Pitch vs. Speech: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A "Pitch" is a persuasive presentation or talk aiming to convince an audience, while a "Speech" is a more general term for any address or discourse delivered to an audience.
Key Differences
A Pitch is often used in business or marketing to persuade or sell an idea, product, or service. In contrast, Speech is a broader term that encompasses any form of verbal communication or public address, regardless of the purpose.
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Dec 03, 2023
The main goal of a Pitch is to convince the audience of the value or need of what is being presented. A Speech, however, can serve various purposes, such as informing, entertaining, or persuading, without necessarily having a sales-oriented goal.
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Dec 03, 2023
Pitches are typically concise, focused, and aimed at eliciting a specific response, such as investment or support. Speeches can be more varied in length and structure, and may not always seek a direct response from the audience.
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Dec 03, 2023
In a Pitch, the speaker often engages with the audience to create interest and enthusiasm for the topic. In a Speech, the interaction with the audience might be less direct, focusing more on delivering a message or sharing information.
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Dec 03, 2023
Pitches often require a clear call to action or a persuasive conclusion to achieve their objective. Speeches may conclude with a summary, a call to action, or simply end with the final point of the discourse.
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Dec 03, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Definition
A presentation or proposal designed to persuade or inform, often in business or marketing.
A formal address or discourse delivered to an audience.
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Dec 03, 2023
Context
Commonly used in business settings for proposals or to gain support for an idea.
Used in various contexts, from public events to educational settings.
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Dec 03, 2023
Duration
Generally shorter, focused on key points to engage potential clients or investors.
Can be lengthy, covering a wide range of topics in detail.
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Dec 03, 2023
Purpose
To persuade or sell an idea, product, or service.
To inform, educate, entertain, or persuade a broader audience.
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Dec 03, 2023
Style
Often includes a sales or marketing angle, aiming for immediate engagement or action.
Typically more informative or narrative, providing in-depth exploration of a subject.
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Dec 03, 2023
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Pitch and Speech Definitions
Pitch
A presentation or talk aimed at convincing an audience about a product, idea, or plan.
His pitch to the investors was compelling and well-received.
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Nov 24, 2023
Speech
Public speaking or verbal communication in front of a group.
Her speech at the graduation ceremony was inspiring and memorable.
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Nov 24, 2023
Pitch
A persuasive speech in marketing or sales.
She gave an excellent pitch for the new software during the conference.
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Nov 24, 2023
Speech
An expression or exchange of thoughts and opinions through spoken words.
His speech at the conference covered the latest trends in technology.
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Nov 24, 2023
Pitch
A form of communication used in business to sell or promote.
The startup's pitch highlighted their unique approach to the market.
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Nov 24, 2023
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Speech
A formal address or discourse delivered to an audience.
The president's speech on national policy was broadcasted nationwide.
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Nov 24, 2023
Pitch
Any of various thick, dark, sticky substances obtained from the distillation residue of coal tar, wood tar, or petroleum and used for waterproofing, roofing, caulking, and paving.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
A presentation of ideas or information in a formal or public setting.
The keynote speaker's speech captivated the entire audience.
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Nov 24, 2023
Pitch
A resin derived from the sap of various coniferous trees, as the pines.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
The faculty or act of expressing or describing thoughts, feelings, or perceptions by the articulation of words.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
What is spoken or expressed, as in conversation; uttered or written words
Seditious speech.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
A talk or public address, or a written copy of this
The senator gave a speech.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
The study of oral communication, speech sounds, and vocal physiology.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
(uncountable) The ability to speak; the faculty of uttering words or articulate sounds and vocalizations to communicate.
He had a bad speech impediment.
After the accident she lost her speech.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
(uncountable) The act of speaking, a certain style of it.
Her speech was soft and lilting.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
(countable) A formal session of speaking, especially a long oral message given publicly by one person.
The candidate made some ambitious promises in his campaign speech.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(Sports) A single interval between ledges or anchors used as belaying points in mountaineering
A climb of six pitches.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
(uncountable) Language used orally, rather than in writing.
