One of the most common challenges I hear from business owners is this. “I never know how to explain what I do without rambling.” You might recognise the moment. You are at a networking event, on a Zoom call, or standing in a circle at a workshop. It is your turn to speak. Someone says “So, what do you do” and your mind starts racing. You want to sound professional, you want to show the depth of your work, and you also do not want to bore anyone.
A one minute pitch is not about squeezing your entire business into sixty seconds. It is about choosing what matters most and saying it clearly.
Why A One Minute Pitch Matters
In many real life situations, you only have a short window to make an impression. That might be:
- Introducing yourself at a networking event
- Joining a round of introductions on a video call
- Speaking briefly on a panel
- Answering “What do you do” at a social event
A clear one minute pitch helps people understand who you are, who you help, and why your work matters, without overwhelming them with detail.
Self Introduction Business Pitch Structure: Start With Who You Help
Most people start their pitch with a job title. “I am a coach,” “I am a consultant,” “I run a small business.” This is the easiest bit, you know what you do. But who do you help gives you somewhere to build your story.
For example:
I work with young people who feel nervous living with their current home situation.
or
I help small business owners who struggle with their taxes.
This immediately gives context. If the person listening recognises themselves or someone they know, they lean in.
Name The Problem In Everyday Language
Next, describe the problem in simple, human terms. Think about the exact phrases your clients use when they talk to you.
You might say:
They often tell me they avoid speaking up in meetings, or their mind goes blank when they have to present.
This shows that you understand their experience. It also makes your pitch feel more like a conversation and less like a sales speech.
Explain What You Do, Not Everything You Do
Now you can briefly describe what you offer. The key is to keep it focused.
For example:
I offer group coaching that mentors young people to be more confident with themselves.
You do not need to list every package, session length, or bonus. At this stage, people just need a clear picture of how you help.
Show The Outcome
People are not only interested in what you do. They are interested in what changes. Finish your main pitch by describing the outcome.
You might say:
So they can walk into a room, share their ideas clearly, and feel confident that people are really listening.
Now your pitch has a complete shape.
- Who you help
- What they struggle with
- What you do
- What changes
Put It All Together
Here is how it might sound as a one minute pitch.
I work with corporate professionals who feel nervous about speaking up. They avoid speaking in meetings, or their mind goes blank when they have to present. I offer one to one coaching that combines confidence coaching and practical speaking exercises, so they can walk into a room, speak with confidence and share their ideas clearly.
You can adjust the details for your own business, but the structure stays the same.
Use Your Voice To Hold Attention
A clear structure is important, but your delivery matters just as much. In a short pitch, your voice has to do a lot of work in a small amount of time.
Focus on:
Pace
Aim for a calm, conversational speed. If you rush, people will miss key words.
Emotion
You are human, add emotion to what you say. Each sentence can have its own emotion. I’m going to be “relatable” when I say this, I’m going to highlight the “disappointment” at this point or I’m going to be “convincing” here. This helps your listener to follow along with your story.
Pauses
Give a small pause after each section. For example, pause after you describe who you help, after the problem, and after the outcome. This gives your words space to land.
Recording your pitch and listening back can show you where you sound engaged and where you sound unsure. You can then adjust your tone, speed, and emphasis.
Adapt Your Pitch For Different Situations
Your one minute pitch is a base that you can stretch or shorten. You do not have to deliver it word for word every time.
For a formal networking event, you might use the full version. For a quick chat at a social event, you might shorten it to:
I coach professionals who feel nervous about speaking, and I help them feel more confident and clear when they talk.
The core message is the same, but the length and tone change to suit the situation.
Learn How To Pitch
If you prefer to digest this again through a visual exercise, I’ve put together a mini workshop on how to pitch.
A good one minute pitch is something you build and refine over time. The more you use it, the easier it becomes to adapt it for different rooms, audiences, and opportunities.
If you would like support shaping a pitch that feels authentic, clear, and aligned with your business, you can work with me one to one or book a discovery call to explore what you need.