Pitching Your Idea — slides
Financial Literacy Club
Entrepreneurship · Lesson 10
Pitching Your Idea
Explain your business clearly in two minutes.
12-minute lesson · learnwithflc.org
Pitching Your Idea · 1 / 18
Financial Literacy Club
Entrepreneurship · Lesson 10
Pitching Your Idea
Explain your business clearly in two minutes.
12-minute lesson · learnwithflc.org
Today's goals
By the end of class, you'll be able to…
- Structure a two-minute pitch
- Use numbers as proof
- Practice and refine a pitch based on feedback
Warm-up
In 15 seconds, pitch your favorite snack to the person next to you.
Think, then write your answer.
The big idea
Pitching Your Idea
Explain your business clearly in two minutes.
Entrepreneurship · Lesson 10
A pitch is a short, clear explanation of your business for customers, partners, competition judges, or investors. The goal isn't to sound impressive — it's to be understood and remembered.
Entrepreneurship · Lesson 10
- 1
Hook
One sentence that makes people care.
- 2
Problem
Who has it and why it hurts.
- 3
Solution
What you do, simply.
- 4
Proof
Customers, sales, feedback — whatever evidence you have.
- 5
Business model
How you make money and your key numbers.
- 6
The ask
What you want: customers, a partner, funding, advice.
Entrepreneurship · Lesson 10
Know your numbers
Price, cost per unit, customers so far, and break-even. Judges and investors almost always ask.
Entrepreneurship · Lesson 10
Practice out loud, time yourself, and cut anything that doesn't help someone understand. Simple words beat buzzwords.
See it
Hook, problem, solution, proof, business model, and the ask — in that order.
Hook
Problem
Solution
Proof
Business model
The ask
Real example
Marcus's 60-second pitch
Pitch. "Ever shown up to a big game in sneakers that looked ruined? At our school, that's a lot of people — and the nearest cleaning shop takes a week. I'm Marcus, and my business cleans sneakers in 24 hours, with pickup at school. I've cleaned 140 pairs since September, and 15 students pay $30 a month for our Clean Club. Each clean costs me $5 and sells for $12, and I break even at 43 pairs a month. I'm looking for a partner at a local shoe store to reach more schools."
It hits every part — hook, problem, solution, proof, numbers, and a specific ask — in about a minute, in plain language.
Activity · small groups · 15 min
Pitch Rounds
- Each student drafts a 60-second pitch: hook → problem → solution → proof → model → ask.
- In groups of four, each student pitches; listeners fill in a checklist (clear problem? a number as proof? a specific ask?).
- Students revise using the feedback, cutting anything that isn't needed.
- Round 2: pitch again. One volunteer per group pitches to the class.
Check for understanding · 1 of 3
Which pitch opening is strongest?
- A"We're a disruptive, synergistic, next-gen platform."
- B"Ever missed a bus because the schedule app was wrong? 3,000 students at our school ride these buses."
- C"Hi, I'm going to talk about my business now."
- D"This is the best idea ever."
B. "Ever missed a bus because the schedule app was wrong? 3,000 students at our school ride these buses."
It's a relatable problem with a specific number — a hook people understand instantly.
Check for understanding · 2 of 3
What's the "ask" in a pitch?
- AAsking the audience if they liked it
- BA clear request for what you want next — customers, a partner, funding, or advice
- CAsking for questions
- DAsking to skip the numbers
B. A clear request for what you want next — customers, a partner, funding, or advice
A pitch should end with a specific request so the audience knows how to help.
Check for understanding · 3 of 3
Using lots of buzzwords makes a pitch more convincing.
- True
- False
False
Clear, plain language is easier to understand and remember. Buzzwords often hide a lack of substance.
Remember
Key takeaways
- Hook → problem → solution → proof → model → ask.
- Be understood, not impressive.
- Know your numbers.
- Practice out loud and cut the rest.
Discuss
Talk it over
- 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?
Exit ticket
What does a good pitch aim for: being impressive or being understood?
Answer on your exit ticket before you leave.
Nice work today.
Review this lesson anytime — free, no account needed:
learnwithflc.org/courses/entrepreneurship/pitching
Next up: finish your worksheet.