English for pitches, briefs and creative feedback
For marketing, creative and design agencies in Buenos Aires that pitch and present to US clients. A full pitch script, dialogues, pricing answers, Zoom tactics, emails and pronunciation.
Book a trial classHow to structure a 20 minute pitch
- 1
Open (2 min)
Thank them, introduce the team, and say how long you need. Invite questions along the way.
- 2
Reframe the problem (3 min)
Say back what you heard in the brief, in your own words. Show you understand the business, not only the look.
- 3
Big idea (3 min)
One sentence, then one reason it works for this audience.
- 4
Concept walk-through (7 min)
Show the idea in use: social, web, packaging or store. One or two examples, not ten.
- 5
Proof and plan (3 min)
Similar work, timeline, team and how you will measure results.
- 6
Decision and next steps (2 min)
Ask for what you need and agree who does what and by when.
A full pitch, slide by slide
A script you can adapt. Say one idea per slide, and keep every line short. Fill the brackets with your own facts.
| Slide | Say this |
|---|---|
| 1. Welcome | Thanks for having us. I'm [name], creative director at [agency], in Buenos Aires. With me are [name] and [name]. |
| 2. The brief | You asked us to [goal from the brief]. Today we'll show how we'd do it, and where we'd start. |
| 3. What we heard | Here is what we heard. Your customers know you, but [audience] doesn't yet. That is the gap. |
| 4. Insight | Here is what we found. [Insight, backed by a source you can name]. |
| 5. The real problem | So the real problem is not [surface problem]. It is [deeper problem]. |
| 6. The big idea | Our idea in one line: [big idea]. |
| 7. Why it works | Here is why it works. It speaks to [audience] in their own words, and it fits what you already own. |
| 8. Concept: social | This is how it looks in the feed. One post, one message, one action. |
| 9. Concept: web and store | And this is how it lives on the website and in the store, so the idea feels the same everywhere. |
| 10. Plan and phases | This is the plan by phase: [phase 1], [phase 2], [phase 3]. Each one has a clear output. |
| 11. Team | This is who you work with. The people in this room are the people who do the work. |
| 12. Measurement | We'd measure success by [metric from the brief]. We'd agree on the target together, at kickoff. |
| 13. Investment | Here is the investment for phase one: [amount]. It covers [what is included]. |
| 14. Next steps | To move forward, we need a decision on the direction and the budget range. Then we can start on [date]. |
| 15. Close | Thank you. We'd love to hear what you think. What stood out? |
Storytelling and persuasion phrases
A good pitch follows one path: the insight, the tension, the idea, the proof. Use these lines to move along it.
| Move | Say this |
|---|---|
| Open with the insight | Here is something we noticed: [insight]. Most brands miss it. |
| Name the tension | Here is the tension: people want [A], but they get [B]. |
| Bridge to the idea | That tension is what our idea solves. |
| Ask the key question | So we asked ourselves one question: [question]. |
| Reveal the idea | The idea is [big idea]. Let me show you what it looks like. |
| Make it visual | Picture this: [scene, one sentence]. |
| Give the proof | The proof is in [source you can name]: [finding]. |
| Use a case | It worked for a similar brand in [sector]: [result you can prove]. |
| Refocus on the customer | What matters here is the customer, not the logo. |
| Land the message | If you remember one thing, remember this: [one line]. |
How to present your rationale
The rationale is the why behind the work. Say it before you show the visual, so the client judges the thinking first.
A rebrand
- We didn't start with a logo. We started with what your brand should stand for.
- The old identity says [X]. Your customers now expect [Y]. This closes that gap.
- We kept [element] because your customers already recognize it.
- Here is what changes, and here is what stays the same.
- The new system works at every size, from an app icon to a billboard.
A campaign concept
- The campaign idea is [one line]. Every piece answers to it.
- We chose these channels because that is where [audience] already spends time.
- The hero piece is [format]. The rest of the pieces support it.
- Each phase has one job: first awareness, then consideration, then action.
- Here is the one thing we want people to do after they see it.
A social idea
- The idea is a series, not a single post. It repeats a format people learn to recognize.
- It works because it's easy to make, easy to share and easy to recognize.
- Here is the first month: [number] posts a week, [number] formats.
- We'd start small, test two versions and keep the one that works.
