How To Deliver An Elevator Pitch That Won’t Be Forgotten

Here are 5 key steps to create an impressive elevator pitch: plan, prepare, and stand out from the crowd

Crafting a concise and impactful elevator pitch can significantly influence your professional opportunities. An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech, often lasting just 30 seconds to 2 minutes, that is designed to capture interest in what you offer. Let’s explore the art of creating an effective elevator pitch, offering tips on how to write one and highlighting common pitfalls to avoid, ensuring you make a memorable impression in any quick introduction.

What Is an Elevator Pitch?

Also known as a quick pitch, speech bite, or 30-second commercial, an elevator pitch is a summary of your product, idea, or service in a brief but compelling manner. Its primary objective is to capture the listener’s attention and make a lasting impression on them. A quick pitch is an excellent networking tool, whether in job interviews or business meetings.

How Long Should an Elevator Pitch Be?

The ideal length for an elevator speech is under 2 minutes. The trick to crafting an effective elevator pitch is to be brief, concise, and straightforward. The pitch should provide the most important details about your product, idea, or service in an easily understood manner.

How to Write an Elevator Pitch

Crafting a powerful elevator pitch requires careful planning and preparation. Here are five key steps to help you create an elevator pitch that stands out:

1. Identify your pitch’s goal: Determine what you hope to accomplish with your pitch. Are you trying to sell a product, network with potential clients, or persuade investors to invest in your idea?
2. Define your target audience: Determine who your pitch is aimed at, their interests, and their needs.
3. Craft a hook: Start with a statement that grabs the listener’s attention. A surprising fact, a provocative question, or a compelling story can all work as a hook.
4. Outline key points: Organize your thoughts in a logical sequence and determine the most important information to convey.
5. Practice and refine: Practice delivering your pitch until it sounds natural and flows smoothly. Get feedback from friends or colleagues and adjust your pitch as necessary.

Remember to tailor your pitch to the specific audience and context of the situation.

Elevator Pitch Examples

• My name is John and I’m the founder of a new health and wellness app. Our app helps users track their daily activity levels, monitor their nutrition intake, and provides personalized workout plans based on their fitness goals. We’ve already gained a lot of traction in the market and have received positive feedback from beta testers. Our goal is to make it easier for people to live healthier lifestyles by providing them with the tools and support they need. Would you be interested in learning more?

• Hello everyone, my name is Sarah and I’m a freelance marketing consultant. I specialize in helping small businesses increase their online presence and drive more traffic to their websites. I’m passionate about helping entrepreneurs achieve their goals and I’ve worked with clients across a range of industries, from healthcare to e-commerce. I’m excited to be here and I’d love to connect with anyone who’s interested in learning more about my services or sharing their own experiences as a business owner.

What Not to Do in an Elevator Pitch

Here are four common mistakes to avoid when crafting your elevator pitch:

1. Try not to be too vague: Be specific and clear, avoiding technical jargon that may not be familiar to your audience.
2. Don’t focus too much on yourself: While it’s important to introduce yourself, the pitch’s focus should be on your product, idea, or service.
3. Avoid being too pushy: Your goal is to spark interest, not force someone to make a decision on the spot.
4. Don’t forget to listen: Engage in a conversation rather than a monologue. Be open to feedback and questions from your listener.

The Must-Have Tool for Making Connections

A good elevator pitch is a powerful tool for networking events, job interviews, and business meetings. By following the steps outlined above and avoiding common mistakes, you can craft an effective elevator pitch that captures your listener’s attention and leaves a lasting impression.

In conclusion, crafting an elevator pitch is an essential skill for anyone looking to make a lasting impression in a short timeframe. Keep your pitch brief, concise, and focused while being specific, engaging, and open to feedback. With practice, you can craft an elevator pitch that will set you apart and open doors to new opportunities.

Three Most Important Reasons You Should be Networking for Your Small Business

By Leslie Radford

**Updated February 2024

Leslie Radford

See Full Bio