Pitching Your Idea

45-minute agenda

1. 0–5 min

   Warm-up

   Post: “In 15 seconds, pitch your favorite snack to the person next to you.”

2. 5–12 min

   Direct instruction

   Present the lesson slides. Make sure students leave with these points:

   • Hook → problem → solution → proof → model → ask.
   • Be understood, not impressive.
   • Know your numbers.
   • Practice out loud and cut the rest.

   Use the “See it” slide (The shape of a two-minute pitch) to make the idea visual.

3. 12–17 min

   Worked example

   Walk through “Marcus's 60-second pitch” on the slides. Pause before the result and ask students to predict it.

4. 17–32 min

   Pitch Rounds

   Format: small groups · 15 minutes

   1. Each student drafts a 60-second pitch: hook → problem → solution → proof → model → ask.
   2. In groups of four, each student pitches; listeners fill in a checklist (clear problem? a number as proof? a specific ask?).
   3. Students revise using the feedback, cutting anything that isn't needed.
   4. Round 2: pitch again. One volunteer per group pitches to the class.

   What to look for: The second round is usually shorter, clearer, and includes a specific number and ask.

5. 32–37 min

   Check for understanding

   Use the question slides — or run them as a Four Corners game. Answers:

   1. Which pitch opening is strongest? — B. "Ever missed a bus because the schedule app was wrong? 3,000 students at our school ride these buses."
   2. What's the "ask" in a pitch? — B. A clear request for what you want next — customers, a partner, funding, or advice
   3. Using lots of buzzwords makes a pitch more convincing. — False
6. 37–42 min

   Discussion

   • Practice pitching a business idea in 60 seconds. What was hardest to cut?
   • Why do you think judges care so much about proof, even for small businesses?
7. 42–45 min

   Exit ticket

   Prompt: What does a good pitch aim for: being impressive or being understood?

   Answer: Being understood.