This word is mostly used in speech.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
(grammar) An utterance that is quoted; see direct speech, reported speech
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(Acoustics) The distinctive quality of a sound, dependent primarily on the frequency of the sound waves produced by its source.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(Music) The relative position of a tone within a range of musical sounds, as determined by this quality.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
The faculty of uttering articulate sounds or words; the faculty of expressing thoughts by words or articulate sounds; the power of speaking.
There is none comparable to the variety of instructive expressions by speech, wherewith man alone is endowed for the communication of his thoughts.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(Music) Any of various standards for this quality associating each tone with a particular frequency.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
He act of speaking; that which is spoken; words, as expressing ideas; language; conversation.
O goode God! how gentle and how kindYe seemed by your speech and your visageThe day that maked was our marriage.
The acts of God . . . to human earsCan nort without process of speech be told.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
A particular language, as distinct from others; a tongue; a dialect.
People of a strange speech and of an hard language.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The distance between two corresponding points on adjacent screw threads or gear teeth.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
Talk; mention; common saying.
The duke . . . did of me demandWhat was the speech among the LondonersConcerning the French journey.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
Formal discourse in public; oration; harangue.
The constant design of these orators, in all their speeches, was to drive some one particular point.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The distance that a propeller would travel in an ideal medium during one complete revolution, measured parallel to the shaft of the propeller.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
Ny declaration of thoughts.
I. with leave of speech implored, . . . replied.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
A line of talk designed to persuade
"[his] pious pitch for ... austerity" (Boston Globe).
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
The act of delivering a formal spoken communication to an audience;
He listened to an address on minor Roman poets
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
(language) communication by word of mouth;
His speech was garbled
He uttered harsh language
He recorded the spoken language of the streets
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(Printing) The density of characters in a printed line, usually expressed as characters per inch.
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
The exchange of spoken words;
They were perfectly comfortable together without speech
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
Your characteristic style or manner of expressing yourself orally;
His manner of speaking was quite abrupt
Her speech was barren of southernisms
I detected a slight accent in his speech
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
A lengthy rebuke;
A good lecture was my father's idea of discipline
The teacher gave him a talking to
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
The mental faculty or power of vocal communication;
Language sets homo sapiens apart from all other animals
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Oct 19, 2023
Speech
An oration or talk on a particular subject.
The professor's speech on climate change was informative and thought-provoking.
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Nov 24, 2023
Pitch
To set at a specified downward slant
Pitched the roof at a steep angle.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To set at a particular level, degree, or quality
Pitched her expectations too high.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To adapt so as to be applicable; direct
Pitched his speech to the teenagers in the audience.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(Informal) To attempt to promote or sell, often in a high-pressure manner
"showed up on local TV to pitch their views" (Business Week).
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(Sports) To hit (a golf ball) in a high arc with backspin so that it does not roll very far after striking the ground.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To discard (a card other than a trump and different in suit from the card led).
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To oscillate about a lateral axis so that the nose lifts or descends in relation to the tail. Used of an aircraft.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To oscillate about a lateral axis that is both perpendicular to the longitudinal axis and horizontal to the earth. Used of a missile or spacecraft.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(Sports) To hit a golf ball in a high arc with backspin so that it does not roll very far after striking the ground.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
A sticky, gummy substance secreted by trees; sap.
It is hard to get this pitch off my hand.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
A dark, extremely viscous material remaining in still after distilling crude oil and tar.
They put pitch on the mast to protect it.
The barrel was sealed with pitch.
It was pitch black because there was no moon.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
A throw; a toss; a cast, as of something from the hand.
A good pitch in quoits
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(baseball) The act of pitching a baseball.
The pitch was low and inside.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The field on which cricket, soccer, rugby, gridiron or field hockey is played. cricket pitch.}} Not often used in the US or Canada, where "field" is the preferred word.
The teams met on the pitch.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The distance between evenly spaced objects, e.g. the teeth of a saw or gear, the turns of a screw thread, the centres of holes, or letters in a monospace font.
The pitch of pixels on the point scale is 72 pixels per inch.
