ENGLISH MIND
InglΓ©s para Latinos
B2βC1 Β· Leaders & Mastermind Β· Real-World Skills
The Networking
Pitch
Backed by Science Β· Built with Chunks Β· Ready for Your Next Event
LevelB2βC1
Duration45 min
Drills16
Sprint30 sec
5 min
Warm-Up
The Networking Moment
π Think β then share with the group (30 seconds each)
- Q1: Have you ever been to a networking event in the US β in English? What happened when someone asked "What do you do?"
- Q2: When someone introduces themselves really well, what do they do that makes it memorable? Think of a specific person.
- Q3: Right now, if someone asked you "What do you do?" β in English, in a professional setting β how would you answer? Say it out loud for 15 seconds.
Notice what you just said in Q3. Most people say their job title. That's fine β but it's forgettable. By the end of today, you'll have something better: a pitch that opens conversations instead of ending them.
8 min
Presentation Β· The Science
Why This Pitch Formula Exists
The pitch structure you'll learn today wasn't invented by a marketing guru. It was built on two different bodies of research β one from psychology, one from business. Understanding the science makes the language stick. Let's look at both.
Study 1 Β· Princeton University, 2006
First Impressions: Inferences of Competence from Faces
Todorov, A., Mandisodza, A., Goren, A., Hall, C. Β· Science Magazine
"People form judgments of competence and trustworthiness in as little as 100 milliseconds β before they have fully processed what a person has said."
What this means for your pitch
1
Your tone, energy, and eye contact create an impression before your words do. A confident, structured opening immediately signals competence.
2
A hesitant opener β "uh, I kind of work in..." β triggers a negative competence signal within the first second. The listener starts tuning out.
3
A structured 3-part pitch gives your brain a clear script to deliver confidently β which changes the entire first-impression signal.
Study 2 Β· Harvard Business Review, Research on Networking
What Makes a Networking Pitch Memorable?
HBR research synthesis Β· Multiple studies on first introductions
"The most recalled introductions share three elements: they describe who you help (not just your title), they name a problem you solve, and they end with a question β which makes the other person feel seen."
What this means for your pitch
1
"I'm a marketing manager" is forgettable. "I help small businesses get found on Google" is memorable β because it describes impact, not position.
2
Ending with What about you? is not just polite β it's strategic. It makes the other person feel the conversation is about them, not you.
3
Pitches that ended with a question led to significantly longer and warmer follow-up conversations compared to pitches that ended with a statement.
The bottom line: Both studies point to the same structure β Name + Impact Statement + Question. Not because it sounds nice. Because it's what the human brain processes as competent, memorable, and trustworthy β in the first 100 milliseconds and in the hours after an event.
The Formula
10 min
Presentation Β· Language Blueprint
The 3-Part Pitch + Native Chunks
The Networking Pitch Formula
"Hi, I'm [name] β great to meet you.
I help [specific person] [do / achieve / avoid something].
What about you β [question]?"
I help [specific person] [do / achieve / avoid something].
What about you β [question]?"
1
The Opener
Your name + a warm phrase. Signals confidence immediately.
2
The Impact Statement
Who you help + what you do for them. No job titles. Pure impact.
3
The Handoff
A question that gives the conversation to them. This is the secret weapon.
Below are the exact chunks that native English speakers use at networking events. Each one is a complete, ready-to-use block. Learn them as units β not word by word.
Core Β· Part 1
Hi, I'm [name] β great to meet you.
The warmest, most natural opener. The dash + "great to meet you" sounds effortless and native. Use this 95% of the time.
"Hi, I'm Carlos β great to meet you. I love these events."
Core Β· Part 1
I don't think we've met β I'm [name].
Perfect when you're at an event where you already know some people. It's confident and socially aware β not awkward like "Hi, who are you?"
"I don't think we've met β I'm Sofia. I've seen you speak before at these conferences."
Core Β· Part 2
I help [person] [do / achieve / avoid] [outcome].
This is the engine of the pitch. Replace "I am a [job title]" with this structure. Always specific β never generic. B2-C1 KEY
"I help Latino professionals land promotions at US companies."
"I help small businesses stop losing money on bad marketing."
"I help small businesses stop losing money on bad marketing."
Core Β· Part 3
What about you β what do you do?
The most powerful four words in networking. The dash creates a natural rhythm. It signals you're genuinely curious β not performing a monologue.
"What about you β what do you do?" / "What about you β what brings you here tonight?"
