Elon Musk's Storytelling Framework

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Hey friends 👋 ,

Happy Monday and welcome to Through the Noise!

Elon Musk is the master of pitching. He's sold spaceships, flamethrowers and electric cars.

Yet his framework can be applied to any pitch. Today, I'm breaking down 10 simple storytelling tips to nail your next pitch.

It’s time to strap in and enjoy.

Read time: 2 minutes

Elon Musk's Storytelling Framework

First things first, we just crossed 10K subscribers! I thought the thumbnail image of Musk sporting a party hat was fitting to blend the two topics today.

Now onto today's piece:

1. Name the enemy

Musk immediately says "This is how it is today... it sucks!"

Start by naming the thing that's getting in the way of your customer's happiness.

It doesn't have to be Darth Vader or The Wicked Witch of the West.

Musk makes it fossil fuels.

2. Agitate the problem

"If we do nothing, this is where we are heading."

Musk shows that we're at a pivotal moment.

If we don't act now, things will get much worse.

3. Spark intrigue

"I think we should collectively do something about this."

The audience roars with excitement.

Musk shows a small blue square on a map of the US.

It's the surface area of solar panels needed to power the entire US.

Make your audience know where you're heading.

4. Offer the missing piece of the puzzle

"As most of you are aware, the sun doesn't shine at night."

What needs to be achieved to get to the promised land?

Demonstrate possibility by showing what needs to happen.

5. Show, don't tell

Musk plays an engaging 1 minute video of the Tesla Powerwall.

If you can't get in front of investors, record a short Loom video.

You get to record your screen and camera whilst giving a clear explanation.

Bring the solution alive and make it personal to them.

6. Sell benefits, not features

"It gives you safety, security and a complete affordable solution."

Cut in power – no problem

Snow storm – no problem

Live off grid – no problem

Musk tells the audience exactly how the Tesla Powerwall benefits them.

Not listing boring features.

7. Create urgency

"You can order the Powerwall right now on the Tesla website."

"Take solar panels, combine it with the Tesla Powerwall and never have to worry about electricity lines."

A solution that works wherever you are.

8. Build trust

Remove uncertainty from your pitch by giving a demo.

The camera cuts to backstage:

"This entire night has been powered by batteries."

Zero reliance on the grid.

If you're an early stage startup, use:

• Demos

• Customer feedback

• Testimonials

9. Demonstrate the potential

"The whole system is designed for infinite scalability."

"What's needed to transition the world to sustainable energy?"

160 million powerpacks – transition the US900 million powerpacks – transition the world

"This is within the power of humanity."

10. Show your long-term vision

Don't pitch to raise money.

Pitch because you have never been more excited about what you could accomplish.

Musk shows that Tesla can't do this alone.

Receiving an investment comes as a byproduct of buying into your long-term vision.

Bonus

Musk finishes by using the collective first person to inspire hope:

"This is something we must do, can do and will do."

Make them feel part of your journey already.

People don't like giving stuff up.

A Little Something Extra

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That’s all for today friends!

As always feel free to reply to this email or reach out @thealexbanks as I’d love to hear your feedback.

Thanks for reading and I’ll catch you next Monday.

Alex

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