- Community management is part of the plan, so replies feel like the brand.
A media plan
- We split the budget in three parts: reach, engagement and conversion.
- We'd start on [channel], because it's closest to your goal.
- Every two weeks we review the results and move budget to what works.
- Here is what we'd measure: [metric], [metric], [metric].
- The plan is a starting point. We adjust it with real data after week [X].
Pricing, scope and tough questions
Never invent a number in the room. Tie price to scope, and offer options. Stay calm and curious when they push back.
Present pricing and scope
- We priced this in three parts: strategy, creative and production.
- Here are two options. Option A covers [scope]. Option B adds [extra].
- The fee covers [deliverables], [number] rounds of revisions and [number] meetings.
- This does not include [out of scope]. We can quote it separately.
- If the scope changes, we'll send a change order before we start the extra work.
- Payment terms: [terms]. We can talk about a schedule that suits you.
"Can you do it cheaper?"
- I understand budget matters. Can I ask what number you have in mind?
- We can lower the price if we lower the scope. Here is what we would remove.
- We'd rather not cut the work and keep the price. That helps no one.
- Let's look at a smaller first phase, and expand once we see results.
- Our price reflects [senior team, process, what is included]. Here is what you'd lose with a cheaper option.
"What if we go with a competitor?"
- That's fair. It's a big decision, and you should compare.
- Whoever you choose, I'd suggest comparing the same scope. Can I help you with that?
- What matters most to you in this decision? Then I can tell you honestly whether we fit.
- If they're the better fit, I hope it goes well. We'd love to stay in touch.
- Is there something in our proposal that concerned you? I'd like to fix it if I can.
"We already have an agency."
- That's great. Many of our clients work with an agency for [area] and with us for [area].
- We can start with one project, and you'll see how we work together.
- We can work with your agency. We're used to sharing files and following guidelines.
- What would need to be true for you to consider a second partner?
- If it isn't the right moment, we'd love to stay in touch and be ready when it is.
A chemistry meeting, line by line
Dana is the client's marketing director. Lucía is the agency's creative director. Ask questions, listen, and show how you work.
| Speaker | Line |
|---|---|
| Dana | Thanks for making time. We liked your pitch, and this is a chance to see how we'd work together. |
| Lucía | Thank you. We're glad to be here. We'd love to hear how your team works today. |
| Dana | We're a small team. I lead marketing, and two people help me with social and events. |
| Lucía | Got it. So the person who reviews our work is you, not a committee? |
| Dana | For most things, yes. For the brand, our CEO has the last word. |
| Lucía | That's helpful to know. Could we present the brand work to both of you? |
| Dana | Sure. How do you usually handle feedback? |
| Lucía | We like one round of consolidated feedback. It saves time for everyone. |
| Dana | That works well for us. We can send a feedback form with each round. |
| Lucía | What is the hardest part of working with an agency, in your experience? |
| Dana | Honestly, when we don't know who is working on our project. |
| Lucía | That won't happen here. You'll have one account lead, and you can reach the team directly. |
| Dana | Good. And what happens if we disagree about something? |
| Lucía | We'd tell you what we think and why, and you decide. If you go another way, we'll make it work. |
| Dana | I appreciate that. What time zone do you work in? |
| Lucía | We're in Buenos Aires, so we overlap with you [X] hours a day. We can adjust for key meetings. |
| Dana | Perfect. Is there anything you'd like to ask us before we decide? |
| Lucía | Just one thing: what would make this a great first three months for you? |
A creative review with vague feedback
Lucía presents a first look. Dana gives vague feedback. Notice how Lucía asks questions instead of defending the work.
