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Can AI write a killer business pitch?
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With the rise of AI (and our everyday reliance on it), IMAGE Business Editor Leonie Corcoran asks the question – does human mastery still trump machine assistance when pitching your business?
In the realm of entrepreneurship, the ability to deliver a compelling business pitch can make or break an idea. Legends like Steve Jobs have shown us that the best pitches are more than just facts, they’re storytelling masterclasses infused with passion, vision and emotional connection. Now, with artificial intelligence (AI) advancing rapidly, a provocative question arises: can AI generate a killer business pitch that matches the impact of those delivered by human storytelling visionaries?
Let’s explore what AI would produce versus what the leaders like Steve Jobs, Oprah Winfrey, Richard Branson and Elon Musk have crafted, and what this comparison indicates about the future of pitching.
The heart of a great pitch: human storytelling
Steve Jobs’ presentations – like his debut of the iPhone in 2007 – are often celebrated for their simplicity, clarity and drama. His storytelling was meticulously crafted: he narrated a problem the audience resonated with, then revealed his solution as a transformative device. His words, “Today, Apple is going to reinvent the phone,” became iconic because of the emotional weight and confidence he conveyed.
Jobs’ magic wasn’t just in the facts; it was in the delivery. His tone, pacing and enthusiasm created a compelling narrative that made listeners feel they were part of something revolutionary.
If we asked AI to generate a pitch about the same product, it might produce something like: “Introducing the new iPhone. It features a revolutionary touch interface, fast processing, and a high-resolution display. This sleek device combines advanced technology with a user-friendly design to improve your mobile experience.”
While factual, this pitch is functional but lacks emotional depth. It’s clear, concise and accurate – all elements to be recommended for effective communication – but it is somewhat sterile, lacking storytelling, enthusiasm or a connection to the user’s aspirations.
Similarly, Oprah Winfrey’s legendary speeches and interviews revolve around authentic storytelling that builds emotional bonds. Whether discussing her own struggles or celebrating others’ triumphs, Oprah’s genuine warmth and clarity transform her narratives into powerful emotional journeys. Her ability to connect deeply with her audience has made her one of the most influential communicators of our time.
A genuine sense of enthusiasm is echoed in Richard Branson’s pitches – whether for Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Galactic – which feature vision and a sense of adventure. Branson inspires his audience by painting vivid pictures of future possibilities, emphasising boldness and a shared passion for innovation. His storytelling isn’t just about business; it’s about daring to dream big and inviting others to join the journey.
Another man to get excited about his pitches (regardless of your thoughts about the man himself) is Elon Musk. When unveiling Tesla’s Cybertruck or SpaceX’s reusable rockets, his speeches are often marked by technical clarity combined with visionary excitement. Musk doesn’t shy away from discussing complex technology, but he frames it within a broader narrative of humanity’s future – colonising Mars, sustainable energy or transforming transportation. His speeches are direct yet compelling, blending technical detail with a bold, forward-looking vision that energises investors and the public.
What AI Would Write
If we asked AI to generate pitches for Oprah, Musk and Branson, this is how it might compare:
Oprah Winfrey: “I know what it’s like to be at the bottom, to feel lost and helpless. But I’ve also seen how resilience and hope can transform lives – mine included. Today, I want to share a story that I believe will remind us all: that no matter how difficult life gets, we have the strength inside us to change our lives and inspire others.”
Why it works: Oprah’s message is deeply personal, authentic, and layered with emotion. She shares her own struggles, creating a sense of trust and vulnerability that draws listeners in. Her voice conveys warmth, empathy, and genuine conviction, turning a simple message into a universal call for resilience.
AI: “This product helps you lead a healthier life with features designed to support your wellness journey. It’s easy to use and provides reliable results to keep you motivated.”
Why it falls short: The AI pitch focuses on features – clear and straightforward – but lacks emotional storytelling. It doesn’t evoke warmth, vulnerability, or a sense of shared human experience. Unlike Oprah’s speech, this is more informative than inspiring.
Richard Branson: “Imagine yourself soaring above the clouds in our Virgin Galactic spacecraft, with the Earth shrinking below you, a swirling blue and green ball of life. Think about the thrill of experiencing space firsthand, witnessing the universe in a way only a few have seen. This isn’t just an adventure — it’s a revolution, opening up the cosmos for all of us, daring us to dream bigger than ever before.”
Why it works: Branson’s words paint a vivid, almost cinematic picture. He appeals to dreams and aspirations, tapping into a universal longing for exploration and discovery. His storytelling stirs excitement and creates a personal connection through a shared sense of adventure.
AI: “Our space travel service offers flights into suborbital space, providing customers with a view of Earth from space. It’s a unique opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Why it falls short: The AI pitch generates a factual description, highlighting the offering but missing the emotion – no imagery, no sense of wonder or adventure, just a list of features. It lacks the evocative language that ignites the listener’s imagination.
Elon Musk: “We’re on the cusp of a new era — one where humans can become a multiplanetary species, exploring and colonising Mars. Our reusable rockets will drastically cut costs, making space travel more accessible to everyone. It’s not just about technology; it’s about ensuring humanity’s future, spreading life beyond Earth, and unlocking the vast potential of what we can achieve as a civilisation.”
Why it works: Musk’s words are forward-looking and ambitious, connecting technological innovation with a larger purpose for humanity. His tone is confident, and he frames his vision as a shared mission that inspires hope and excitement about the future.
AI: “Our rockets are designed to be reusable, reducing costs and increasing efficiency for space missions, with the goal of enabling human space travel.”
Why it falls short: While technically accurate and clear, the AI version offers a cold, technical summary. It lacks the passion, bigger vision, and emotional appeal that Musk conveys—elements that motivate and mobilise audiences.
The magic
These comparisons highlight a critical truth: the most effective pitches combine factual information with heartfelt storytelling, vivid imagery and emotional resonance. While AI can support the drafting process — sourcing data, suggesting wording and organising ideas — it cannot yet replicate the authentic passion, vision and emotional intelligence that make human storytelling so powerful.
Entrepreneurs can use AI tools to streamline their content, but the true magic happens when they bring their own authenticity, enthusiasm and vision into the story. That’s what inspires audiences, convinces investors and ultimately transforms a good pitch into a great one.
Entries to The Pitch 2025 are officially closed. Stay tuned for our shortlist announcement on Monday, September 1, on our Hub.
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