Extender
My background is in [X], but now I focus on [Y].
Use this when someone asks a follow-up. It shows professional evolution β which is compelling at B2-C1 level. Not a summary of your rΓ©sumΓ©. A story arc.
"My background is in engineering, but now I focus on helping startups build their first sales process."
Extender
I specialize in [area].
One of the most useful C1-level phrases in professional conversation. More formal than "I work in." It implies depth, expertise, and focus.
"I specialize in helping first-generation immigrants navigate the US job market."
Extender
It's been great talking with you.
A graceful, warm conversation closer. Use it BEFORE saying goodbye β not as you're already walking away. The timing is what makes it native. Timing Key
"It's been great talking with you β are you on LinkedIn? I'd love to stay in touch."
Extender
I'd love to stay in touch β are you on LinkedIn?
The most natural way to close a networking conversation in the US. Offering LinkedIn instead of demanding a phone number is the professional move. Always lead with LinkedIn.
"I'd love to stay in touch β are you on LinkedIn? Or I can give you my card."
Avoid These
What NOT to say at networking events
β "I am a teacher / manager / accountant."
β β Use "I help [people] [do something]" instead
β β Use "I help [people] [do something]" instead
β "Um, I kind of do marketing and stuff."
β β Filler words signal low confidence β kill them
β β Filler words signal low confidence β kill them
β "Nice to meet you." (then silence)
β β Always follow with a question to open the conversation
β β Always follow with a question to open the conversation
Real Examples
Full pitch in action
Example 1 (B2):
"Hi, I'm Ana β great to meet you. I help small restaurant owners in Miami fill their tables using Instagram. What about you β what do you do?"
Example 2 (C1):
"Hi, I'm David β I don't think we've met. I specialize in helping Latino professionals land executive roles at US companies. My background is in HR, but now I focus on coaching. What brings you here tonight?"
Drilling 1 Β· Effective or Not?
8 min
Practice Β· Identify & Evaluate
Effective or Not? β 8 Real Pitches to Judge
Drilling 1 Β· Evaluate
Read each pitch. Is it effective or not?
Read each networking pitch below. Decide: is it effective (memorable, structured, opens conversation) or not effective (vague, too long, no question, filler words)? Click your answer β then read why.
Drilling 2 Β· Conversations
12 min
Practice Β· Interactive Drilling
Real Networking Conversations β Pick the Best Response
Drilling 2 Β· Conversations
8 Real Moments β What Would You Say?
Each situation is from a real networking event. Read the conversation and pick the most native, most effective response. You have 20 seconds β don't overthink it. Good English flows.
Fluency Sprint
7 min
Production Β· Fluency Sprint
Build Your Pitch β Then Say It Out Loud
π― Your 30-Second Pitch
First, build your personal pitch using the formula. Then hit Start Sprint β you'll have 5 seconds to get ready, then 30 seconds to say your pitch out loud. Away from the screen. Like you're at a real event. That's the Language Mindset.
Part 1 β Your Name + Opener
Write Part 1 in full β your name + opening phrase.
Part 2 β I help...
Start with "I help..." β be specific. Who + what outcome.
Part 3 β The Handoff Question
End with a question. This is the chunk that opens the conversation.
Your Pitch
GET READY...
Read your pitch. Take a breath.
5
Your Pitch β Reference
π
You did it, familia!
Practice it 3 more times today. Out loud. In the mirror, in the car, in the shower. The pitch needs to live in your mouth β not just your head.
Use it this week. At a work meeting, on a Zoom call, at any social event. The only way to own a pitch is to use it in the real world β that's what real English means.
Watch what happens. When you end with "What about you?" β people light up. That question is the difference between a monologue and a real conversation.
π Live Practice β The Networking Room
You're at a real networking event. Your instructor assigns the room β some of you are speakers at the event, some are first-timers, some are recruiters. You have 90 seconds per conversation. When your instructor says "Switch," you move to a new person. Goal: use your pitch AND respond naturally to theirs.
π― Full 3-part pitch every time
β‘ End with a question β always
π¬ Respond to their pitch genuinely
π§ No script β just chunks
The C1 Challenge: After your pitch, your partner will ask you a follow-up question. Answer it using one of these: "My background is in [X], but now I focus on [Y]" or "I specialize in..." or "What I really love about it is..." β and then redirect back with a question. That's native-level conversation management. That's the Language Mindset, familia.
