Update Your Pitch Every Six Months
Eighteen easy tips to update your pitch every six months, so your introduction grows as you grow.
You change, so should your pitch. Fresh words feel alive.
27 tips that really help
These ideas come from Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi), How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes), The Charisma Myth (Olivia Fox Cabane), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.
Why update it
Your work, goals and skills change over time. An old pitch can make you sound like the person you used to be.
Set a reminder.
Choose two dates each year
Pick a date like January and July. A fixed reminder turns a nice idea into a habit.
Add two dates.
Read your old pitch aloud
Listen for words that no longer fit. If a line feels stale or false, change it.
Read it aloud.
List your new wins
Write what you have learned or achieved since the last update. New proof makes your pitch stronger.
Write three wins.
Check your goals
Ask what you want people to know about you now. Your pitch should point toward where you are going.
Write your goal.
Replace one line at a time
You do not need to start from zero. Improve one sentence and see how it feels.
Change one line.
Test the new version
Try it on two or three people and notice if they smile or ask questions. Their faces tell you a lot.
Test it twice.
Keep a pitch folder
Save old versions in one place. You will see how far you have come and can reuse good lines.
Create a folder.
Script: new chapter
These days I am focusing on helping teams learn new skills. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: new result
Recently I helped a team cut their reporting time in half. Say it plainly.
Use it.
Script: new goal
I am excited to work more with young designers. Say it kindly.
Use it.
Mistake: keeping the same pitch for years
People notice stale words, so refresh it twice a year.
Refresh it.
Mistake: rewriting everything every month
Too many changes confuse you, so keep a steady core.
Keep a core.
Mistake: updating without practising
A new line feels strange until you say it aloud, so practise first.
Say it aloud.
Troubleshoot: when nothing has changed
Look for small things such as a new skill, a new person you helped or a lesson you learned.
Find small wins.
Troubleshoot: when you are not sure where you are going
Say what you are curious about and what you are exploring. Curiosity is a fine pitch.
Share curiosity.
Drill: set two calendar reminders
Add two pitch-update reminders to your calendar this week, one now and one in six months.
Set them.
Drill: write your before and after
Write your old pitch and your new one side by side and notice what changed.
Compare them.
Review your pitch with a friend
A fresh pair of ears hears what you cannot. Ask what feels old.
Ask a friend.
Add one new proof point
Replace an old result with a new one. Fresh proof keeps your pitch alive.
Add a new result.
Check that your words still fit
If you have grown into a new field, your old words may be wrong. Update them.
Compare to your goals.
Change the order
Sometimes moving your best line to the start makes a big difference.
Try a new order.
Example: the promoted manager
Last year she said, I support the team. This year she said, I lead the team. Small change, big difference.
Update your verb.
Example: the returning worker
After a break, Sam updated his pitch to mention new training. It showed growth.
Mention what you learned.
Mistake: updating only your CV
Your spoken pitch needs updates too. Say it aloud after every change.
Say it aloud.
Troubleshoot: when you cannot see changes
Look at your calendar and emails. The last six months of work hold clues.
Scan your emails.
Drill: write a new pitch each January and July
Mark two dates and keep each version in a folder.
Add two dates.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“Let me look at my pitch again.”
“Here is what is new.”
“I am proud of this result.”
“Let me say it more simply.”
“Does this sound like me?”
“Updated and ready.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Put a date in your calendar
Read your old pitch
List new wins
Rewrite one line
Test it
Share it
Save the new version
Further reading
- Never Eat Alone (Keith Ferrazzi)
- How to Talk to Anyone (Leil Lowndes)
- The Charisma Myth (Olivia Fox Cabane)
The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.
Keep your place and keep growing
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Start freeThese lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.
More lessons in “Your Personal Introduction”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Introduce Yourself Online
- Know Your Story in One Line
- What Makes You Worth Remembering
- Choose Words Anyone Can Understand
- The Ten-Second Introduction
- The Thirty-Second Pitch
- Start With a Hook, Not Your Job Title
- Practise Until It Sounds Like You
- Smile, Slow Down and Look Up
- Answer "What Do You Do?" Calmly
- Introduce Yourself at Events
- Introduce Yourself Online
- Update Your Pitch Every Six Months
