In a previous blog, I talked about how to pitch your business in one minute without rambling. That one minute pitch is a powerful tool for networking, introductions, and quick conversations. But what happens when you have more time.
You might be asked to give a three minute pitch to a panel, a five minute pitch to potential clients, or a ten minute pitch at an event. More time can feel like a gift, but it can also tempt you to add too much. The result is often a pitch that feels scattered and heavy.
The key is to shape each length with clear criteria, simple storytelling, and a focus on what your audience actually needs.
Pitch Structure
No matter how long your pitch is, you always start in the same place. What is the one main idea I want them to remember.
You can use a simple sentence.
I help [who] to [do what] so that [result].
For example:
I help professionals who feel nervous about speaking to pitch their ideas with confidence and clarity so that they are heard and taken seriously.
This core message stays the same whether you have one minute or ten. The difference is how much detail and storytelling you add around it.
The Three Minute Pitch
A three minute pitch is still quite short. It is often used in competitions, panels, or quick presentations where several people are pitching in a row.
Your aim is to be clear, focused, and memorable.
You can include:
- Who you help
- The problem they face
- What you offer
- The key benefits or outcomes
- A simple story or example
- A clear next step
For example, your structure might look like this.
- Introduction: One sentence about who you help and what you do
- Problem: One or two sentences describing their struggle in simple language
- Solution: A short description of your service or idea
- Example: A brief story or scenario that shows your work in action
- Outcome: What changes for your clients or audience
- Call to action: What you want to happen next
The story here is short. You might describe one client in a few lines, or paint a quick picture of a “before and after.” The focus is on clarity and impact, not on detail.
The Five Minute Pitch
A five minute pitch gives you more breathing room. You can expand your story, add a little more context, and show more of your personality.
You can include:
- Everything from the three minute pitch, plus
- A slightly deeper story or case study
- A little more detail on your approach or method
- One or two key points about why you are different
Your structure might look like this.
- Opening: Your core message and a hook, such as a question or a relatable situation
- Problem: A clear description of the problem, perhaps with a short statistic or observation
- Story: A slightly longer story about a client or a realistic example
- Solution: How you work, your approach, and what makes it effective
- Benefits: The main outcomes you deliver
- Credibility: A short line about your background, experience, or results
- Call to action: What you want them to do next
The storytelling becomes more important here. You can spend a minute or two on a story that lets your audience feel the problem and the transformation. Make it specific enough to feel real, but not so detailed that you lose your main thread.
The Ten Minute Pitch
A ten minute pitch is closer to a short talk. You have enough time to build a relationship with your audience, share more than one example, and guide them through a small journey.
The risk is that you try to fill the time with everything you know. Instead, think of your ten minute pitch as a story in three acts.
- Act one: The problem and why it matters
- Act two: Your solution and how it works
- Act three: The impact and what happens next
You can include:
- A strong opening that hooks attention
- A clear explanation of the problem, with one or two short examples
- A deeper story or case study that shows your work in action
- An explanation of your approach or method
- Key benefits and outcomes
- A brief mention of your background or credibility
- A summary and a clear call to action
In a ten minute pitch, you can use storytelling to make your message exciting.
You might:
- Describe a “before” scene in detail so the audience can feel the frustration or struggle
- Show the turning point, where your idea or service makes a difference
- Describe the “after” scene, focusing on how people feel and what they can now do
Keep checking back to your core message. Every story and detail should support that message, not distract from it.
How To Make Any Length Pitch Exciting For The Audience
No matter how long your pitch is, your audience is asking the same quiet questions.
- Why should I care
- Is this relevant to me
- What is in it for us
You can keep your pitch engaging by:
Using simple language
Avoid jargon and complex phrases. Speak like a human, not a brochure.
Speaking feelings as well as facts
Mention how people feel before and after working with you, not just what they do.
Varying your voice
Use changes in pace, volume, and emphasis to keep your delivery alive. A completely flat tone will lose people, even if your content is strong.
Including the audience in your story
Use phrases like “You might recognise this” or “Perhaps you have been in this situation.” This helps people see themselves in what you are saying.
Criteria To Check Before You Pitch
Before you deliver any pitch, ask yourself:
- Is my core message clear
- Have I explained who I help and what problem I solve
- Have I included at least one concrete example or story
- Have I described the outcomes in simple, specific terms
- Do I have a clear call to action
If the answer to any of these is “no,” adjust your content before you focus on polishing your delivery.
Practise Each Length
You do not need to memorise every word, but it helps to rehearse each length so you know roughly how it feels.
Practise your three minute version, then your five minute version, then your ten minute version. Notice:
- Where you tend to rush
- Where you get lost in detail
- Where your energy drops
You can then tighten or expand sections as needed.
Do You Need Help Pitching?
Whether you have one minute, three minutes, five minutes, or ten minutes, the heart of pitching stays the same. You are telling a clear story about who you help, what problem you solve, how you do it, and what changes as a result.
If you would like support shaping and practising your pitches for different situations, you can work with me one to one or book a discovery call to talk about what you need.