pitch perfect

Nail Your 60-Second Pitch: 3 Mistakes to Avoid and Exactly How to Fix Them

October 10, 20253 min read

Nail Your 60-Second Pitch: 3 Mistakes to Avoid and Exactly How to Fix Them

Watch the full video here: YouTube video

If you had just one minute to sell your idea, land a meeting, or introduce yourself to someone who could change everything, would you nail it, or lose them?

I’m Lisa Hugo. I help entrepreneurs, creators, and leaders communicate with confidence so their ideas land and their offers convert. In this post, you’ll learn the three reasons most pitches fall flat, and how to fix each one so people lean in, say “Tell me more,” and take action.

Why Your Pitch Matters

Your pitch is your golden ticket. It opens doors, sets the tone for your brand, and tells the world why you’re worth listening to. When it’s clear and delivered with conviction, people remember you, and they act.

Mistake 1: Lack of Clarity

Rambling, jargon, trying to say everything at once, these earn blank stares and polite nods. The number one killer of a great pitch is a lack of clarity.

Clarity wins. If your audience doesn’t immediately understand what you do and why it matters, you’ve lost them.

A Simple Pitch Formula

Write this down and speak it out loud:

  • I’m [Your Name] and [pinch of credibility].

  • I’m known for [what makes you different] because [your personal connection to the work].

  • For example, [one proof point].

  • Right now, I’m focused on [your current offer or focus].

Bad: “I help businesses with social media marketing by using data-driven strategies to optimize engagement and brand awareness across multiple platforms.”

Better: “Because I’ve seen so many great businesses struggle to get noticed online, I show entrepreneurs how to attract the right audience and turn visibility into sales, without living on social media.”

Tip: If a 10-year-old wouldn’t get it, trim it.

Mistake 2: Making It About You (Not Them)

People don’t care what you do, they care what it does for them.

Shift from “I, I, I” to audience-first messaging.

Instead of: “I’m a mindset coach. I help people with confidence and success.”
Try: “Because I struggled with confidence myself, I now help entrepreneurs break through self-doubt so they can sell, speak, and succeed with ease.”

Make it listener-first, story-led, and outcome-focused. Always ask: If I were my audience, would I care?

Mistake 3: Flat Delivery

You can have the best words in the world, but if your delivery is flat, it won’t land.

Delivery Fixes That Change the Room

  • Slow down so your words land, nerves speed you up.

  • Speak with conviction, believe every word.

  • Vary your tone, change pace, volume, and energy.

  • Make eye contact, on camera, raise your laptop to eye level and speak to the lens.

  • Posture matters, sit or stand tall, your body shapes your voice.

What kills your pitch: mumbling, poor articulation, no eye contact, speaking too fast, monotone delivery.

Pro tip: Record your pitch and watch it back. Ask, “Would I buy from me?” If not, rewrite and re-energize.

Your 60-Second Pitch Template

Speak this out loud and fill in the blanks:

  • I’m [Name], and I’m known for [unique angle].

  • Because [personal connection], I help [your audience] get [specific outcome].

  • For example, [proof of concept or result].

  • Right now, I’m focused on [offer or next step].

Sample:
“My name is Lisa Hugo. I’m a speaker, author, singer, and coach to leaders. Because I’ve seen so many people miss out on valuable opportunities due to weak communication, I help leaders build a voice of authority and become the most influential voice in the room. I’ve helped thousands of leaders level up their skills, and I’d love to help you, too.”

Call to Action

  • Write your pitch using the template above.

  • Practice it repeatedly until it rolls off your tongue. Repetition builds confidence, fast.

  • Want the formulas and prompts in one place? Grab the free resource mentioned in the video.

  • Share your pitch in the comments, we’re building a community and I’m happy to give feedback.

Watch the full breakdown here: YouTube video

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