how to write a perfect elevator pitch

Dan Ponomarenko , CEO of Webvizio , offered this pitch:

“At Webvizio, we streamline web project management for digital teams, making collaboration seamless. Our platform allows you to visualize changes, communicate in real time, and manage feedback efficiently — all in one place. We eliminate the clutter of back-and-forth emails, so you can focus on what you love: creating. Interested in simplifying your project processes and enhancing team productivity?”

2. "Deliver a clear tech talent solution with EchoGlobal Tech . "

Lou Reverchuk , Co-Founder and CEO of EchoGlobal Tech , offered this pitch:

“Hello, I‘m Lou, representing EchoGlobal Tech, where we bridge the gap between innovative tech projects and top remote software developers. At EchoGlobal, we understand that the right talent makes all the difference. That’s why we guarantee no AI matchmaking and no juniors pretending to be senior devs. Always quality over quantity with us. Imagine having a dedicated expert who truly understands your project‘s vision and transforms it into reality. Let’s set up a time to discuss your hiring needs.”

3. "Simplify the insurance buying experience with Dundas Life "

Gregory Rozdeba , CEO of Dundas Life , offered this pitch:

“Imagine buying life insurance the way you shop online — quick, easy, and transparent. At Dundas Life, we streamline the complex process of finding the right insurance, making it accessible at your fingertips. With us, you‘re not just a policy number; you’re in control, informed, and secure. Let’s make insurance straightforward together.”

4. "Engage with real estate investment expertise with EZ Sell Homebuyers. "

Mike Wall , CEO of EZ Sell Homebuyers , offered this pitch:

“Looking to maximize your real estate investment? With over two decades of experience and a portfolio of over 30 properties, I provide tailored advice that turns real estate into real results. Let’s discuss how I can help you achieve your property investment goals today.”

5. "Enhance your online visibility with CodeDesign . "

Bruno Gavino , Founder and CEO of CodeDesign , offered this pitch:

“Hi, I’m Bruno from CodeDesign. We often see companies struggle to gain visibility in the digital space, losing potential revenue to competitors who dominate online. Our agency specializes in leveraging advanced data analytics and custom digital strategies to enhance your online presence, driving more traffic and increasing sales. Imagine what it would be like to see your business outperform competitors by simply optimizing your digital marketing. Let’s chat about how we can make that happen for you.”

6. "Illuminate spaces with quality lighting with Festoon House . "

Matt Little , Director at Festoon House , offered this pitch:

“Imagine transforming your space with lighting that‘s not only beautiful but also built to last. At Festoon House, we’re dedicated to crafting premium lighting solutions that elevate your style, enhance your ambiance, and stand the test of time. From modern chandeliers to industrial-chic fixtures, our products are designed to inspire and impress. Join the Festoon House family and let's brighten up your world together — one light at a time!”

7. "Solve food waste with RedBat.Agency . "

Gert Kulla , CEO of RedBat.Agency , offered this pitch:

“We're tackling the issue of food waste in restaurants. Our app allows diners to buy surplus food at a discount while helping venues reduce waste and generate extra revenue. This creates a win-win for businesses and customers looking to save money and curb food waste.”

8. "Elevate travel with JetLevel Aviation . "

Fahd Khan , Director of Marketing and Technology at JetLevel Aviation , offered this pitch:

“At JetLevel Aviation, we provide top-tier private jet charter services, ensuring fast, flexible, and seamless travel for high-profile clients. Unlike traditional charter companies, our bespoke solutions and access to a wide range of luxury jets guarantee that your travel experience is not just efficient but also tailored to your specific preferences and schedules. Let us elevate your travel experience to the next level.”

1. Keep it brief.

The purpose of an elevator speech is to be as brief as possible while capturing a prospect‘s attention. Try to stay under 60 seconds — including your introduction. Even if you’re delivering your elevator speech during a formal presentation, where you have time to elaborate if needed, keep the bulk of your pitch under sixty seconds.

If you don‘t, you won’t be able to use your pitch when you're chatting with prospects in situations with tighter time constraints — such as a tradeshow or a chance meeting.

2. Practice multiple times beforehand.

You may have written the most incredible elevator speech for your product, but if you hamper the delivery by misremembering or even forgetting parts of your pitch, it won't be an effective tool. Be sure to practice by yourself, with your manager, and with your colleagues.

The goal isn't just to memorize it, but to practice your tone, pace, and overall delivery.

3. Come prepared with additional materials.

When you‘re delivering your elevator pitch, be prepared to provide your prospect with what they need to continue the conversation. Whether that’s a business card, a brochure, or a short demo, carry all that you might need with you.

The elevator speech is your opportunity to begin a deal on the right foot and speed up the nurturing process. Typically, you might take weeks emailing a prospect before they're ready to schedule a meeting with you, but an elevator pitch speeds that work. You want to have the materials you need to keep the conversation going.

4. Be positive and enthusiastic.

It‘s essential to show your personality during your elevator pitch, but whether you’re a quiet, calm introvert or a charming, excitable extrovert, you should still convey positivity and enthusiasm.

You can use your body language and expression to keep things positive, even if your tone is quiet and calm. You might highlight the amazing benefits your prospect will enjoy if they sign up, or tell a positive story from one of your previous clients.

Most importantly, you should make it obvious that you want to help your prospect more than anything — which will make you sound positive by default.

5. Vary the tone of your voice.

As you deliver your pitch, vary your tone and modulation to keep your listener engaged. This will help you emphasize the most important parts of your speech — such as the benefits — while keeping your prospect‘s attention. The pitch may be short, but you’ll be surprised at how easily people can tune out based on your tone alone. We don‘t want to risk it! Especially if it’s a prospect you've never spoken with.

1. Don't ramble.

I‘ve been a rep at Sales-R-Us for five years now. They’re the best company I‘ve ever worked for. I’ve loved my time there. I started as a BDR and have worked my way up to a senior position. I‘ve never looked back. I also love the services we sell. I can’t wait to tell you about them. Sales-R-Us help companies become more efficient with their sales through training, evaluation, and leadership management — and that‘s just to name a few. We have a unique approach that’s been honed by lots of sales experts over the years, and I‘ve seen our solution really help a lot of companies and teams. I’ve had many clients whose businesses have been saved because of our genius solution. I know we can do the same for you. Would you be interested in learning more?

This elevator pitch is not effective because:

• It's way too long.
• The rep spends way too much time talking about themself.
• It never gets specific or actionable.
• It never provides actual examples or attention-grabbing facts.

2. Don't use too much jargon.

At Stratosphere Solutions, our OS-level virtualization delivers software in containers, all of which share the system of a lone operating system kernel. These containers are isolated but can communicate with one another through well-defined channels. Ultimately, this lets you use fewer resources than traditional virtual machines.

• It's inaccessible to someone without relevant technical knowledge.
• It features too much jargon.
• It tries to condense an extremely complicated topic into 30 seconds.
• Its value proposition isn't clear-cut.

3. Don‘t insert your prospect’s personal information.

I visited your Instagram and noticed that you have a pitbull. I have a pitbull, too! I bet he sometimes distracts you when you work from home, which is the absolute pits when you‘re trying to put together a report for your boss. Your dog — what’s his name? — may be asking for your attention, but I assure you you can still create a report as easy as 1-2-3 with AnswerASAP. While petting your pupperino.

• It sacrifices the hook in favor of creating a “personal connection.”
• It's too familiar with the prospect to the point of discomfort.
• It makes assumptions about the prospect's work-from-home tendencies.
• It uses informal slang (“the absolute pits,” “pupperino”) for unnecessary humor.

4. Don‘t under-emphasize the problem you’re solving.

It's possible that you may run into issues when putting reports together for your boss. For instance, things may go awry every once in a while, such as disappearing data or disagreeing sources. With AnswerASAP, you can lay those worries to rest. We have a few features that will help you with those issues if you ever run into them.

• It treats a customer problem as a possibility and not an urgent reality.
• It‘s vague (“things may go awry”) and doesn’t emphasize how those issues can hurt the prospect.
• It doesn‘t specify the product features that will solve the prospect’s challenges.
• Because it never goes into detail, it shows little research and care.

Remember, an elevator pitch should only come at someone else‘s prompting. If you’re spontaneously reciting it to random people, you're not doing yourself any favors. But if they ask, you want to be prepared with an interesting, well-crafted pitch.

Reel in Clients with an Effective Elevator Pitch

While a short speech may seem insignificant, those first conversations can hold some weight. With a well-crafted pitch, you can turn a single conversation with a prospect into a long-lasting customer, or even into a business partner. We hope you found these examples helpful and are inspired to craft your own effective elevator pitch.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in August 2019 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.

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Guide to Giving an Elevator Pitch, with Examples and Templates

February 15, 2021 - Dom Barnard

What’s an elevator pitch, when should you give one, how do you practice? This article will cover these questions and all the other essentials for an elevator pitch

If you’re in business, chances are you’ve been asked to give an elevator pitch at a networking event or business meeting. Sometimes you get time to prepare for it, other times you’ll need to do it impromptu.

