How to Pitch Your Idea in English and Make People Believe in It

Hey there, it’s Natasha! Having worked with startups for years, I’ve seen some amazing ideas soar and others fall flat—and sometimes, it all comes down to how well the pitch is delivered. Today, I’m here to help you learn how to present your ideas in English so that people can’t help but believe in what you’re saying. Let’s dive into some key tips that will turn your pitch into a home run!

1. Start Strong: The Hook that Grabs Attention

First impressions matter—a lot! You only have a few seconds to grab your audience’s attention. Start with a powerful statement, an intriguing question, or a surprising fact about your industry. Avoid opening with something bland like, “Hello, my name is…” and instead, jump straight into the action!

Examples:

• “Did you know that over 8 million tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year?” – Use a fact that shocks or surprises to create an emotional response.
• “What if I told you there’s a way to save five hours every week, just by changing one habit?” – Phrasing your hook as a question makes it conversational and engaging.
• “Imagine cutting your energy bill in half without changing your lifestyle—how much would that save you each year?” – The word “imagine” invites your audience to picture themselves benefiting from your idea.

Practice different hooks with me! I’ve worked with startups for years and I know the ins and outs of pitching to VCs, might be the perfect match to refine your ideas. Or if you’re looking for a different perspective, my colleagues, with their unique expertise, are ready to help you craft a pitch that captivates and convinces.

2. Simplify Your Message: Clarity is Key

Don’t bury your audience in jargon or overly complex terms. A common mistake in pitching is thinking that fancy language impresses people—spoiler alert, it doesn’t! Your message needs to be simple and clear so that anyone can understand it.

Examples

• Instead of saying, “Our innovative AI-based machine learning model utilizes predictive analytics,” try: “We use AI to help companies predict what their customers will want next.” Use simple vocabulary like “predict” instead of complex terms.
• “This solution optimizes operational efficiency by leveraging cloud computing” could be simplified to: “Our solution makes your business run faster by using the cloud.” Think about using everyday words that make sense to anyone.
• “We provide a decentralized platform for secure digital transactions” can be simplified to: “We make online transactions safer.” Remember to use verbs like “make” or “help” to keep it action-focused.

Simplifying your pitch makes it easier for your audience to remember and get on board. You can practice trimming down your message with me or my avatar colleagues who can give you feedback, ensuring you’re getting straight to the point in a way anyone can grasp.

3. Know Your Audience: Tailor Your Pitch

No two audiences are the same. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is giving a generic pitch that doesn’t resonate with the specific people you’re talking to. Understanding your audience and tailoring your message to their interests and needs can make all the difference. Speak their language—use terms they know and examples that will resonate with them.

Examples

• For an investor: Instead of, “Our product helps improve team collaboration,” say: “Our product increases team productivity by 20%, leading to higher profits for your investment.” Investors like to hear about returns and measurable outcomes.
• For a tech-savvy audience: Instead of, “This app makes managing tasks easier,” try: “Our app uses AI to automate task management, saving you hours every week.” Mentioning “AI” and “automation” appeals to tech enthusiasts.
• For a general audience: Instead of, “Our software leverages data to drive business decisions,” say: “Our software helps you make better decisions by understanding your data.” Use simpler verbs like “helps” and “make.”

Tailoring your pitch shows respect for your audience and helps your message hit home. Practicing with avatars like me can help you switch up your pitch depending on who you’re speaking to, making sure you’re always prepared for different audiences.

4. Back Up Your Claims: Show, Don’t Just Tell

Saying your idea is great is one thing—proving it is another. You need evidence to make people believe in your pitch. This could be data, real-life examples, testimonials, or anything that makes your claims more tangible. Don’t just say it—show why your idea is worth believing in.

Examples

• Instead of, “Our service increases productivity,” say: “Our service increased productivity by 30% for our clients in the last year.” Adding specific numbers makes your claim more convincing.
• Instead of, “We’ve had positive feedback,” say: “Nine out of ten customers reported improved workflow since using our product.” This adds credibility with real feedback.
• Instead of, “Our solution is innovative,” say: “Our solution won the Best Innovation Award at TechCon 2023.” Adding an achievement helps make your message more credible.

Backing up your claims with proof makes your pitch stronger and more convincing. Practice presenting these facts with me so I can help you find the most persuasive ways to present your evidence—because a claim with proof is a claim people believe.

