Pitching at Work

B2 — Upper Intermediate 

Giving a formal business pitch can be difficult for some people. Many individuals feel nervous about speaking in front of an audience, answering questions, or convincing others to support their ideas. It can also be challenging to organize information clearly and communicate it confidently. 

However, with practice, preparation, and experience, most people can improve their presentation skills and become more comfortable delivering business pitches.

Listen to this audio and read the transcript about delivering a pitch at work.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english/250609

Vocabulary Questions:

  1. What does “to pitch one’s idea” mean? “It is stressful because I think until you see the reaction of the person who you’re pitching your idea to, even if you think it’s brilliant, you have a big, big doubt.” Use the idiom in a sentence. Give a synonym. 
  2. What is the meaning of “informal setting”? ”I think if it’s an informal setting, then I find it OK, but if there’s pressure to come up with ideas and if I’m asked to think of an idea in advance, I find it more stressful than just kind of having a conversation.” Use the phrase in a sentence. Give a synonym.
  3. What does “to trail off” mean? “That’s a really good question because you don’t just want your pitch to trail off.” Use the expression in a sentence. Give a synonym. 

Discussion Questions:

  1. Why do some people find pitching difficult?
  2. Why is it important to give a clear and professional pitch?
  3. What skills should employees have to become better at presenting at work?
  4. Have you ever given a presentation or pitch? How did it go?
  5. What is your opinion on this “Giving a good pitch is more important than having a good business idea.”?
  6. What are your thoughts on this, “Anyone can become a great presenter with enough practice.”
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5 replies on “Pitching at Work”

1. to pitch one’s idea is to show your ideas to someone. Explain, show your ideas. Ex. I have to pitch my idea to the management team.

2. Informal setting is a situation that is relaxed because it’s a friendly enviroment or maybe the people are people that you know. Ex. I wasn’t nervous about it, because my workmates are friendly people, so it is an informal setting.

3. trail off is when something decline or just loss power or fade away. Ex. His voice was trailing off until it stopped

1. Because maybe they are affraid of the reation from the others.

2. Because it is something that you are working on so you are intereseted of that is understand it well.

3. Clarity, confidence.

4. A few, when I was at university.

5. Both are important.

6. of course, always everything with practise can be better

Great effort in challenging yourself with new writing topics to keep improving.

Here is how to write this answer properly:

Because maybe they are affraid of the reation from the others.

Some people find pitching difficult because maybe they are afraid of others’ reaction to their ideas.

Keep up the good work! Keep writing regularly to build your confidence and skills.

Vocabulary Questions:
1. To pitch one´s idea means to tell other people about an idea that you have been working on.
A sentence could be ” I get very nervous when I have to pitch an idea at work”
A synonim could be “present or explain”

2. Informal setting is a situation where there isn´t much pressure and people can express their ideas freely.
A synonim is casual setting.

3. To trail off means became weaker, especially when you are speaking.
A sentence could be “My voice trailed off when I realised nobody was listening to me.”
A synonim is “to fade away”

Discussion Questions:
1. Some people find pitching difficult because they get really nervous and think nobody is paying attention to what they are saying. Also, because they belive that they have bad ideas.

2. Giving a clear and professional pitch is important because everyone in the room have to understand you and take your ideas seriously.

3. Employees should be confident, communicate clearly and practise their presentations yo become better at presenting their pitchs.

4. Yes, I have had to pitch ideas. I find it a bit stressful but I develop well.

5. In my opinion, you have to strat whit a good business idea, and after that, you should focus on the pitch.

6. I agree whit this sentence because with practice you can become really good at different skills.

Your dedication and effort in your writing practice are truly showing in your progress.

Here’s a polished version of this sentence:

Employees should be confident, communicate clearly and practise their presentations yo become better at presenting their pitchs.

Employees should be confident, communicate clearly, and practice their presentations to become better at presenting their pitch.

With every practice session, you continue to strengthen your skills and build greater confidence.

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