The perfect elevator pitch can take a lot of effort to get right. Read this article on how to do this, as well as deliver it concisely whenever you need to.

What is an elevator pitch?

Advantages of using an elevator pitch, when to use an elevator pitch, example of an elevator pitch, how to create an elevator pitch, your elevator pitch template, practice – where, how and when.

When you go to an event and someone asks you the question “What do you do?”, your elevator pitch is what you use to answer this question.

It’s a short (less than 60 seconds) statement answering that question, as well as answering the question they haven’t asked and is likely in the back of their mind – “What’s in this conversation for me?”

The idea of an elevator pitch is to intrigue your listener and create interest, whether you’re simply chatting at a  networking event  or looking to gain investment for your business.

The name comes from the idea that your pitch should be no longer than the time it takes to ride an elevator.

If you’ve been nervous at a networking event and wondered what to say, or how to start a conversation, here’s your answer.

A practised elevator pitch builds your confidence and reduces your nerves, because you already know what to say, and you don’t have that awkward pause while you figure out how to introduce yourself.

You sound professional, you’re less likely to stumble with your words and create a  good first impression  with new contacts.

Elevator Pitch Practice

Practice delivering an elevator pitch in an online practice exercise that looks and feels like you are in an elevator. Receive feedback on your performance. Learn More

An elevator pitch can be used in a wide range of situations:

• To investors : build their interest in you and your product or service
• Website sales page : create a short description of your service which catches the reader’s attention
• Social media pages : Facebook page headline, your Twitter bio, and even your email signature
• Short bio about your book : Book authors are often told to write a short bio and a long bio, so readers can be drawn in and read the long bio
• Pitching a new idea to management : an elevator pitch can help you pitch a new product or idea to management
• Job interview : It could settle your nerves to have something ready to say to answer that standard question: “Tell me about yourself.”

You never know who you might meet, or who they might know. You might be chatting with your hairdresser, playing golf, shopping, or taking part in any number of activities that aren’t standard business events, and when someone asks you what you do, you’re ready to go with your polished and professional pitch.

You might find you want to create different pitches for different situations, as what you would say to a potential investor is very different from what you would say to someone visiting your stand at an exhibition.

No matter what you use it for, the whole idea is to engage the attention of your audience, and get them to want to know more.

Example of an elevator pitch:

When watching this 20 second elevator pitch, think about how she:

• Gives an easy to understand pitch
• Explains in a simple way what she does
• Provides a call to action
• Uses a confident posture
• Has a loud and clear voice

Watch the full video here:  Raising Private Finance Tips & Elevator Pitch

While an elevator pitch sounds great, you can’t just say “I do X” and leave it at that.

Bad examples of an elevator pitch:

• I’m a freelance writer, or an accountant or… the list goes on. There’s no intrigue in that, and no need to ask questions. People will quite happily assume what you do, decide they don’t need it and move on.
• I’m looking for people who want what I’m selling. Who? What people? Who is your target market? Be specific.
• The ‘It’s all about Me, and What I Want to Sell You’ pitch that goes on for a good half an hour. Don’t do that. Yes, you want to sell your business, but you need to sell yourself first by building genuine relationships, and listening at least as much as you talk. Read more about  active listening skills .

So, how do you get your pitch right?

• Before you write a word, identify your goal for the pitch, and your ideal audience. Now you know what you want to achieve and who you are looking for. Marketing to everyone is never a good idea. No business out there has a target market of ‘everyone’.
• Clearly explain what you do, but more importantly, answer ‘what’s in it for me?’ and give your audience a reason to care and to be intrigued.
• Work out your Unique Selling Point (USP) if you haven’t already, and incorporate it into your pitch.
• Finally, ask a question at the end, to engage your listener and start the conversation going.

Note : Don’t be so focused on delivering your perfect pitch that you forget to listen to the other person.

That’s the general format, but to really add to your pitch, think about the problems your target market has that you can solve. Draw attention to one of those problems and present how you can solve that, and you’ll have people intrigued.

If you have eye-opening and interesting statistics that really demonstrate the advantages of working with you, why not include one or two?

People  love social proof , so if you’ve worked for a large, well-known company or a celebrity, and you can talk about it, then mention it.

If you’re talking to your ideal customer and you’ve worked for their direct competitor, you can bet they want to hear about it.

Have a clear call to action, stating what you want, and what you want your audience to do next.

What you’re looking for with your pitch is what sets you apart, what’s fascinating about you and your company, and what will really hook people in to want to know more.

Here’s an example of an elevator pitch when asking for business. First introduce yourself, then provide a summary of what you do and explain what you want. Finally, finish with a call to action.

If you’re struggling with your pitch, then try working through our template below:

Elevator pitch template

I solve __________ problem for __________ target market, by __________, which brings them __________ benefit. Unlike our competitors, we __________ (insert your USP), because _________ (add what advantage that gives your customer). So, how does your company handle __________ (what you do or sell)?

Obviously, once you’ve got the answers down, you’ll want to reword that so it sounds natural to you, and is written in your voice, so you can deliver it well, without tripping over what you have to say.

Here’s an example to follow:

I create compelling content for engineering companies, by understanding their work and translating it to plain English, so their customers know exactly what they are getting, and they make more sales.

Unlike my competitors, I spend time with the company and meet the engineers, because that enables me to write more focused content, which attracts their ideal customers to their website.

So, how does your company handle customer outreach and conversion?

When you look at your pitch written down, it can seem like such a long statement, and a mouthful to actually say. Not to mention the possibility that if you haven’t said it before, you could easily forget parts of it, and lose the flow of what you are saying.

• Elevator Pitch: Online Course with Practice

The cure for all of these worries is practice.

• Spend time reading and re-reading your pitch  until you are happy with it, you’re sure it says what it needs to say, and doesn’t have anything that doesn’t need to be there. Make sure it’s written the way you naturally speak.
• Use  virtual reality (VR)  to practice  in a realistic environment and receive instant feedback on your speech.
• Then read it until you’re sure you can remember all of it.
• Stand in front of the mirror , and practice saying your elevator pitch over and over again. You might feel silly at first, but you will start to feel more confident about saying the words.
• Think about  how you deliver your pitch . How can you put it across so that you sound passionate and engaged yourself? You shouldn’t sound like you’re delivering it by rote, or that you’re reading it off the back of your hand. If you don’t sound interested in what you’re saying, you can’t expect your audience to be intrigued either.
• When you’re sure you have your pitch down,  look at your  body language . If you’re all hunched over, or stiff and tense, you won’t come across well to an audience, and you’ll appear under-confident.
• Relax your knees and your shoulders, stand with your feet at shoulder width apart, and relax.
• Think about your voice . Does it come across as confident and powerful, or shaky and nervous? Record yourself and see how you sound. Then try breathing deeper and speaking from your diaphragm, to sound more confident.
• Once you’re happy with the basics, get a few colleagues or friends together and  practice your speech in front of them . You’ll get used to saying it to other people, and your friends will give you feedback about what works and what doesn’t.
• The next step is to work on  answering any questions that your audience might have  once you’ve finished your pitch. Write down what you might get asked, and ask your colleagues to think up questions, too, then practice answering those questions with your colleagues or friends until you are completely confident.

Whatever you use your elevator pitch for, as long as it’s interesting, clearly states the benefits for your audience, and is well-practiced and delivered smoothly, you should now be able to more easily start conversations with people and get better results from your networking.

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15 creative elevator pitch examples for every scenario

A good elevator pitch can be the difference between landing your next big opportunity or falling short of the competition. But the reality is, people want to have meaningful conversations without the forced sales pitch. So how do you pitch yourself during a job interview or client meeting with authenticity? 

First things first: What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch, also known as an elevator speech, is an opportunity to share a quick summary of yourself and your product offerings. But a pitch can also be your chance at making a real connection that you can use later down the road. It’s not always an immediate benefit, but you should be prepared for any scenario in which you could be giving an elevator pitch. 

In reality, most people have given an elevator pitch whether they realize it or not. That’s because there are many different types of pitches—from interviews to new business opportunities. That makes preparing for your next pitch an important step in marketing both yourself and your company. 

When it comes to figuring out who to deliver your pitch to, you should aim for the best point of contact, not just the highest point of contact. Choosing connections that are related to or interested in what you’re offering will give you a better chance at making your sale. 

How long should an elevator pitch be?

One of the biggest unknowns about creating sample elevator pitches is how long they should be. In most cases, it will depend on what it’s about and who you’re pitching. A good rule of business etiquette is to make it as short as possible by carefully selecting the most important points. 

A study conducted by Microsoft found that the average person has an attention span of around eight seconds, meaning you’ll have to fight for that undivided attention. That’s no small task. So when it comes to a great elevator pitch, aim to keep it around 30 seconds—though the exact length can vary depending on your industry and what you’re pitching. 

