Instructions
Welcome to the Power Pitch and Negotiation Workshop! These activities will help you turn your ideas into reality and teach you how to reach fair agreements with others. Follow these steps:
- Read the Pitch Guide: Look at the example pitch to understand how to hook an audience.
- Draft Your Pitch: Fill in the template using an idea of your own (like a new club, a business, or a school change).
- Take the Negotiation Quiz: Use your logic and the provided definitions to solve the 10 real-life scenarios.
- Challenge Yourself: Complete the bonus activity if you finish early!
Part 1: The Perfect Pitch Template
A pitch is a short, persuasive speech meant to spark interest in an idea. Below is a template to help you organize your thoughts.
Pitch Structure Example & Practice
| Pitch Element | Example: "The Solar Backpack" | Your Pitch Idea |
|---|---|---|
| Headline (Catchy Title) | Never Run Out of Power Again | |
| Problem Statement | Students' phones and tablets die during long school days. | |
| The Solution | A backpack with built-in, lightweight solar panels. | |
| Call to Action (The Ask) | Join our pilot program and test a bag today! | |
| Bonus Detail | It comes in five waterproof colors. | |
| Target Audience | Tech-savvy middle school students. |
Your Pitch Draft
Use the space below to write out your full pitch in complete sentences based on your notes in the table above.
Headline:
The Problem:
The Solution:
The Call to Action:
Part 2: Negotiation Master Quiz
Before you start, review these three key terms:
- Interest: The reason why you want something (e.g., wanting a later curfew because you want more time with friends).
- Concession: Something you give up to reach an agreement (e.g., agreeing to do extra chores to get that later curfew).
- BATNA: Stands for Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement. It is your "Plan B" if the current deal falls through.
Circle the best answer for each scenario:
-
You are selling a bike for $50. A buyer offers $40. You say, "I'll take $45 if you pick it up today." What is the $45 offer called? a) A demand b) A concession c) A BATNA
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You want to stay up until 10:00 PM to watch a game. Your parents want you in bed at 9:00 PM. Your Interest is: a) Watching the game b) Defeating your parents c) Sleeping longer
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If you can’t agree on a price for a used video game at a garage sale, your BATNA might be: a) Buying it brand new at the store for full price b) Having no game at all c) Both A and B could be your Plan B
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In a negotiation, a "Win-Win" outcome means: a) You got everything and the other person got nothing b) Both people found a solution that meets their main interests c) You both gave up and walked away angry
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Which of these is a concession during a group project meeting? a) "I refuse to do any of the typing." b) "I will do the typing if you handle the cover art." c) "I am the leader, so I pick the topic."
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Why is it important to know your BATNA before you start talking? a) So you know when to walk away from a bad deal b) So you can trick the other person c) To make the negotiation take longer
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You want a dog. Your parents say no because dogs are messy. Your parents' interest is: a) Hating animals b) Keeping a clean house c) Buying a cat instead
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During a negotiation, you realize the other person is getting upset. The best move is to: a) Talk louder so they listen b) Ask a question to understand their interests better c) Give up immediately
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You are trading snacks. You have an apple; your friend has cookies. You don't actually like cookies that much. Your BATNA is: a) Eating your apple b) Begging for the cookies c) Throwing your apple away
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Which of the following is a clear Call to Action? a) "Maybe we could think about this later." b) "Sign this petition today to help save the park!" c) "I think parks are generally a good idea for kids."
Extension Challenge (Optional)
Think of a recent argument or disagreement you had.
- What was your Interest?
- What was a Concession you made (or could have made)?
- What was your BATNA?
Answer Key
Part 1: (Self-evaluated based on inclusion of all 4 elements: Headline, Problem, Solution, CTA).
Part 2:
- b) A concession (You lowered your price to meet in the middle).
- a) Watching the game (The reason behind the time request).
- c) Both A and B (Your BATNA is whatever happens if this specific deal fails).
- b) Both people found a solution...
- b) "I will do the typing if..." (Trading tasks to reach an agreement).
- a) So you know when to walk away (It gives you confidence and a safety net).
- b) Keeping a clean house (The concern behind the 'no').
- b) Ask a question (Understanding the other side helps lower tension).
- a) Eating your apple (If the trade isn't good, you just keep what you have).
- b) "Sign this petition..." (A specific, actionable instruction).