are normal. Authenticity cuts through. If you believe in what you’re saying, your audience will too.
Simon R Jones
Founder, Fortitude London
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