When looking at pitch length based on industry, each one differs to some degree. Let’s take marketing for example. Your pitch opportunities will likely be to customers that come across your brand. And in that case, you have very little time to get your message across—whether it’s text, video, or imagery. But when it comes to sales, you may get the opportunity to expand your elevator pitch past 30 seconds. You will likely have plenty of networking opportunities where people are more than willing to listen to what you have to say. It really just depends on your medium and the audience’s eagerness to listen. 

But what if you can’t cut your elevator pitch down to 30 seconds? It may seem like your brand is too complicated to distill down to such a short timeframe, but if you’re pitching to the right audience you shouldn’t have that problem. Make sure you pitch to people related to your industry or a tangential audience that will be able to interpret your offerings. 

How to write an elevator pitch 

When it comes to writing an elevator pitch, it can be hard to decipher important facts from unimportant ones—this is why knowing how to effectively communicate in the workplace is important in the first place. For example, while it’s good to personalize your communication tactics wherever possible, it’s not necessary to give prospects an entire history lesson on your business. Only the most recent and relevant details should be included. To get started creating your own pitch, you first need to understand the basic components that make up any good elevator pitch.

Introduce yourself

All good pitches start with a short introduction. It could be as simple as stating your name and who you work for if those details apply. But the more personal you can make it, the more natural your elevator pitch will seem. Body language is also an important part of a solid introduction, as is eye contact. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when introducing yourself to a new prospect. 

Greet your audience in a way that’s appropriate for the occasion. Go formal for a business pitch or more casual for a fun event. With business meetings and networking events being held virtually, you’ll need to get creative with your introductions over video chat. You could even start with a lighthearted joke to break the ice. But whatever you do, make sure it’s relevant to your audience. 

Present the problem

All solutions start with a problem. Whatever you or your business is trying to solve, it’s important to get the point across early on in your elevator pitch to set the theme for the rest of your speech. An example problem: coordinating work between teams is chaotic.  

If possible, relate the problem back to your audience by using real-world examples. This will help make the problem more relevant and, hopefully, grab your audience’s attention. If your problem isn’t easy to explain, try using more than one example or a visual to really paint a picture for your audience. 

Offer the solution

If the problem is what draws the audience in, then the solution is what hooks them. This is your time to show them why they need your help. Here’s an example solution: Asana gives teams a system to organize and manage work so they know what to do, why it matters, and how to get it done.

The solution is arguably the most important part of an elevator pitch, so spend time perfecting it. If you’re pitching for a business, it’s likely the quick solution pitch has already been created. But again, it’s always better to personalize your pitch. So don’t be afraid to tweak it to fit your audience. If pitching for yourself, talk about the unique skills you’ve developed and why they would be beneficial to your prospect. 

Explain your value proposition

Now that you’ve piqued your audience’s attention, it’s time to seal the deal by explaining why your solution is better than anyone else's. An example value proposition is: Asana is the only platform that connects goals with the work needed to achieve them. 

The value proposition differs from the solution by focusing on why your audience should use your solution over a competitor’s. If you don’t have that answer just yet, perform a competitive analysis to compare your offerings or look to your executive summary. 

If your market is extremely niche and you don’t have a clear differentiator or significant competition, look to communication and interface capabilities. Consider why your idea or solution is original enough that someone would want to use it.   

Engage the audience

While most of the hard work is done, it’s important to engage your audience with a compliment or question before you part ways. Always err on the side of being genuine rather than delivering a scripted goodbye. 

There is no right or wrong way to engage your audience. While ending with a question can create a dialogue between you and your audience, a genuine compliment can go a long way. Think about what made you want to pitch them in the first place and use that to end the conversation. Lastly, don’t forget to swap contact information, such as a business card, if you don’t already have it. 

A foolproof elevator pitch template

Now that you know the basic components of a pitch, the next step is creating your very own elevator pitch. This template can work for just about any situation, from a job interview to pitching a small business or startup. That’s because we analyzed some of the most famous templates from industry experts—from Harvard research to Guy Kawasaki’s art of pitching—to create a foolproof template that will work in any situation. 

Plug your information into our elevator pitch template to draft a quick speech. While you won’t necessarily recite it word for word, it’s a great model to keep in mind in case you find yourself in a position where you’re not prepared with a personalized pitch.

Whether you’re looking for a pitch template for a job interview or for pitching your business, this template is a foolproof example for any situation you might find yourself in. 

General elevator pitch template

Use our elevator pitch template to start constructing your speech by adding statistics and personalized greetings where needed. This template incorporates the four parts explained above to hit all of the important details of a good elevator pitch. 

Introduction : “Hi I’m [name], a [position title] at [company name]. It’s great to meet you!”

Problem : “Since you work with [company name or industry] I figured you’d be interested to know that [problem + interesting statistic].”

Solution : “The great part about working at [your company’s name] is that we’ve been able to fix just that problem by [solution].”

Value proposition : “In fact, we’re the only company that offers [value proposition].”

CTA : “I think our solution could really help you. Are you available this week to speak further on this?”

Don’t be afraid to change up your pitch template based on your personality and professional expertise. We’ve also included personalized 30-second elevator pitch examples below to inspire personal facts you can add to create a more engaging speech .

30-second elevator pitch examples

Let’s dive into the best 30-second elevator pitch examples to help you create a pitch that’s both engaging and informative. Our examples take inspiration from the four elements included in the template above, to demonstrate how you'd pitch project management software to  increase productivity . Try a few or try them all to find one that best fits your personality and value proposition. 

Example 1: Short and sweet

This example is one of the most common you’ll come across. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best, but it’s a great example of a quick and easy pitch that fits almost any situation. When working on this type of elevator pitch, be sure to keep it as short and to the point as possible. Try to stick closely to the 30 seconds or less rule since the point is to be brief and transparent.

The problem is that work is chaotic no matter what industry you’re in or how good you are at your job. But a good project management software can help improve productivity and communication. I haven’t missed a deadline in years. If you’re interested in how it can help your team, give me a call and I can take you through some numbers. 

Example 2: Relatable over reliable

Sometimes the best way to grab your audience’s attention is to reel them in with a personal anecdote they’ll relate to. While it’s still important to drive home your solution, this approach puts more weight on making a personal connection rather than an immediate sale. 

It’s so great to finally meet you. How is business going? I heard you’ve been struggling with communication issues. My team and I struggled with that too. It wasn’t until we added project management software into our routine that we really saw an improvement in teamwork and overall communication. I hope you find a solution that works for your team. 

Example 3: Savvy with stats

Start your pitch off with a hook by dropping an attention-grabbing statistic. It’s important to have hard data to back up your statistics to ensure their accuracy before pitching. When it comes to a statistics pitch, it’s a good idea to come full circle at the end and connect how your solution can help solve that statistic.  

Did you know that despite having more ways to connect remotely, 60% of workers’ time is spent on work coordination with just 26% spent on skilled work and 14% on strategy? No wonder teams need help with project management. Implementing project management tools can decrease time spent on work coordination and help increase skilled work.

Example 4: Question everything

This example uses questions to make your pitch easily comprehensible. It also forces the audience to join in on the conversation rather than just presenting them with a speech. Try starting and ending with a question that makes the audience think about your pitch long after you leave the room.

Do you ever feel like you spend too much time on work about work? I’ve talked to so many people who share the same frustrations. I used to work long hours every day just trying to catch up. But do you know what? Ever since we started using project management software, I've been able to get so much more work done. Have you tried anything similar in the past?

Example 5: Comedic twist

If your pitch isn’t about a serious topic, you can add comedic twists to engage the audience. This is especially useful if giving a presentation. Add a GIF or quick funny clip in between slides to lighten the mood. If using this example, be sure it fits the occasion and tone of your company. 

Did you know that the average person can only pay attention for eight seconds? That’s not even long enough to place my coffee order in the morning. Maybe that’s why my barista always gets it wrong. But seriously, I think that’s why so many companies struggle to hit deadlines. 

Example 6: Tell a story

Use customer testimonials or your own personal story to paint a picture for the audience. This can be especially helpful if your topic is hard to explain in 30 seconds or less. Telling a story is a great way to add a relatable twist. 

We have a customer that transitioned to a fully remote workforce this year and needed help making sure deadlines were met. With our help, they were able to get up to 10% of their time back in their day and focus on more important things like strategic planning.  

Example 7: Emotionally driven

While this type of pitch may be more difficult to create, you have a better chance of winning over your audience if you can make your pitch emotionally driven. It’s also more likely they’ll be willing to share the experience with someone else down the road. It’s important to keep the emotions on the lighter side to prevent the conversation from steering too dark. Here is an example to inspire your own speech. 

It may seem like any other tool, but when you look closely it really is helping teams connect. And not just that, but it’s helping cultivate teams that actually enjoy working together on new projects. That’s something that’s hard to come by, but something everyone is looking for.  

Example 8: Write it first

While most speeches start by writing a general outline, you can opt to write the entire pitch from start to finish. This tends to create a thought-provoking and poetic flow once you do present your pitch. You’ll have to memorize this pitch, so practicing is a key element to this strategy. 