| Speaker | Line |
|---|---|
| Lucía | So that's the first look at the identity. Before I say more, what was your first reaction? |
| Dana | It's nice, but it doesn't feel quite right. Can you make it pop? |
| Lucía | Thanks. When you say pop, do you mean more contrast, a brighter palette or a bolder logo? |
| Dana | I'm not sure. It just needs more energy. |
| Lucía | Let me show you two options. One has a bolder palette. The other has a bigger logo. Which is closer? |
| Dana | The first one. But it feels a bit too young for our customers. |
| Lucía | That helps. So we keep the energy and adjust the tone. Is that right? |
| Dana | Yes. Also, I'll need to show this to our CEO. She may have other thoughts. |
| Lucía | Understood. Could we plan a call with her next week, so we hear her feedback directly? |
| Dana | That would be good. I'd rather not pass it along by email. |
| Lucía | Great. To summarize: we'll keep the bold palette, adjust the tone and share a revised version on Thursday. |
| Dana | That sounds right. Please also try a warmer color for the background. |
| Lucía | We can try it. I'll include it as a variation, so you can compare it with the current one. |
| Dana | Perfect. Thanks, this was very useful. |
| They say | You say |
|---|---|
| "I'll know it when I see it." | Could you show me an example of something that has that feeling? |
| "It just feels off." | Which part feels off: the layout, the color, the type or the tone? |
| "My boss won't like it." | Let's put the goal on the table. Who needs to feel what when they see this? |
| "Can we see something completely different?" | Is it that it's not right, or that it's not finished yet? |
| "Can you make the logo bigger?" | Let me repeat what I heard, to make sure I have it right: [summary]. |
| "It doesn't feel premium." | On a scale of one to five, how close are we? What would move it up one point? |
| "I don't love it, but I can't say why." | Would you like to see two more options, or refine this one? |
| "We have feedback from five people." | Could you send consolidated feedback by [day], so we plan the next round? |
Handling the room on Zoom
Online, you can't read the room as easily. Name people, pause on purpose, and check that they can see and hear you.
Several stakeholders
- Just so I can speak to everyone, could you each tell me your role in this decision?
- [Name], I'd like to hear your view on this. What stood out for you?
- It sounds like we see this differently. Can we agree on the goal first?
- Let me name what I'm hearing: [A] from [name] and [B] from [name].
- Who makes the final call on this?
Silence
- I'll pause here for questions.
- Take a moment to think. I'm happy to wait.
- Would it help if I showed a concrete example?
- Let me ask this a different way: what would you change first?
- Silence is fine. We can also send you our thoughts in writing.
Interruptions
- Good question. Let me finish this point, and I'll come back to it.
- Can I finish this thought, and then I'll hear you out?
- I'll park that for a second so we don't lose the thread.
- Sorry, I didn't catch that. Could you say it again?
- Let me pause. [Name], you wanted to add something?
Screen share
- Can everyone see my screen?
- I'll share my screen in a moment. Please tell me if it's too small.
- Let me stop sharing so we can talk face to face.
- Give me a second, I'll open the right file.
- I'm going to share the deck. Feel free to stop me at any point.
- I'll put the link in the chat, so you can open it on your own screen.
Questions and answers
- Listen to the whole question. Do not answer before they finish.
- Repeat or rephrase the question. It buys time and confirms you understood.
- Answer in one or two sentences. Then stop and ask if it helps.
- If you don't know, say so, and say when you will find out.
- If a question is too big, offer to talk about it after the pitch.
- Thank a hard question. It means they are thinking about the idea.
Q&A lines
- That's a good question. Let me make sure I understand: you're asking about [X], right?
- I don't have that number in front of me. I'll send it by end of day tomorrow.
- Can we take that offline and come back to it after the meeting?
- Short answer: yes. Here is the longer version, if it helps.
- I'm not sure I'd promise that. Here is what I can promise: [X].
- Does that answer your question, or should I go deeper?
Sample answers to adapt. Fill the brackets with your real numbers, and only say what you can prove.
Pricing
- That depends on scope. Can I ask what budget range you have in mind?
- We work with a fixed fee for this phase: [amount]. It covers [what is included].
- Here are two options, so you can choose the level of investment.
Timeline
- From kickoff to first look: [X] weeks. Then [X] weeks for revisions.
- The timeline depends on how fast we get feedback. Here is the schedule we suggest.
- If we move the date, here is what it affects.
Team
- You'll work with [name], our creative director, and [name], your account lead.
- The people you meet today are the people who do the work.
- We're a team of [X] in Buenos Aires, and we overlap with your hours: [zone].
Results
- For a similar client, we grew [metric] by [X] percent in [X] months.
- We measure success against the goal of the brief, so we'd agree on the metric first.
- I can't promise a number today, but I can show you how we'd track it.
Similar clients
- We've worked with brands in [sector], for example [name, if public].
