As public relations students we have all become familiar
with a “pitch,” also known as OPEN MY E-MAIL AND GIVE MY CLIENT SOME PRESS! I’ve
recently realized the pitch is present not only in the PR world, but in the
dating world as well.
Going into my senior year as a PR student, I have learned
and practiced my “elevator pitch,” (name, major, internship(s), future goals,
etc. all in 30 seconds), similar to a speed date. This type of pitch has been
learned in the classroom and utilized in networking and business events. Unfortunately
it seems as though people cannot get out of this “pitch” mindset, even in
social settings.
So the question is, is a pitch the new pick- up line? According
to Web definitions, a pick-up line is a conversation opener with the intent of engaging an unfamiliar
person for romance or dating. This definition is ultimately the same as
what a pitch is (minus the romance and dating part).
This
post can be taken two ways:
1. When
brainstorming a pitch to the media, think of it as “engaging an unfamiliar
person.” You have done enough research on this person to know what his/her
niche is, so be confident and personalize your pitch, just as your personalize
your pick- up lines.
2. Stop with the “elevator pitches” when
out. Whether it is a happy hour, night out, or randomly bumping into someone of
interest. Not every setting needs to be so professional you need to share your
life goals within the first five minutes. Save the pitch for another time, and
live in the moment.
What are your thoughts? Do you think a pitch and pick-up
line can have the same meaning? Have you ever experienced it? We’d love to
know!
This guest blog post was written by PRowl staff member Amanda White.