Hi, my name is Kelly! It’s great to meet you. You work for Apollo Enterprises, right? I’ve heard a lot about them. I actually heard that you’re looking for project management help. In my experience, any organization—whether sales or suppliers—needs help coordinating work and team communication. Work can be rather chaotic, especially now, without it. That’s why we’ve created a software tool that helps both individuals and teams organize their projects and communications all in one place. Have you ever thought about using something similar?

Example 9: End with a one-liner

Making a grand exit doesn’t come easily, but if you can pull it off your audience is sure to be impressed. Stay away from cliche one-liners and make your closing authentic to you. The point here is to leave them with a thought that they’ll remember after the meeting is over. Consider sharing a surprising statistic or question relevant to their business.

Over one-quarter (26%) of all deadlines are missed each week because of a lack of clarity. But with the right project management tools, that number could be much lower. So the question is, can your business afford not to use project management software? 

Elevator pitch examples by scenario

Now that we’ve covered the types of pitch examples, let’s dive into example elevator pitches for different scenarios. Whether you’re pitching for your business or yourself, you can use an elevator pitch to organize your thoughts and prepare for the real deal. Let’s look at key tips for any situation you may find yourself in. 

Example 10: Networking event

A networking event is probably the most common scenario you’ll run into. And with the new virtual-first culture, it may be even more challenging to make meaningful connections over video chat. That’s why it’s so important to prepare an elevator pitch that’s compelling no matter where you’re pitching it from. While most salespeople pitch casually in this environment, you may get the opportunity to meet an important executive. In which case, you’ll want to be prepared with a versatile pitch template. 

Great to meet you, I’m Kelly with Apollo Enterprises. We’ve been able to improve productivity and collaboration for teams all over the world. If you ever need help with project management, just reach out. I think we could make a huge impact on your company. I’ll make sure to keep your contact information handy as well. 

Example 11: Job interview

Looking for a new job or have career fairs coming up? Most interviews—whether with human resources, a recruiter, or a hiring manager—start with some form of the phrase, “Tell me about yourself.” This is an opportunity for job seekers to briefly explain themselves and their professional experience using industry buzzwords and key skills. Having an elevator pitch ready can ensure that you’re prepared when the opportunity presents itself. 

I’m Kelly, a specialist at Apollo Enterprises. I chose a career in project management because I had a passion for it, and now I can proudly say that I’ve been able to make a real difference in people’s lives. That’s why I’m looking to continue my career with an employer who shares those same values. I know my unique skills can make a big impact at your company because I’ve proven my results with a few key projects. 

Example 12: Formal meeting

You’ve landed the meeting, congratulations! Now is the time to create a formal elevator pitch to really get them interested. When presenting a formal pitch, a presentation can be a great addition to traditional elevator speech examples. But whether or not you choose to create a presentation, this meeting is about selling your product in the most professional way possible. So dress the part and don’t forget your unique selling proposition. 

I took a look at your current productivity figures and noticed an opportunity for improvement. With our project management software, you could get back up to 10% more of your workday. Not only would that mean more work getting done, but it would also have a positive impact on the overall success of your business. Not to mention, our tool is the only one in the industry that has goal capabilities to ensure teams stay on track. 

Example 13: Sales pitch 

Professionals often pitch traditional sales jargon, but the real key is creating a human connection while lightly sprinkling in what you’re selling. Start with a personal story or light-hearted introduction instead of the typical sales presentation. You can also prepare by creating sales team goal templates to ensure your team is on the same page. 

Our team really struggled to transition to a remote workforce. Communication wasn’t organized and people struggled to find the correct information to complete projects. But, thankfully, we found a solution to our problem. Implementing project management tools not only improved productivity but also improved overall teamwork. Every company prefers different tools, but I can say without a doubt that our software was the best at connecting goals with the work needed to achieve them. 

Example 14: Social introduction

Now, more than ever, professionals are choosing to meet virtually rather than face-to-face. Whether you’re chatting over LinkedIn or have a virtual meeting set up, it’s important to make your pitch personal and use clear visuals to help sell your point. Here’s a great example of a social media pitch. 

Thanks for connecting! I noticed that your competitors are outperforming you when it comes to year-over-year growth. I took the liberty of doing a competitive analysis and didn’t find any outlying problems. I’m wondering if it could be an issue with productivity. How has the transition to remote work been? If you’re interested, I could run you through some productivity figures if you were to add project management tools to your current processes. 

Example 15: Entrepreneurs and business owners

Pitching to a business owner is much different than pitching to an executive. They can be harder to sell because they are often hesitant about new investments. The most important tip is to use examples as they pertain to the business when explaining a problem and solution.  

I love your products at Apollo Enterprises. I’m a huge proponent of your mission. I did realize that there may be some opportunities to improve productivity and collaboration internally. Have you ever considered project management software? I think it could have a big impact on business growth now or even down the road. 

4 tips to perfect your elevator pitch

In addition to creating the perfect elevator pitch, you should also work on sprucing up your delivery. There’s nothing worse than sitting through a boring speech, so make sure yours is anything but. From posture to tone, there’s a lot you can practice to make sure you look professional and knowledgeable. Consider these four tips when trying to nail a successful elevator pitch. 

1. Stick to your outline

To prevent getting off-topic, it’s important to stick to your outline at least to some extent. While you don’t need to recite it word for word, it’s best to memorize the majority of your pitch. That way you won’t need to worry about checking your notes. 

2. Speak slowly and clearly

Many professionals tend to talk quickly when they’re nervous—hey, we’re only human. But it’s important to enunciate and speak slowly so the audience can understand you. This is especially important when presenting over video chat. But try not to slow yourself down too much or you’ll go over your allotted time. 

3. Record your pitch

Record yourself reciting the pitch to work on any areas that need improvement. Practice your pitch a handful of times by playing the recording back and working out any pain points. A couple of key areas to focus on are speed and tone. It’s better to sound overly energized rather than monotone. 

4. Practice, practice, practice!

There’s nothing more effective than practicing your pitch until you’re able to recite it in your sleep. If possible, practice in front of friends and family to get constructive feedback on how you can make your pitch even better. Even if you have years of experience, you can never go wrong with being overly prepared. 

Elevate your first impression with an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a chance to show off your strengths and pitch your solutions. While it may sound nerve-wracking, using the 15 elevator pitch examples above will help you develop your own method using personal tidbits that tie into your innovative solutions.

While your pitch is an important part of leveling up your business, there are many avenues you can take to achieve growth. One of those ways is by determining whether project management vs. work management tools are right for your team. Not only will they help connect your team members, but the right tools and software can also help your organization set strategic goals. That means more time spent on bigger projects to help your business reach next-level growth. 

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How to Craft the Perfect Elevator Speech in 2024 (With Examples)

• The Speaker Lab
• May 6, 2024

Table of Contents

Have you ever gotten onto an elevator with someone important and wished you had more time to talk to them? Or maybe you’re at a networking event and only have a few short minutes to introduce yourself to someone you’ve always wanted to connect with. In life, there are many situations where you only have a few seconds to make an impression that lasts. That’s where your elevator speech comes in. Today, we’ll explore the art of crafting the perfect elevator pitch—one that’s clear, concise, and compelling. Here’s how to make every second matter so that you’re unforgettable to anyone lucky enough to cross paths with you.

What Is an Elevator Speech?

You’ve probably heard the term “elevator speech” thrown around, but what exactly does it mean? An elevator speech (or elevator pitch) is a brief, persuasive speech that you use to introduce yourself, your product, or your company. In addition, you should also try to provide a short overview of your own background and experience.

As the name suggests, your elevator speech should be short enough to present during a quick elevator ride. Practically, that means you only have about 30-60 seconds to communicate your unique skills and what you can offer to a company or organization. The goal? To share your knowledge and credentials quickly and effectively with people who don’t know you.

Importance of Having a Strong Elevator Speech

Think of an elevator speech as a personal sales pitch. Having a strong, well-crafted elevator pitch can help you stand out from the crowd, whether you’re at a networking event, job interview, or just meeting someone new. It’s a great way to make a positive first impression and leave people wanting to know more about you.

You can use your elevator pitch in a variety of situations, such as:

• Job interviews
• Career fairs
• Networking events
• Professional conferences
• Social gatherings

Basically, anytime you need to introduce yourself professionally, an elevator pitch comes in handy. It’s a valuable tool to have in your career toolkit.

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Key Elements of a Memorable Elevator Speech

So, what makes a good elevator speech? All told, there are several key elements, such as clarity, an explanation of your unique skills, a call to action, and confidence. Let’s break down these key components and look at them more closely.

Clarity and Conciseness

Firstly, your elevator pitch should be clear and concise. Avoid using industry jargon or complex language that might confuse your listener. Keep it simple and to the point.

Unique Value Proposition

What sets you apart from others in your field? Your answer to this question forms your unique value proposition (UVP). In your elevator speech, highlight your UVP—in other words, anything that makes you stand out. For instance, maybe you have a special skill, experience, or perspective. Focus on what makes you memorable and valuable.