- Some of our work is under NDA. I can describe the challenge and the result.
- Happy to connect you with a client who can be a reference.
Why you
- We understand your market, and we work in your time zone.
- We start from the business problem, not from the visual.
- You get senior people, a clear process and a team that answers fast.
Follow-up email and RFP responses
Send the follow-up within one business day, while the meeting is fresh. Here is a template.
- Subject: Thank you, and next steps for [project]
- Hi [name],
- Thank you for your time today. We enjoyed learning more about [project] and your goals.
- As a reminder, here is what we discussed: [big idea in one line], [scope], [timeline].
- As promised, I've attached the deck and the answers to your questions on [topic].
- You mentioned [concern]. We think it can be solved this way: [answer].
- As a next step, could you share your decision on [item] by [date]?
- If it helps, we can set up a 30 minute call with your team to go through any questions.
- Thanks again. We'd be excited to work with you.
- Best, [name]
| Situation | Say this |
|---|---|
| Thank them for the invitation | Thank you for inviting us to respond to your RFP. |
| Announce your questions | We have reviewed the requirements, and we'd like to confirm a few points before we submit. |
| Ask about scope | Could you clarify the scope of [item], and whether it is included in the budget? |
| Ask about budget | Is there a budget range we should stay within? |
| Ask how you will be evaluated | Could you share the evaluation criteria and the timeline for the decision? |
| Offer a call | We'd be glad to answer any questions in a call before the deadline. |
| Point to your format | Our response follows the format you asked for. Section [X] covers [topic]. |
| State how long the offer holds | Our proposal is valid for [X] days. |
| Protect yourself on scope | This proposal is based on the information in the RFP. If the scope changes, we'll adjust it. |
| Offer references | We're happy to provide references on request. |
Spec work and pro bono, politely
You can set a boundary without closing the door. Say what you can do, not only what you can't.
| Situation | Say this |
|---|---|
| Decline free full concepts | We don't do full creative work before a paid engagement. We'd be happy to show you how we think. |
| Offer a paid alternative | Instead of a full concept, we can offer a paid discovery phase. |
| Offer a light option | We can share a short process outline and a few cases so you can see how we work. |
| Ask about a pitch fee | We do participate in paid pitches. Is there a fee for the shortlisted agencies? |
| Offer a partial preview | We'd be glad to present our approach and one first idea, without finished design. |
| Credit the fee to the project | If we go ahead, we can credit the discovery fee toward the project. |
| Decline pro bono, politely | We take on one pro bono project a year, and this year's is already assigned. |
| Accept pro bono with terms | We'd love to support your cause. Here is what we can offer: [scope, hours], with credit and a case study. |
| Offer a reduced fee | We can't cover a project of this size for free, but we can offer a reduced fee for a first phase. |
| Say no and keep the door open | Thank you for thinking of us. It isn't the right fit for us this time, but we'd like to hear about your next project. |
Giving and receiving feedback
The I like, I wish, What if method keeps feedback kind and useful. Start with what works, name the gap, then suggest a way forward.
| Step | Say this |
|---|---|
| I like: start with what works | I like how simple the layout is. |
| I like: be specific | I like that the message is clear in three seconds. |
| I wish: name the gap | I wish the headline were a bit shorter. |
| I wish: describe a feeling | I wish the color felt warmer. |
| What if: suggest an option | What if we tried a bigger image and less text? |
| What if: propose a test | What if we tested two versions with a small group? |
Stay curious, not defensive. Ask what is behind the comment before you answer it.
| Avoid | Try |
|---|---|
| You don't like it? | What would make this work better for you? |
| But this is the correct design. | Here is the thinking behind it. Does the reasoning hold for you? |
| I don't understand your feedback. | Could you give me an example of what you have in mind? |
| We can't change that. | We can explore that. Here is what it would do to the timeline. |
| It's your opinion. | That's a helpful perspective. Let me check it against the goal of the brief. |
When you give feedback to a freelancer or a vendor, name the goal, then the problem, then a direction.
| Avoid | Try |
|---|---|
| I don't like the color. | The color feels a bit cold for a family brand. Could we try something warmer? |
| This is wrong. | This isn't quite working for me yet. Here is why. |
| Make it more modern. | Can we look at cleaner layouts, like the two references I'm sending? |
| Change everything. | The idea is right. The execution needs to feel more premium. |
| I need it for yesterday. | Could we get a revised version by Thursday? |
Start from the shared goal, name one concern, and offer to show. Leave the decision to the client.
