Blake Barbera of Wet Feet PR, one of my favorite PR blogs, has some great advice for young PR professionals on pitching stories to the media. I look at pitching from a salesman’s view- Know your product! The more you know about the particular story you’re pitching, the more confident you’ll be on the phone. Perhaps more importantly, you’ll develop a reputation as a knowledgeable and useful source to reporters.
I remember how incredibly nervous I was making my very first pitch, and I still get a bit nervous when pitching to a new reporter. I also remember how great it felt when the reporter I spoke with decided to follow-up and run the story I pitched. Pitching, like all professional skills, gets easier with experience. I suppose I still have a lot to learn. 
This post brings back some very evocative memories.
Today I can rationalise the process but I clearly remember those early moments of trying to find common ground with a journalist are so very important.
I don’t think we can ever stop learning. Thanks for the mention.