Call to Action

End your pitch with a specific call to action. What do you want the person to do after hearing your pitch? Do you want them to visit your website, schedule a meeting, or connect on LinkedIn? Make it clear what the next steps are.

Confidence and Enthusiasm

How you say it is just as important as what you say. Accordingly, deliver your pitch with confidence and enthusiasm. Smile, make eye contact, and speak clearly. Let your passion for what you do shine through.

Crafting Your Elevator Speech

Now that you know the key elements of an elevator speech, let’s talk about how to actually craft one.

Identifying Your Target Audience

Before you start writing your pitch, think about who you’ll be delivering it to. Are you targeting potential employers, clients, or investors? Understanding your audience will help you tailor your message to their needs and interests.

Highlighting Your Skills and Experiences

Your elevator pitch should showcase your most relevant skills and experiences. Think about what makes you unique and valuable to your target audience, then use specific examples and achievements to back up your claims.

For example, instead of saying “I’m a great communicator,” you could say “I have five years of experience in public relations, and I’ve secured media placements in top publications like Forbes and The New York Times .”

Tailoring Your Pitch to the Situation

You may need to slightly adjust your pitch depending on the situation. For example, your pitch for a job interview might focus more on your work experience and career goals. In contrast, your pitch for a networking event might focus more on your personal brand and interests.

Practicing and Refining Your Pitch

Once you have a draft of your elevator pitch, practice delivering it out loud. Time yourself to make sure it’s no longer than 60 seconds. Along the way, pay attention to your pacing, tone, and body language.

Ask a friend or colleague for feedback and keep refining your pitch until it feels natural and compelling. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel delivering it in real-life situations.

Delivering Your Elevator Speech Effectively

Once you’ve crafted a killer elevator speech, it’s time to deliver it with impact. But how do you do that? Below we have some tips for perfecting your delivery.

Body Language and Nonverbal Communication

When giving your elevator speech, your body language can speak louder than your words. Stand up straight, make eye contact, and smile. Use hand gestures sparingly in order to add emphasis to your points. Finally, avoid crossing your arms or fidgeting, as these can make you appear nervous or closed off.

Speaking Clearly and Confidently

Speak at a moderate pace and enunciate your words clearly. Vary your tone and inflection in order to keep your listener engaged. Most importantly, project confidence even if you’re feeling nervous. Remember, you know your stuff!

Engaging Your Listener

Tailor your pitch to the person you’re speaking with. For instance, use their name, ask them questions, and try to make a personal connection. Show genuine interest in their thoughts and feedback. The more engaged they are, the more likely they’ll remember you and your message.

Being Prepared for Follow-up Questions

Your elevator speech is just the beginning of the conversation. Once you’ve shared about yourself and your work, be ready to expand on your points and answer any questions the person may have. Anticipate common questions and have thoughtful responses prepared.

If you don’t know the answer to something, don’t give in to nervousness! Instead, be honest and offer to follow up with more information later. The goal is to keep the conversation going and build a relationship beyond the initial pitch.

Examples of Effective Elevator Speeches

Crafting an elevator speech can be tricky if you’ve never done it before. To help you out, we’ve come up with a few example pitches. While they might not match your situation perfectly, they’ll definitely give you a good place to start.

For Job Seekers

“Hi, my name is Sarah and I’m a recent graduate from XYZ University with a degree in marketing. During my internship at ABC Company, I led a social media campaign that increased brand engagement by 25%. I’m passionate about digital marketing and I’m excited to apply my skills to help companies grow their online presence. I saw that your company is looking for a social media coordinator and I think I’d be a great fit. I’d love to schedule a time to discuss further how I can contribute to your team.”

For Entrepreneurs

“Hi, I’m Tom and I’m the founder of 123 App, a mobile app that helps busy professionals manage their time more effectively. Our app uses AI technology to create personalized schedules and to-do lists based on the user’s goals and habits. We launched only six months ago but have already gained over 10,000 active users. Our user engagement and retention rates are three times higher than the industry average. We’re currently seeking investment to scale our marketing efforts and expand our team. I’d be happy to share more details about our growth plans and revenue projections.”

For Professionals Seeking Career Advancement

“Hi, I’m Maria and I’m a sales manager at XYZ Corporation. I’ve been with the company for five years and have consistently exceeded my sales targets by an average of 20%. Last quarter, I led my team to close the biggest deal in the company’s history, bringing in $2 million in new revenue. I’m looking for opportunities to take on more leadership responsibilities and eventually move into a director role. I’m particularly interested in your company’s plans for international expansion and I think my experience could be an asset. I’d love to grab coffee and discuss potential opportunities.”

For Students and Recent Graduates

“Hi, I’m Alex and I’m a senior at XYZ University majoring in computer science. Last summer, I interned at ABC Tech where I worked on developing a new software feature that reduced processing time by 30%. I also served as the president of our university’s coding club, where I organized hackathons and coding workshops for over 500 students. I’m passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems so I’m excited to start a career in software development. I admire your company’s mission and the innovative products you’re creating. I would love the opportunity to learn more about your team and any entry-level positions you may have available.”

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Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Elevator Speech

In addition to including key elements to your elevator speech, it’s just as important to avoid common mistakes. For instance, being vague, talking too fast, and failing to practice your pitch are all things you want to avoid.

Being Too Generic or Vague

Avoid using buzzwords or generic statements that could apply to anyone. Instead, focus on what makes you unique and provide specific examples to back up your claims.

Talking Too Fast or Rambling

You only have about 60 seconds to make an impression in your elevator speech. However, that doesn’t means you should try to talk fast so you can say more. Instead, speak clearly and concisely, and don’t try to cram too much information into your pitch. In addition, practice beforehand and time yourself to ensure you’re staying within the appropriate time frame.

Failing to Tailor Your Pitch to Your Audience

One size does not fit all when it comes to elevator pitches. As such, make sure you’re tailoring your message to the specific person or audience you’re speaking to. Do your research ahead of time in order to find common ground or shared interests.

Neglecting to Practice and Refine Your Pitch

Whatever you do, don’t wing it. The more you practice your elevator pitch, the more natural and confident you’ll sound. Seek feedback from friends, colleagues, or mentors and keep refining your pitch until it feels authentic and compelling.

Adapting Your Elevator Speech for Different Situations

Your elevator pitch is not a one-and-done deal. You’ll likely need to adapt it for different situations and audiences. Below, we’ve laid out some common scenarios where you might use a slightly different version of your pitch.

Networking Events and Career Fairs

At networking events and career fairs, you’ll have the opportunity to meet a lot of people in a short amount of time. Your pitch should be brief and memorable, focusing on your key skills and career goals. Be ready to follow up with a request to connect on LinkedIn or grab coffee to discuss further.

Job Interviews and Career Conversations

In a job interview or career conversation, you’ll have more time to expand on your elevator pitch. Be prepared to go into more detail about your experiences and accomplishments, and how they relate to the specific role or company you’re interested in. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in order to structure your examples.

Social Settings and Casual Encounters

Not every elevator pitch will be formal or business-related. For instance, you might find yourself chatting with someone at a social event or in line at the coffee shop. In these casual settings, focus on building rapport and finding common interests. Your pitch might be as simple as “I’m a graphic designer who loves working with startups. What about you?”

Online Platforms and Virtual Interactions

In today’s digital age, your elevator pitch might take place over email, LinkedIn, or even Twitter. When crafting an online pitch, focus on brevity and clarity. Use strong subject lines, bullet points, and clear calls-to-action. Include links to your website, portfolio, or LinkedIn profile for more information.

No matter the situation, remember that your elevator pitch is a starting point for a larger conversation. So be authentic, be memorable, and be ready to adapt on the fly. With practice and refinement, you’ll be able to craft an elevator pitch that opens doors and helps you achieve your career goals.

FAQs on Elevator Speeches

What is an example of an elevator speech.

“I’m a digital marketing expert with 5 years boosting website traffic by 70%. Let’s chat about skyrocketing your online presence.”

What are the 3 parts of an elevator speech?

The three parts: Hook them in, showcase your value, and close with a call to action.

What is a good 30 second elevator speech?

“I blend tech skills and sales insight to increase B2B software sales. I’ve helped my current team exceed targets by 40% for two years. Want to know how I can do this for you?”

What is the elevator speech approach?

This approach means selling yourself or your idea quickly and effectively during brief encounters—think making big impacts in short chats.

A strong elevator speech is a powerful tool that you can use to build strong connections and grow your career or business, but creating one is harder than it looks. If you follow these simple tips, you’ll end up with an elevator speech that will open doors, spark conversations, and leave a lasting impact. It’s time to go be great!

• Last Updated: May 6, 2024

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How to Write the Perfect Elevator Pitch with Examples

An elevator pitch is a great way to win new clients and partners in just a short pitch. Learn how to develop an elevator pitch for your brand or business.