5. Connect Emotionally: People Buy Into Stories, Not Just Facts

People might forget statistics, but they remember how they felt. Connecting with your audience emotionally can be the key to making your pitch memorable. Tell a story that ties into your idea—something that shows why it matters and why people should care. Facts speak to the mind, but stories speak to the heart.

Examples

• Instead of, “Our product helps reduce food waste,” say: “Imagine a world where perfectly good food doesn’t end up in the trash while others go hungry. That’s the problem we’re solving.” Use “imagine” to create a vivid picture.
• Instead of, “Our app improves productivity,” say: “When I used this app, I finally had time to sit down to dinner with my family every night.” Adding a personal story makes your pitch relatable.
• Instead of, “Our service supports small businesses,” say: “We worked with a local café that was struggling to keep up—and now, they’ve doubled their sales.” A real-life example makes the impact of your solution clear.

Emotional stories can bridge the gap between information and inspiration. With Praktika avatars, you can practice crafting your story to connect with different types of audiences. Together, we’ll make sure your pitch not only makes sense but also resonates on a personal level.

6. Practice Makes Perfect: Rehearse, Rehearse, Rehearse

Even the most well-crafted pitch can fall flat without proper delivery. Rehearsing your pitch makes a world of difference—it helps you find your rhythm, gain confidence, and refine your message. But don’t just practice silently in front of a mirror; practice in different scenarios, and get feedback.

More tips

• Instead of just reading your pitch over and over, try delivering it to a friend or family member. Notice where they seem confused or where they light up with interest.
• Instead of rehearsing in your comfort zone, try practicing in noisy environments, like a busy café. This helps you focus and ensures that you can stay confident no matter the setting.
• Instead of memorizing every word, practice delivering the key points naturally, like you’re having a conversation. This way, you won’t sound like a robot if you forget a line.
• To make sure your English is correct and you sound fluent, practice with me or my avatar colleagues, everyday before your pitch!

With Praktika avatars, you can rehearse your pitch in different real-life scenarios—from a formal boardroom to a casual coffee shop. Practicing this way helps you build versatility, ensuring that you’re ready to nail your pitch wherever and whenever it counts. And remember, practice doesn’t make perfect—it makes confident!

7. End with a Clear Call to Action

You’ve hooked your audience, delivered your message, and kept them engaged—now what? The final step is telling them exactly what to do next. A strong pitch should always end with a clear call to action (CTA). Whether it’s booking a follow-up meeting, signing up for a demo, or simply exchanging contact details, your audience needs to know the next step to take.

Examples

• Instead of ending with, “Thanks for listening,” try: “If this sounds like something you’d be interested in, let’s set up a follow-up meeting for next week.” This gives your audience a clear direction.
• Instead of saying, “That’s all from me today,” say: “If you’d like to learn more, please grab one of these cards and reach out—I’d love to discuss how we can work together.” It’s inviting and actionable.
• Instead of, “Let me know if you have questions,” try: “I’d love to hear your thoughts. How about we connect after this session to discuss the next steps?” It encourages continued engagement.

Practice your call to action so it feels natural and fits your pitch seamlessly. With Praktika avatars, you can rehearse different CTAs and get instant feedback on which ones create the strongest impact. A confident and clear CTA can be the difference between leaving a lasting impression or leaving your audience wondering what to do next. Make it count!

8. Practice Your Pitch with Your Avatar

Once your pitch is ready, it’s time to put it to the test. With Praktika, you can create a customized lesson tailored specifically to your pitch scenario in the Practice Zone under the Custom Lessons tab. This allows you to rehearse in a safe environment, refine your delivery, and get feedback on everything from pronunciation to fluency.

Think of it as a virtual dress rehearsal, where you can perfect your timing, tone, and confidence without any fear of judgment. Plus, you can review your performance to spot areas for improvement. When the big moment arrives, you’ll feel prepared and ready to impress.

Ready to Perfect Your Pitch?

Pitching an idea in English is more than just knowing the words—it’s about how you deliver them, the confidence you show, and how well you can connect with your audience. With Praktika, you’ve got me (Natasha!) and other avatars to help you hone every part of your pitch until it’s polished, powerful, and irresistible. Ready to pitch your best? Let’s get started!