Presentations and talks
Check a pitch for claims the evidence supports
List each claim in the pitch and write down the evidence behind it. Where the evidence is thin, narrow the wording to what you can show. Phrase forecasts as forecasts and get permission before naming a customer. Then note the questions the audience is likely to ask.
A text to start with
Here is my pitch text: [pitch]. For each claim, list the evidence I have: [data, documents or experiments I can show]. Sort the claims into proven, partly supported and forecast. Suggest revised wording that matches the evidence, and list the questions an audience of [investors, buyers or colleagues] would likely ask. Do not add any result, customer or figure I have not supplied.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Pitch claim and evidence table
Pitch and audience: [ ] Claim: [ ] Evidence I can show: [ ] Status (proven, partly supported or forecast): [ ] Qualification needed: [ ] Customer named? [yes or no] Permission held and where recorded: [ ] Likely audience question: [ ] Revised wording: [ ] Forecasts and their stated assumptions: [ ] Open evidence gaps: [ ] Repeat the item block as needed.
Check each claim against its evidence
Look first for forecasts written in the past or present tense, such as a projected sales figure described as if it had already happened. Check each customer mention: do you have permission to name them, and does their own account support your wording? Words like leading, proven or fastest need a comparison you can show. Confirm that each figure still covers the period and group you claim. If a claim needs a footnote to be accurate, move the footnote into the sentence.
Ask another agent to check the result
Check this pitch for forecasts written as if they were results and for customer claims without recorded permission. Quote each problem sentence, say what evidence it would need, and suggest wording that is accurate given the evidence I supplied.
Prepare for the hard questions
Rewrite each weak claim using the revised wording, then rehearse answers to the questions you listed. For any customer reference, ask the customer in writing what you may say and keep their reply with your materials. Decide what you will say when asked for evidence you do not have, so the answer is honest and short. Have a colleague who knows the product read the final version.