No matter the size of the business you run, understanding how to write the perfect elevator pitch is essential. Think of how little time you have in an elevator heading from the ground floor to the fifth floor. That's not much time to explain what your business is and what you do, is it?

However, being able to write an elevator pitch is a beneficial aspect of your marketing. It might sound a bit outdated, but it's really not. This grassroots marketing concept can be used in other scenarios more relevant in today's world besides in an elevator.

Nowadays, you might not run into a potential investor or client on an elevator and have little time to speak to them. You will, though, meet people or need to send emails and want to keep them short and sweet. You may be at a networking event, where you have short bouts of time to mingle with different people.

Therefore, when you can summarize what you do and offer in a short speech, it keeps people engaged and gives them just enough information to pique their interest, no matter where you run into them or reach out to them.

What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is basically a sales pitch. It's succinct and persuasive. Unlike crafting an entire speech, you're condensing who you are, what you do, and what your company offers into a few short sentences, just enough to explain but not enough to bore or overwhelm.

A good elevator pitch essentially lays the foundation to get people interested in your idea, product, or service. They then want to know more and might just contact you.

While today an elevator speech doesn't necessarily have to be in an elevator, it's been rumored that the first elevator pitch was in an elevator. It happened in 1853 when a number of buildings had elevators. They were dangerous, especially considering they used ropes to pull the elevator and passengers.

Alisha Otis thought of another, safer way for people to travel from one floor of a building to the next. And he demonstrated his idea in an elevator display at a convention.

How long should an elevator pitch be?

Now that you know the answer to "What is an elevator pitch," know that it should be the length of a brief elevator ride, so about 20 to 30 seconds.

Keep in mind that it doesn't matter whether you want to start a business , have online business ideas , or already have a business and are looking for ways to grow your audience , expand your company, or sell your product or service.

It also doesn't matter what type of entrepreneurship the pitch is for either, whether a small business, medium-sized company, or large enterprise. The goal is to write something concise and quick that can encapsulate your main idea.

Ultimately, the object of an elevator speech or sales email is to explain how it's a product market fit in as short of an amount of time as possible. You must give enough information to adequately explain but not too much that the audience loses interest.

How to create an effective elevator pitch

Creating an elevator speech is less complicated than you may think if you're contemplating how you can summarize everything about your business in a few sentences.

Here are some key aspects to consider:

Know your business and target audience

Before you create your elevator pitch, make sure you create a business plan .

In your business plan, establish what you plan to offer, who you'll hire, and a variety of other details that are vital to creating your business. Not to mention, you perform market research , so you develop a profound understanding of who your target market is.

Know your goal

What do you plan to accomplish with your elevator speech? Do you want to find a co-founder , gain a new client, or sell your products to a large company? The possibilities are numerous. And not everyone will create the same type of elevator pitch since they may not have the same purpose.

Briefly describe your business

In your elevator pitch, sum up your business in a sentence or two. While it sounds difficult to keep your elevator speech short, especially if you've been in business for a bit, it's possible.

Think of what your company does or offers. Even if the concept of your products or offerings is technical in nature, leave out the technical jargon. Describe it in a way that almost any adult could understand what you do and provide.

Explain what makes your business unique

You have competition out there who are trying to obtain business in your niche. You need to find a way to stand out. Think about what sets your company apart. Why is your product or service better? Is it your customer service or the product itself?

Whenever you're going to networking events, meeting new people, or even cold emailing, you need to persuade people to choose you and your business over others. Therefore, make sure you explain why you're different in your elevator pitch.

Be positive

It's easy to come across in a negative way, even if that wasn't your intention. For instance, you could exacerbate the problem or put the competition down. These, however, come across poorly and can be off-putting for your potential customers.

Instead, explain everything in a positive manner. If you mention anything about how your company is different, explain it in a way that shines a light on your product or services and doesn't trash the competition.

For instance, if you want to say your company offers quicker service, don't mention that other companies can take days to show up. State that you built your business around providing quicker service than the competition.

When you talk about something you know, it becomes almost effortless to just ramble on. You then might find people are ignoring you when you're pitching your idea. This can pose quite a problem when you're trying to summarize your business quickly and intrigue people.

For this reason, always create the elevator speech first before you start using it on people. You can then slim it down and make it more concise. Speak only about the most important points. Save everything else about your business for once the person takes an interest in learning more.

Be the solution

Whether you're at a professional networking event, sending an email, or preparing for job interviews, make your pitch encompass being a solution for their problem.

For instance, if someone has dry skin, your elevator pitch could sell lotion. Let's say the individual is a major investor. Their focus is on making money. Therefore, marketing your company is a way for them to earn big bucks.

Go out with a bang

At the end of your elevator speech, you need a solid conclusion that pulls the audience in. For instance, you could conclude with how your product or service can change people's lives. Or it may include how much becoming your partner could bring prosperity.

Besides ending with a thought-provoking statement, you could also end with a question to get the audience thinking and questioning if what you're saying is right for them. It could also be a question that gets them to respond so you can begin a conversation with them. If they're in a hurry, it's a prime opportunity to exchange information, such as a business card.

Elevator pitch examples

Although the advice above may help, these elevator pitch examples can further your understanding and start you thinking about your own elevator pitch.

Skincare product

Are you tired of scanning the store shelves for natural skin care products only to find parabens and phthalates? After much deliberation and research, I created the perfect blend of herbs, minerals, and vitamins to give you soft, supple skin without everything you don't want. Would you like to give it a try?

Housekeeping company

It can often seem like you're failing when you can't juggle everything. That's when my company can help. No matter how frequently you need cleaning, my company can assist. We complete everything from sweeping and dusting to washing walls and windows. We're insured and guarantee high-quality results. So if you're sick of streaked windows, give us a try.

Restaurant looking for investors

Who doesn't want a mouthwatering, healthy, home-cooked meal brought to them? I've been in the restaurant business for over 10 years and am ready to take it on my own and provide the area with healthy, comfort food. While it sounds like an oxymoron, it isn't. I know how to cut calories and unhealthy ingredients without sacrificing taste. I'm just looking for an investor for this potentially profitable venture.

Marketing solutions software

Did you know, on average, a company spends between 7% and 8% of its revenue on marketing? Think about that in dollar amounts. With 365 Marketing, many of those tasks you're paying for right now can be automated, saving you time and money in the long run.

Expand your reach with Mailchimp

An elevator pitch is a synopsis of what makes you and your company unique. It's often offering a solution to a problem. Fortunately, Mailchimp provides various options that can help you with the process.

With Mailchimp's products, you can reach your investors, clients, or customers conveniently through automated email generation and more. You can then use your well-written, well-thought-out elevator pitch on a large number of people.

Related Topics

• Personalization
• Grow Your Team
• Grow Brand Awareness
• Measure Marketing Performance
• Drive Sales

In this article, I’m going to quickly show you some great elevator pitch examples for job seekers, plus how to go create your own quickly and easily so you can find a job faster.

What Is An Elevator Pitch?

Essentially it’s a short summary about yourself and what you do, in the time it takes to ride an elevator. You have to be able to deliver and convince in that time frame. That’s the famous 30-second “elevator pitch.” And it can be for anything. Finding a new job, going to a networking event, starting a sales relationship, etc. Here’s the thing about an elevator pitch- you have one whether you know it or not.  Any time somebody asks you about your work or asks what you do, you’re saying something… right? And if you’re looking for a new job, your elevator pitch is going to be a big part of how you respond when they ask, “tell me about yourself” . This could be a phone conversation with a recruiter , or an in-person interview when you first sit down. If you’re at a networking event , your elevator pitch will be the information you share when somebody asks what type of work you do. It’s your one and only chance to get their attention and set the tone for how they view the rest of what you tell them. That’s why it’s so important.

Here are the 2 best elevator pitch methods, with examples…

Method 1: Elevator Pitch for Job Seekers

There are a few key pieces that your elevator pitch should contain. This is assuming you are looking for a job or looking to grow your network. If you’re trying to create an elevator pitch while working in sales , it’ll be a bit different and you should read the alternate method below this first method.

Here are the key pieces to creating a perfect elevator pitch…

1. Who Are You And What Do You Do?

The first piece of what you actually say needs to tell them who you are. This might include a bit about your background, what you do, what your skills and interests are, etc. This is where you need to tailor your answer to fit the outcome you want. If you describe yourself as an expert in finance, do you think people will pay attention to you on financial topics? Yes! But what if you made yourself sound more like a generalist who knows a little about many areas, and finance is just one of them? Nobody is going to respect your opinion nearly as much, and they might not even remember you mentioned it. That’s why it’s important to tailor your answer to fit the result you’re hoping to achieve and what you want to be known/remembered for.

To recap, the first part of your elevator pitch might sound like this example: “Hi,  I’m David. I’m a Scientist with a background in chemistry. I specialize in research and development, and new product discovery. ”

2. Why Should They Care?

Now you want to get a bit more specific and draw their attention in. What are you working on right now or what have you accomplished recently?