The pitch of this saw is perfect for that type of wood.
A helical scan with a pitch of zero is equivalent to constant z-axis scanning.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The degree to which a vehicle, especially a ship or aircraft, rotates on such an axis, tilting its bow or nose up or down. Compare with roll, yaw, and heave.
The pitch of an aircraft
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(aviation) A measure of the angle of attack of a propeller.
The propeller blades' pitch went to 90° as the engine was feathered.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(by extension) The place where a busker performs, a prostitute solicits clients, or an illegal gambling game etc. is set up before the public.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
An area on a campsite intended for occupation by a single tent, caravan or similar.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
Collectively, the outermost points of some part of the body, especially the shoulders or hips.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The height a bird reaches in flight, especially a bird of prey preparing to swoop down on its prey.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(climbing) A section of a climb or rock face; specifically, the climbing distance between belays or stances.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(caving) A vertical cave passage, only negotiable by using rope or ladders.
The entrance pitch requires 30 metres of rope.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(cricket) That point of the ground on which the ball pitches or lights when bowled.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The point where a declivity begins; hence, the declivity itself; a descending slope; the degree or rate of descent or slope; slant.
A steep pitch in the road
The pitch of a roof
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(mining) The limit of ground set to a miner who receives a share of the ore taken out.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The perceived frequency of a sound or note.
The pitch of middle "C" is familiar to many musicians.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(music) The standard to which a group of musical instruments are tuned or in which a piece is performed, usually by reference to the frequency to which the musical note A above middle C is tuned.
Are we in baroque pitch for this one?
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(music) In an a cappella group, the singer responsible for singing a note for the other members to tune themselves by.
Bob, our pitch, let out a clear middle "C" and our conductor gave the signal to start.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To throw (the ball) toward a batter at home plate.
The hurler pitched a curveball.
He pitched high and inside.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(transitive) To promote, advertise, or attempt to sell.
He pitched the idea for months with no takers.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(transitive) To deliver in a certain tone or style, or with a certain audience in mind.
At which level should I pitch my presentation?
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(transitive) To assemble or erect (a tent).
Pitch the tent over there.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(intransitive) To fix or place a tent or temporary habitation; to encamp.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To move so that the front of an aircraft or boat goes alternatively up and down.
The typhoon pitched the deck of the ship.
The airplane pitched.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To play a short, high, lofty shot that lands with backspin.
The only way to get on the green from here is to pitch the ball over the bunker.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To bounce on the playing surface.
The ball pitched well short of the batsman.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
(intransitive) To plunge or fall; especially, to fall forward; to decline or slope.
To pitch from a precipice
The field pitches toward the east.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
A thick, black, lustrous, and sticky substance obtained by boiling down tar. It is used in calking the seams of ships; also in coating rope, canvas, wood, ironwork, etc., to preserve them.
He that toucheth pitch shall be defiled therewith.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
A throw; a toss; a cast, as of something from the hand; as, a good pitch in quoits.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
That point of the ground on which the ball pitches or lights when bowled.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
A point or peak; the extreme point or degree of elevation or depression; hence, a limit or bound.
Driven headlong from the pitch of heaven, downInto this deep.
Enterprises of great pitch and moment.
To lowest pitch of abject fortune.
He lived when learning was at its highest pitch.
The exact pitch, or limits, where temperance ends.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The point where a declivity begins; hence, the declivity itself; a descending slope; the degree or rate of descent or slope; slant; as, a steep pitch in the road; the pitch of a roof.
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The relative acuteness or gravity of a tone, determined by the number of vibrations which produce it; the place of any tone upon a scale of high and low.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The limit of ground set to a miner who receives a share of the ore taken out.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The distance from center to center of any two adjacent teeth of gearing, measured on the pitch line; - called also circular pitch.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The distance between symmetrically arranged or corresponding parts of an armature, measured along a line, called the pitch line, drawn around its length. Sometimes half of this distance is called the pitch.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
Fig.: To darken; to blacken; to obscure.