| When | Say this |
|---|---|
| You disagree with the direction | I see it a little differently. Can I show you why? |
| You worry about the goal | I want to make sure we protect the goal. Can I share a concern? |
| You see a risk in the execution | That could work. My worry is how it will read on a small screen. |
| You will do it, but you have doubts | We can absolutely try it. Let me show you both versions side by side. |
| You recommend against it | I'd recommend against it, and here is the reason. It's your call, and we'll support it. |
| You have data that says otherwise | The data from your last campaign points the other way. Can I walk you through it? |
Closing lines, phrases and vocabulary
| When | Say this |
|---|---|
| Confident close | That's our idea. We'd love to build it with you. |
| Warm close | We're excited about this, and we hope it shows. |
| Open the floor | Thank you. What questions can we answer? |
| Show the next step | If you like the direction, here is how we'd start next week. |
| Ask for a date | We can start on [date]. What do you need from us to make that happen? |
| Uncover doubts | What would you need to see to feel confident choosing us? |
| Set a deadline for an answer | We'll send everything today. When can we hear from you? |
| End the meeting | Thank you for your time and your trust. |
| Situation | Say this |
|---|---|
| Open a pitch | Thanks for having us. We'll take about 20 minutes, and we'd love to keep it a conversation. |
| Frame the problem | Here is what we heard in the brief: you need to reach a younger audience without losing your loyal customers. |
| Present the big idea | Our big idea is simple: [one sentence]. Everything else builds on it. |
| Walk through a concept | Let me walk you through how it looks on Instagram, in the store and on the website. |
| Justify a creative choice | We chose this typeface because it stays legible at small sizes and still feels like your brand. |
| Handle "I don't love it" | I hear you. Can you tell me what isn't working for you: the idea, the look or the tone? |
| Handle vague feedback like "make it pop" | When you say "make it pop", do you mean more contrast, a brighter palette or a bolder headline? |
| Ask for a decision | To move forward, we need a decision on direction A or B by Friday. |
| Agree next steps | Here is what happens next: we send the revised deck on Tuesday, and you share consolidated feedback by Friday. |
| Term | What it means | In a sentence |
|---|---|---|
| brief | Instructions and goals the client gives the agency | Can you share the brief by Monday? |
| creative brief | A short document that guides the creative work | We wrote the creative brief together with your team. |
| big idea | The central idea a campaign is built on | The big idea is one line you can say out loud. |
| concept | A proposed creative direction | We are presenting three concepts today. |
| mood board | A collage of images that sets the look and feel | Here is the mood board for the launch. |
| moodboard | Same word, written as one word. Both are used | I'll send the moodboard before the call. |
| mockup | A realistic preview of a design in use | This is a mockup of the packaging. |
| first look | The first version the client sees | You'll get a first look on Wednesday. |
| round of revisions | One cycle of changes after feedback | Two rounds of revisions are included. |
| redline | A marked-up change on a design or document | We'll send the redlines by end of day. |
| on-brand | Consistent with the brand's look and voice | This feels on-brand to us. |
| brand voice | The personality a brand shows when it speaks | Our brand voice is warm and direct. |
| tone of voice | How that voice changes by situation | The tone of voice is more playful on social. |
| deck | A slide presentation | I'll send the deck after the meeting. |
| pitch | A presentation to win a project or an account | We have a pitch on Tuesday. |
| RFP | Request for proposal: a formal call for agencies | We received an RFP from a retail brand. |
| shortlist | The few agencies still in the race | We made the shortlist. |
| chemistry meeting | A meeting to see if the teams work well together | The next step is a chemistry meeting. |
| win / lose | To win or lose a pitch or an account | We won the account. We lost the last pitch. |
| pro bono | Work done for free, usually for a good cause | We do one pro bono project a year. |
| spec work | Creative work done for free to win a client | We don't do spec work without a paid pitch. |
Pronunciation and traps for Spanish speakers
Six words that come up in every pitch. The respelling is a guide, not exact. Capital letters mark the stressed part.