Here’s an example:

“I currently work at Johnson & Johnson and my team is working on developing a new antibacterial cream that’s set to go into clinical trials this month.”

Now they know your expertise, and assuming it’s relevant to them, you’ve caught their attention and opened up the conversation. This is why the first step was so important though… if you don’t decide what you want to be known for, and tailor your answer to emphasize those strengths, you’ve lost them!The same goes for job interviews . If you’re applying to be a supervisor, don’t talk about how you love focusing on your individual goals in your job interview answers . Talk about how you’re a good manager or how you take the lead on projects.

I can’t emphasize this enough- it’s all about deciding what you want your audience to remember you for. And you need to pick only one or two things. If you mention more, they’ll assume you’re not particularly talented in any!

3. What Do You Want?

After the two steps above, you need to conclude your elevator pitch and this is your chance to be upfront and tell them your objective. Why are you in this conversation to begin with? If you’re at a networking event because you’re starting a job search soon, say something like this:

“So, I’m interested in meeting people with similar backgrounds, and I’m considering changing jobs this year so I’m curious to learn about the work environments in different companies.”

It’s rare that someone would turn down the chance to hear about how another company does things, so you’ve offered a pretty good trade-off! They might also ask why you’re considering a job change. Either way, you’ve opened up multiple ways for them to expand the conversation. Get comfortable with these three steps and you will have a MUCH easier time answering basic interview questions , introducing yourself at networking events, and more.

Full Elevator Pitch Example Based On The 3 Steps Above:

“I’m a Scientist specializing in chemistry and new product discovery. I currently work at Johnson & Johnson and my team is working on developing a new antibacterial cream that’s set to go into clinical trials this month. So, I’m interested in meeting people with similar backgrounds, and I’m also considering changing jobs this year so I’m hoping to learn about the work environments in different companies.”

Method 2: For Business Owners, Salespeople, And Job Seekers Who Want A More Direct Elevator Pitch

The method above can work for pretty much anybody, but it’s really designed to create the best elevator pitch possible for job seekers. But if you own a business or you work in sales, you should be much more direct… I recently came across a great formula and have yet to find anything better in terms of a very specific, direct elevator pitch. So I’ll share the formula here and then give you some elevator pitch examples with this method.

I suggest you try it if you want a more direct approach.

The Basic Formula/Template:

I help who wants to get without having to . Do you know any who wants to get ?

Elevator Pitch Example With This Method:

“I help job seekers who want to advance their careers and find a job in 60 days or less, without having to memorize hundreds of answers or spend hours studying. Do you know any job seekers who want to find a job in 60 days or less?”

Use a definitive period of time if possible. Don’t just say “fast.” And narrow down your market as much as possible. I didn’t say “working professionals.” I said, “job seekers who want to advance their careers.”

Another Example:

“I help restaurants with multiple locations organize their customer data and boost their sales up to 10%, without having to spend any additional time or money on advertising. Do you know any restaurants with multiple locations that want to boost their sales up to 10%?”

This direct approach could be adapted back to your job search too. Let’s look at one final example of this second method for a job search:

“I’m an R&D Scientist who helps companies use their existing patents and technologies to develop new skincare products. Right now at Johnson & Johnson, I’m finishing a successful project for an antibacterial cream and I’m looking for my next challenge. Do you know any companies that are involved in discovering and developing new skincare products?”

How To Deliver Your Elevator Pitch

Now that we covered how to create the best possible elevator pitch… with plenty of elevator pitch examples… there’s something just as important we should talk about.

You need to be convincing and memorable. Without this, the content won’t matter.

The First Impression

People want to know they are talking to a good, honest, reliable person that they can trust and perhaps even like. They won’t get this by looking at your resume. You need to open up by having great body language and being confident and excited about what you’re saying. You have to appear like you know they’ll be interested. You cannot be hesitant here so practice. And pay attention to body language too. Smile, look confident, and stand or sit up straight. When you’re slouched over, not only are you not using the full potential of your brain (yes, there’s been research ), you also look untrustworthy.

Make Them Feel Important

Who doesn’t like to hear that their own background or story is interesting? Or that you feel their opinion is needed on something! So, here are ways to make the other person feel important, which will help you be more memorable and convincing to them!

• Ask Questions When they tell you something about their background or give their own elevator pitch, show interest and ask a follow-up question. Don’t just sit there waiting for your turn to talk.
• Compliment Their Expertise If you are asking them a question or hoping to get information from them, compliment their experience first and give a reason why you’d value their response. Example (in a job interview): “You mentioned working here for ten years and rising from an entry level position to Manager. What tips for success can you offer if I were to start in this role?”
• Remember The Facts Don’t make somebody repeat important pieces about their background. How do you feel if somebody can’t remember your name or a story you just shared? So if they’re taking the time to tell you about their latest project, try to capture the details. You don’t want to be standing there two minutes later asking, “wait, you said you were involved in a research project, right?” It’ll immediately make them take less interest in what you’re saying as well.

When you’re nervous or anxious, you breathe with short, shallow breaths in the upper chest. Here’s how you should breathe:

Use your stomach and take long, deep breaths. I had to teach myself this, it didn’t feel natural at first. I couldn’t figure out how to breathe in a way that’d get my stomach to go in and out, at least not when I was paying attention and “trying.” I was filling my upper chest with as much air as possible but my stomach wasn’t moving. That’s not the right way.

Practice, figure it out, and then use it as a way to relax when you’re waiting for a job interview or a meeting.

Nothing comes out perfect the first time. Having the best elevator pitch is useless if you don’t practice. Give it a test run a few times and make sure you’re hitting the key points and keeping it short. 30 or 60 seconds is about as long as your elevator speech should take. It’s a good idea to practice job interview questions and answers, too. In general, practicing makes your responses better. Don’t try to memorize your elevator pitch or interview answers word-for-word, though. It’ll come out sounding scripted and rehearsed (not good). Instead, focus on hitting the key points you want to mention. It might sound a bit different each time but if you have three key points to hit, and you go through a few elevator pitch practice runs and hit all three, you’re ready to go!

What Happens If You Don’t Prepare An Elevator Pitch?

You only get one chance to make a first impression. If you sound unsure of yourself and don’t have a clear story of what it is you do, you’re going to be less convincing and immediately turn people off! And they’ll be less likely to remember you when you follow-up by email after an interview , or after meeting them at any type of networking event.

I’ve learned this myself the hard way. I’ve met new people, mentioned five different things I do, and just came across like I was average (or worse) at all five. People want to meet experts that they can feel confident in, not generalists that know a bit about everything but can’t really lead the way on any given topic! Your elevator pitch needs to come out smoothly and be designed to share your strengths and facts that relate to the direction you’re heading in. And that doesn’t happen without practice. Even if you outline an average elevator pitch and just practice it a few times in your head, it will be so much better than making it up on the spot!

About the Author

Read more articles by Biron Clark

36 thoughts on “Best Elevator Pitch With Examples For Job Seekers”

Very helpful. After being out of the workforce for a while it’s a big help.

Excellent information with examples. Great and effective approach. Even I was consumed with the initial intro and info (about you). Although I am prepping for a far different career, and have a basic bus mgmnt degree under my belt, I shall follow your examples here. Starting a new career and haven’t interviewed in years, oh my. But, maybe I will make it now, gulp. Not sunk yet, shiver, (lol). You’re one of the best teachers for this kind of stuff. Thank you, thank you.

Hey, i saw your video and i have this question – i am a undergraduate and want to go for a consulting interview and i dont have much internships so how can i make my answer more interesting

Talk about what you’ve studied, projects you’ve led or participated in, etc. You just have to do the best you can and talk about the most relevant/interesting things you have done in your elevator pitch.

We’re all searching for that almost PERFECT, direct, clear, concise and TOTALLY USABLE place/template of advice. We rarely find it. , Most of the time, it’s not even close. YET this material is the best I have seen” it is PERFECT in terms of the message, need, delivery and ease of use.

Thanks, These were useful

This was awesome.

Very good information on the small ins and out on the interviewing process( especially on the elevator part of the interview).

A sincere thank you! You are precise, to the point and relevant. Your integrity shows so again, thank you, Biron

Can somebody give a good engaging pitch of IT field Student

Thanks for sharing, some really good suggestions

I’m so nervous about interviewing and Biron’s advice makes me feel like I can do it. I especially like when he comments about being nervous, i.e. even if I only remember 70% … I am so much more prepared for the whole process.

Thank you Biron. It was really helpful. I am looking for a job, would you please share some tips or do’s and don’s.

My background is customer service representative in call centers. My last job is a phone banker. I’ve worked in different call centers so I have experience in different fields. Do you have examples that I can use for my elevator pitch along with the question on why I want to work for the company I’m applying for? I’ve been on several interviews where I have the experience but I’m getting turned down a lot.

