How Stories Happen How to write better pitches to book speaking gigs [Jay's go-to format]
7 snips
Mar 11, 2026 A practical take on why most pitches fail and how to close the context gap with decision makers. A simple Align–Agitate–Assert–Invite format for crafting session descriptions. Real examples of title, subtitle, and a full pitch walkthrough to make outreach clearer. Tips on turning individual pitches into momentum instead of chasing attention.
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Green Smoothie Moment Shows Context Gap
- Jay Acunzo describes his first and last CrossFit experience that began with camaraderie and ended with being handed a green smoothie.
- The green smoothie becomes a mnemonic for a pitch that looks good to you but repels others without context.
The Green Smoothie Problem Is A Context Gap
- The green smoothie problem is the context gap between what you know and what your gatekeeper knows, causing them to reject pitches.
- Pitching without closing that gap forces others to mentally do your years-long journey in seconds and often fail.
Pitch Why Your Idea Matters Not The Topic
- Stop pitching your talk; instead pitch why the idea matters and why it's urgent for their audience.
- Focus less on listing topics and more on the single change attendees will experience.