Mistakes in an English pitch at South Summit can put investors off even when the product is good, because they undermine the clarity, credibility and confidence the team projects. If you are wondering which mistakes to avoid in an English pitch in order to capture investors’ attention, remember that presentations usually last between 3 and 5 minutes, so every message counts. Below…
Having a good product is no longer enough if you cannot communicate it. At events such as South Summit, many startups lose opportunities not for lack of innovation but because of language mistakes in their English pitch. In this article you will see the most common errors, how to avoid them and what you can do to get your proposition across with clarity and credibility in front of international investors.
English as an invisible filter at international events
In a setting like South Summit, English is not just a language: it is the main decision-making channel. A poorly delivered pitch can raise doubts, even when the idea is solid.
It is not about having a perfect level, but about avoiding mistakes that affect comprehension or professional perception. Very often the problem is not what you say, but how you say it.
Common mistakes in an English pitch
Literal translation from Spanish
One of the most frequent mistakes is thinking the speech in Spanish and translating it word for word. This produces unnatural sentences that are hard to follow.
For example, saying “We have 5 years doing this” instead of “We have been doing this for 5 years”.
Mistakes of this kind convey insecurity and reduce fluency. In fact, it is a very common problem among Spanish speakers, as explained in this article on common mistakes in job interviews in English and how to avoid them, which looks at how a lack of language preparation directly affects the outcome.
Incorrect use of verb tenses
English in business contexts demands precision about time. Confusing present, past and future can change the message completely.
For example, saying “We launch the product next month” is not the same as “We are launching the product next month”. An investor needs to understand clearly what stage the project is at.
Pronunciation that gets in the way of understanding
It is not about sounding native, but about being understood. In a pitch, pronunciation has a direct impact on credibility.
Mistakes such as not marking endings properly, confusing sounds or mispronouncing figures can create crucial misunderstandings.
Overuse of generic words
Expressions such as “very good” or “many things” fall short in a professional pitch.
An effective pitch needs precision: “scalable solution”, “market validation” or “early traction” add clarity and substance.
Cultural mistakes that also affect the pitch
Lack of a clear structure
In English, and especially in business settings, a direct delivery is expected.
Problem
Solution
Market
Traction
Team
When this is not clear, the pitch loses impact.
Not adapting the tone to an international context
In Spanish it is common to circle around ideas. In English, by contrast, getting to the point is valued.
Clarity, concision and confidence are key. Long or ambiguous sentences create mistrust.
Not understanding the importance of professional communication
In international settings, it is not only the language that matters but how the message is delivered. A language mistake can have real consequences in negotiations, agreements or decisions.
This is clearly seen in interpreting contexts, where precision is critical. This article on professional interpreting vs translation and their key differences explains how poor delivery of a message can directly affect results in business settings.
How to improve your English pitch before an event
Prepare a script that is adapted, not translated
Building the pitch directly in English avoids unnatural structures and improves fluency.
Practise with feedback
You need to spot mistakes you cannot see yourself: pronunciation, grammar or a lack of clarity. Recording yourself speaking is one of the most effective ways to detect your own errors. A USB microphone lets you make those recordings with good sound quality and hear yourself the way others hear you.
Simplify the message
A clear, direct pitch works better than a complex one full of mistakes.
Work on specific vocabulary
Every sector has its own language. Mastering it conveys professionalism and confidence.
Why these mistakes put investors off
An investor does not only assess the product, but also the team.
Mistakes in the pitch can raise doubts about the capacity to go international, the level of preparation or the execution of the project.
In a competitive environment, these details make the difference.
Getting your South Summit pitch ready?
We train your presentation in English and your investor Q&A with real feedback, so that you communicate with clarity, structure and credibility.
Ask us for a proposal →Frequently asked questions
No. What matters is being clear, structured and avoiding mistakes that get in the way of understanding.
Usually between 3 and 5 minutes. The key is to get to the point.
Ideally you master the structure and practise, but without sounding rehearsed.
A good product can miss its opportunity if the English pitch has not been properly worked on. At South Summit, communicating well is part of the value proposition.
If you want to improve your professional English, prepare presentations or train your communication in international settings, at ALOS we can help you with training tailored to real situations.