Think about the reasons why pay raises are not granted. Do this from the perspective of the organization. Did the company make a profit the previous year? Was there a loss of market share? Is the company being driven into the ground by poor management? The key factor is and will be your own performance. Did you add value to the company? Does your manager have to always check your work? Are you always on time? Etc., etc., etc. Be factual and get to the point because I have to listen to everyone in the class