The welkin pitched with sullen could.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To throw, generally with a definite aim or purpose; to cast; to hurl; to toss; as, to pitch quoits; to pitch hay; to pitch a ball.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To thrust or plant in the ground, as stakes or poles; hence, to fix firmly, as by means of poles; to establish; to arrange; as, to pitch a tent; to pitch a camp.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To set, face, or pave with rubble or undressed stones, as an embankment or a roadway.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To light; to settle; to come to rest from flight.
The tree whereon they [the bees] pitch.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To fix one's choise; - with on or upon.
Pitch upon the best course of life, and custom will render it the more easy.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
To plunge or fall; esp., to fall forward; to decline or slope; as, to pitch from a precipice; the vessel pitches in a heavy sea; the field pitches toward the east.
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The property of sound that varies with variation in the frequency of vibration
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
A vendor's position (especially on the sidewalk);
He was employed to see that his paper's news pitches were not trespassed upon by rival vendors
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
Degree of deviation from a horizontal plane;
The roof had a steep pitch
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
Abrupt up-and-down motion (as caused by a ship or other conveyance);
The pitching and tossing was quite exciting
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
The action or manner of throwing something;
His pitch fell short and his hat landed on the floor
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
Throw or toss with a light motion;
Flip me the beachball
Toss me newspaper
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
Throw or hurl from the mound to the batter, as in baseball;
The pitcher delivered the ball
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Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
Set the level or character of;
She pitched her speech to the teenagers in the audience
Shumaila Saeed
Oct 19, 2023
Pitch
An attempt to persuade or influence others.
The entrepreneur's pitch for funding was concise and persuasive.
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Nov 24, 2023
Pitch
A brief presentation designed to generate interest or support.
He made a quick pitch to the team about his innovative idea.
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Nov 24, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How long is a pitch usually?
Pitches are generally brief, focusing on key points to engage listeners quickly.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
What are common settings for a speech?
Speeches are common in public events, ceremonies, educational forums, and political contexts.
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Dec 03, 2023
When is a pitch typically used?
Pitches are used in business settings to propose ideas, projects, or to attract investors.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can a pitch be informal?
Yes, pitches can be informal, especially in casual business settings or networking.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
What is a pitch?
A pitch is a presentation or proposal aimed at persuading or informing, often in a business context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
What is the main goal of a pitch?
The goal of a pitch is to persuade or sell an idea, product, or service.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
What is the usual duration of a speech?
Speeches can vary in length, often longer than pitches, covering more detailed content.
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Dec 03, 2023
What purpose does a speech serve?
A speech aims to inform, educate, entertain, or persuade an audience on a specific topic.
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Dec 03, 2023
Do pitches require visual aids?
Often, but not always. Visual aids like slides can enhance a pitch but aren't mandatory.
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Dec 03, 2023
How important is storytelling in speeches?
Storytelling in speeches can be a powerful tool to engage and resonate with the audience.
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Dec 03, 2023
What is a speech?
A speech is a formal address or discourse delivered to an audience, often to inform or inspire.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Can a pitch lead to immediate action?
Yes, a successful pitch often aims to prompt immediate action or decision-making.
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Dec 03, 2023
Is storytelling a part of a pitch?
Storytelling can be an effective element in a pitch to create a connection with the audience.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Are personal anecdotes used in pitches?
Yes, personal anecdotes can be effective in personalizing and strengthening a pitch.
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Dec 03, 2023
Are speeches always formal?
Not always. While many speeches are formal, some can be informal, depending on the context.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
What skills are important for giving a speech?
Public speaking, clarity, organization, and audience engagement are key for a successful speech.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
What response does a speech typically aim for?
A speech often seeks to inform, inspire, or provoke thought, rather than immediate action.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Should speeches include visual elements?
Visual elements can be beneficial for speeches, especially for lengthy or complex topics.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
Is it common to use personal stories in speeches?
Personal stories are frequently used in speeches to create a connection and add authenticity.
Shumaila Saeed
Dec 03, 2023
What skills are crucial for delivering a pitch?
Conciseness, persuasion, clarity, and the ability to engage quickly are crucial for a pitch.
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Dec 03, 2023
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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