the pitch

My pitch took eighty minutes. I was distracted, incoherent and way too relaxed it would seem that I was just talking to friends over bottles of beer.

I was two hours early in the venue. "Why don't you go down and have coffee first," the coordinator told me. "I'm good, I'll just wait here," I answered. Then she left. My heart was racing, another cup of coffee would make me a nervous wreck. I thought that by being early I could familiarize myself with the environment. I would be more comfortable. The pitch would be a breeze.

There were six filmmakers scheduled to pitch that day. I was the first on the list. 

I practiced my opening remarks. "Good evening. My name is Gutierrez Mangansakan II from Pagalungan, Maguindanao..." I was stammering. Despite the 15 degree temperature, I was sweating like a dog.