Minute Pitch Quick Write
Freshman Comment Drop: 60-Second Pitch
Level 3+ / Simple Full-Credit Guide
Name: ______________________
Period: _____
Workplace Scenario • Startup Help Level 3+ Goal
A business founder has only 60 seconds to pitch an idea to investors. Advise them: What must they keep or cut, and how should they talk so investors care about the product?
Simple Model Response (Full Points) Ready to Copy/Use
“When I only have 60 seconds to pitch an idea, I should keep information about the main problem and how my product fixes it because investors need to know why the idea matters right away. I can leave out details like extra features or how the product is made because they take up too much time and confuse people. To make my core message clear and persuasive, I would make eye contact, use simple words, and share one big benefit. A common mistake people make during a short pitch is talking too fast because they are nervous, and it can be avoided by practicing a short script ahead of time. In my opinion, a strong business pitch helps an entrepreneur get people excited and ready to support their idea.”
Your Response (Fill in the blanks) Sentence Frame Assist
When I only have 60 seconds to pitch an idea, I should keep information about
because
I can leave out details like
because
To make my core message clear and persuasive, I would
A common mistake people make during a short pitch is
and it can be avoided by
In my opinion, a strong business pitch helps an entrepreneur
Easy Words to Use in Your Blanks
• What to Keep: main customer problem, the solution, why it helps
• What to Cut: small technical details, long stories, extra steps
• Speaking Tips: steady pacing, simple words, smiling and eye contact
• Result: win investor trust, get funding, start a business
How Your Teacher Grades This
Problem & Solution: Did you tell why the product matters?
What to Cut: Did you explain why you left out extra details?
Speaking Advice: Did you give real tips like eye contact or pacing?
Big Picture: Did you explain how a pitch helps an entrepreneur?
Talk Moves: “I agree with keeping [___] because listeners care about...” • “Another good tip is to...”
Freshman • Level 3+
Pitch Closing Quick Write
Freshman Comment Drop: The Pitch Closing
Simple • Unique • A+ Quality
Name: ______________________
Period: _____
The Challenge Top Score Goal
A founder pitches a cool product, but trails off with: “So yeah, that’s pretty much it.” How do you fix their ending using a specific Ask and a clear Call to Action?
Unique A+ Model (Simple words, huge impact) Level 3+
“When closing a business pitch, an entrepreneur should include ‘The Ask’ about the $3,000 they need to buy production equipment because investors need to know their money pays for real tools that make real products. They must also provide a Call to Action like handing out product samples and sharing their order link because letting people test the product creates instant fans before they walk away. To make the closing clear and persuasive, the entrepreneur should avoid looking down at their shoes and mumbling and instead lock eyes with the judges, smile, and deliver a bold wrap-up sentence. A common mistake people make at the end of a pitch is leaving the crowd confused about how to help, which can be fixed by practicing the last line until you can say it without hesitating. In my opinion, a strong conclusion helps an entrepreneur turn polite clapping into real customers and funding.”
Write Your Response Sentence Frames
When closing a business pitch, an entrepreneur should include ‘The Ask’ about
because investors need to know
They must also provide a Call to Action like
because
To make the closing clear and persuasive, the entrepreneur should avoid
and instead
A common mistake people make at the end of a pitch is
which can be fixed by
In my opinion, a strong conclusion helps an entrepreneur
Unique Examples to Stand Out
• Specific Ask: $3,000 for materials, 2 shelf spots in a local store
• Call to Action: test a quick sample, follow the product page
• Body Language: look at the judges, stand tall, don’t look at your feet
• The Payoff: turn polite clapping into real orders and support
Teacher Grading Checklist
Specific Ask: Gives an exact dollar or equipment amount.
Call to Action: Gives listeners an immediate step.
