And here's the bigger question: Can you tell that story when the slides aren't doing the work for you?

Whether you're talking to a potential customer, investor, lender, strategic partner, competition judge, or someone who simply asks, "So, what does your company do?" you are pitching your business.

Fine Tune Your Message. Practice Your Pitch! is a three-part interactive Startup Grind Kansas City series designed to help founders strengthen the three things every effective pitch needs: the story, the deck, and the delivery

Session 1: Build Your Story - Monday, August 31 (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm, Central)

Before you build the slides, build the story.

We'll explore what makes a business story compelling and examine how to move beyond simply explaining what your company does to communicating why it matters.

Using proven storytelling principles, including concepts from Andy Raskin's sales narrative framework, we'll work through the problem, what's changing, why it matters now, the future you're creating, and the evidence that gives your audience a reason to believe you.

You'll leave with a clearer story and a message you can begin testing immediately.

Session 2: Fine Tune Your Deck - Monday, September 14 (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm, Central)

Now let's put that story on the screen.

Bring your current pitch deck, even if it's outdated, unfinished, or hasn't seen daylight since your last pitch competition.

We'll break down what makes a strong pitch deck work, examine a real-world example considered one of the best, and look critically at your own deck.

What belongs? What's missing? What needs to change? And what can finally be deleted?

You'll review your deck from your audience's perspective and begin refining it so every slide has a purpose and moves your story forward.

No deck yet? Come anyway. You'll leave with a clearer understanding of what belongs in one and, more importantly, why.

Session 3: Practice Your Pitch - Monday, September 28 (5:30 pm - 7:00 pm, Central)

Time to get out of your head and into the room.

You'll practice telling your story in different formats and under real-world conditions, from the quick 30-second "What does your company do?" conversation to a more structured business pitch.

You'll receive constructive feedback, make adjustments, and have an opportunity to pitch again.

Because practicing a perfect presentation in your office is one thing. Answering an unexpected question, adjusting when your time gets cut short, or continuing when the slides don't cooperate is something entirely different.

This is your opportunity to practice before the stakes are real.

Each session is designed to stand on its own, but together they create a practical progression to build the story, fine tune the deck, and practice the pitch.

Bring your business. Bring your questions. Bring your deck if you have one - and be ready to work. Because a great pitch isn't about memorizing the right words or creating beautiful slides.  It's about making your audience understand why your business matters and giving them a reason to want to know more.

Each session will be limited to 15 attendees.