| Word | Say it like | Note |
|---|---|---|
| brand | brand | One syllable. The a sounds between a and e, like in cat. Do not say brahnd. The d is light |
| campaign | kam-PEIN | Stress the second part. The ai sounds like the English word pain. The g is silent |
| deliverable | di-LI-ve-ra-bol | Stress LI. The first sound is short, not de. The ending sounds like bol |
| rationale | ra-sho-NAL | Stress NAL. The ti sounds like sh. The first a is like cat |
| strategy | STRA-te-yi | Stress the first syllable. Start with str, no e before it. The gy sounds like yi |
| aesthetic | es-THE-tik | Stress THE. The th is the sound of think: tongue between the teeth |
| Word or phrase | Sounds like | It really means |
|---|---|---|
| publicity | publicidad | Press attention or exposure. For ads, say advertising |
| critic | crítica | A person who reviews. For the comment, say criticism or feedback |
| argument | argumento | A fight or disagreement. For your reasoning, say rationale or case |
| sympathetic | simpático | Compassionate. For likeable, say friendly or nice |
| assume | asumir (take on) | To suppose. To take on a task, say take on or take responsibility for |
| demand | demandar | To require. To sue, say sue |
| I am agree | estoy de acuerdo | Say: I agree. Agree is a verb, not an adjective |
| do a presentation | hacer una presentación | Say: give a presentation |
| actually | actualmente | In fact, in reality. For currently, say currently or right now |
| eventually | eventualmente | In the end, after a while. For maybe, say possibly or occasionally |
| agenda | agenda (calendar) | The list of topics for a meeting. For a planner, say calendar or planner |
| assist | asistir (attend) | To help. To attend a meeting, say attend |
| sensible | sensible | Reasonable, practical. For sensitive, say sensitive |
| realize | realizar | To understand suddenly. To carry out, say do, make or deliver |
| It depends of | depende de | Say: It depends on |
| the feedbacks | los feedbacks | Feedback is uncountable. Say: some feedback, a piece of feedback |
| explain me | explícame | Say: explain it to me. The verb needs to before the person |
| informations | informaciones | Information is uncountable. Say: some information |
Questions
- How long should a pitch be?
- Many pitches run about 20 minutes, plus time for questions. Ask the client how long you have and plan for less.
- Should I present in English if the client speaks Spanish?
- Follow the language of the meeting. If the client team is in the US, present in English and keep a short glossary of key terms ready.
- How do I answer "how much does it cost?" early in a pitch?
- Ask about the budget range first, then say the price depends on scope. Offer two options instead of one number.
- What is the difference between a brief and a creative brief?
- A brief is what the client gives you. A creative brief is the shorter document that guides the creative team, often written after the first.
- What do I say when feedback is vague?
- Ask for an example or a reference. For "make it pop", ask whether they mean contrast, color, size or energy.
- Is it rude to say no to a client?
- No, if you give the reason and an alternative. Say what you recommend, then let them decide.
- What is spec work?
- Creative work done for free to win a client. Many agencies decline it or ask for a paid pitch.
- How do I keep the meeting from turning into a debate?
- Set the goal at the start, collect feedback in one round, and agree on who decides.
- What is a chemistry meeting?
- A meeting, often after the pitch, where both teams see if they would work well together. Focus on how you work, not on new ideas.
- What do I say when the client says "can you do it cheaper?"
- Ask what number they have in mind, then offer a smaller scope or a first phase. Avoid cutting the price and keeping the work.
- How do I handle silence on a Zoom pitch?
- Pause on purpose and ask a direct question, such as "what stood out for you?". Name a person if the silence lasts.
- What is the I like, I wish, What if method?
- A way to give feedback: say what works, name what you would change, then suggest an option. It keeps the tone kind and specific.
- How soon should I send a follow-up email after a pitch?
- Within one business day. Repeat the idea in one line, attach the deck and ask for a decision date.
- Can I say no to pro bono work?
- Yes. Thank them, say it is not the right fit this time, and offer something smaller if you want to help.
- How do I pronounce "rationale"?
- Say ra-sho-NAL, with the stress on the last part. The ti sounds like sh.
- Do you teach this in group classes or 1:1?
- Both. You can practise your real pitch, with your own deck, in a private class or with your team.
Keep going
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