Thank you so much for the help this I will sure use to my advantage on my next interview, greatly appreciated

This is wonderful advice and so practical . What about those of is who haven’t worked in a long time? I have been a SAHM for 18 years , always meaning to go back to work but always was busy w my son’s sports , academics or Church . I have a master’s degree but not had an interview in 4 years . I have applied for over 40 jobs at my Alma mater , all entry level jobs except a handful that required my degree . I can’t afford to retrain . I wanted to to an accelerated BSN program but can’t afford the 50k price tag . We need to move to pay instate tuition, but my husband refuses . I’m in a hole feeling quite hopeless . Thanks

Great guide! Thank you!

I’m this kid with good grades in class but so naive about the real world. this info is just incredible for me.

very helpful..

I hate these standard interview questions.It is really meaningless.When I had interview I asked from recruiter please dont ask me standard interview questions:)

How did that turn out for you? Telling the recruiter which questions they can ask? :)

I’m an unemployed top producing sales executive re-entering the workforce. I need your help, for a fee, to develop my elevator pitch.

Hi Paula, I appreciate the request. Unfortunately I’m not available for one-on-one consulting/coaching right now, or in the near future. Sorry I couldn’t help more directly on this.

You are never ready for any interview until you have read through Biron’s work!!!!!

Haha thanks, appreciate that :)

What if your resume looks like a jumper. You’ve held temp jobs for the last five years. How do you answer to get out of the stigma while at a job career fair?

Biron, thank you very much for the excellent tips! Examples you provide make it very clear how a good elevator pitch should look like, and are a great help to write my own. Kudos! :)

Thank you Biron you the best :) .

Glad it helped Darin :) Good luck!

What are most common interview questions and answers

You can find a lot of them in this article:

https://careersidekick.com/what-to-say-in-a-job-interview-questions-and-answers/

Great information and thanks for sharing.

You’re welcome, Angela. Glad you found it helpful!

Thanks Biron

I was an hour away from blowing up my chance … thanks,you saved the planet

This video was extremely helpful ! It helped me understand what I really want in a job more towards a career. Thank you so much

Comments are closed.

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Article • 8 min read

Crafting an Elevator Pitch

Introducing your company quickly and compellingly.

By the Mind Tools Content Team

(Also known as an Elevator Speech or Elevator Statement)

You've just bumped into a former client at the airport. After exchanging pleasantries, he asks you what your new company does. You open your mouth, and then pause. Where on earth do you start?

Then, as you try to organize your thoughts, his flight is called, and he's on his way. If you'd been better prepared, you're sure that he'd have stayed long enough to schedule a meeting.

This is one situation where it helps to have an "elevator pitch." This is a short, pre-prepared speech that explains what your organization does, clearly and succinctly.

In this article, we'll explore situations where these are useful, and we'll look at how to craft an effective pitch.

About the Technique

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in what your organization does. You can also use it to create interest in a project, idea or product – or in yourself. A good elevator pitch should last no longer than a short elevator ride of 20 to 30 seconds, hence the name.

It should be interesting, memorable and succinct. It also needs to explain what makes you – or your organization, product or idea – unique.

When to Use an Elevator Pitch

Some people think that this kind of thing is only useful for salespeople who need to pitch their products and services. But you can use an elevator pitch in other situations too.

For example, you might use one to introduce your organization to potential clients or customers. You could use one in your organization to sell a new idea to your CEO, or to tell people about the change initiative that you're leading. You could even craft one to tell people what you do for a living.

Creating an Elevator Pitch

It can take some time to get your pitch right. You'll likely go through several versions before finding one that's compelling and that sounds natural in conversation.

Follow these steps to create a great pitch, but bear in mind that you'll need to vary your approach depending on what your pitch is about:

1. Identify Your Goal

Start by thinking about the objective of your pitch.

For instance, do you want to tell potential clients about your organization? Do you have a great new product idea that you want to pitch to an executive? Or do you want a simple and engaging speech to explain what you do for a living?

2. Explain What You Do

Start your pitch by describing what your organization does. Focus on the problems that you solve and how you help people. If you can, add information or a statistic that shows the value in what you do.

Ask yourself this question as you start writing: what do you want your audience to remember most about you?

Keep in mind that your pitch should excite you first. After all, if you don't get excited about what you're saying, neither will your audience. Your pitch should bring a smile to your face and quicken your heartbeat. People may not remember everything that you say, but they'll likely remember your enthusiasm.

Imagine that you're creating an elevator pitch that describes what your company does. You plan to use it at networking events. You could say, "My company writes mobile device applications for other businesses." But that's not very memorable!

A better explanation would be, "My company develops mobile applications that businesses use to train their staff remotely. This results in a big increase in efficiency for an organization's managers."

That's much more interesting, and shows the value that you provide to these organizations.

3. Communicate Your USP

Your elevator pitch also needs to communicate your unique selling proposition , or USP.

Identify what makes you, your organization, or your idea, unique. You'll want to communicate your USP after you've talked about what you do.

To highlight what makes your company unique, you could say, "We use a novel approach because, unlike most other developers, we visit each organization to find out exactly what people need. Although this takes a bit more time, it means that 95 percent of our clients are happy with the first version of their app."

4. Engage With a Question

After you communicate your USP, you need to engage your audience. To do this, prepare open-ended questions (questions that can't be answered with a "yes" or "no" answer) to involve them in the conversation.

Make sure that you're able to answer any questions that might come back at you, too.

"So, how does your organization handle the training of new people?"

5. Put It All Together

When you've completed each section of your pitch, put it all together.

Then, read it aloud and time how long it takes. It should be no longer than 20-30 seconds. Otherwise, you risk losing the person's interest, or monopolizing the conversation.

Try to cut out anything that doesn't absolutely need to be there. Remember, your pitch needs to be snappy and compelling, so the shorter it is, the better!

"My company develops mobile applications that businesses use to train their staff remotely. This means that senior managers can spend time on other important tasks.

"Unlike other similar companies, we visit each organization to find out exactly what people need. This means that 95 percent of our clients are happy with the first version of their app.

6. Practice

Like anything else, practice makes perfect. Remember, how you communicate is just as important as what you say. If you don't practice, it's likely that you'll talk too fast, sound unnatural, or forget important elements of your pitch.

Set a goal to practice your pitch regularly. The more you practice, the more natural your pitch will become. You want it to sound like a smooth conversation, not an aggressive sales pitch.

Make sure that you're aware of your body language as you talk, which conveys just as much information to the listener as your words do. Practice in front of a mirror or, better yet, in front of colleagues, until the pitch feels natural.

As you get used to delivering your pitch, it's fine to vary it a little – the idea is that it doesn't sound too formulaic or like it's pre-prepared, even though it is!

You may want to keep small takeaway items with you, which you can give to people after you've delivered your pitch. For example, these could be business cards or brochures that talk about your product idea or business.

Remember to tailor your pitch for different audiences, if appropriate.

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you can use to spark interest in what your organization does. You can also use one to create interest in a project, idea or product.

It needs to be succinct, while conveying important information.

To craft a great pitch, follow these steps:

• Identify your goal.
• Explain what you do.
• Communicate your USP.
• Engage with a question.
• Put it all together.

Try to keep a business card or other takeaway item with you, to help the other person remember you and your message.

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6 Steps for Writing a Powerful Elevator Pitch

Alyssa Gregory is an entrepreneur, writer, and marketer with 20 years of experience in the business world. She is the founder of the Small Business Bonfire, a community for entrepreneurs, and has authored more than 2,500 articles for The Balance and other popular small business websites.

The Balance / Cindy Chung 

An elevator pitch is an overview of your business, and, as the name implies, it is delivered in the time it takes to complete your average elevator ride. It can be one of the simplest yet most powerful marketing tools for a small business owner.

When delivering your elevator pitch, the goal is to be short and snappy to entice your would-be prospect to want to know more about your business. The length can vary, but you typically want to be able to present your elevator pitch comfortably without rushing in 30 seconds or less.  

How to Write an Elevator Pitch

The elevator pitch goes beyond sharing what it is you do. Instead, the goal is to intrigue your lead so that they want to know more. So, instead of saying, "I'm a virtual assistant," you might say, "I help busy small business owners get more done, in less time, to earn more profits." Any small business owners who heard that would likely want to know how they could earn more by doing less.

Here is a six-step process to help you write an elevator pitch:

• Who Are You? Write one sentence about yourself. For example, you might introduce yourself as a consultant to small business owners.
• What You Do or Offer? Use your mission statement and product/service listing as a guide, and write a sentence or two about what you do every day in your business. If your emphasis is on time-saving techniques, state briefly how your strategies work.
• What Problem Do You Solve? Identify the value you offer to your customers or clients. Avoid listing only your features, and instead, translate them into benefits.
• How You Are Different? Use your unique selling proposition (USP) as a guide and write about what sets you apart from every other business owner who does what you do. Perhaps you've had relevant experiences and overcome them yourself or you have an uncommon strategy.
• Ask a Question: Elevator pitches are generally delivered in in-person situations, such as an elevator or networking event, which means you want to be social and engage your lead in a conversation. A great way to involve your lead is to ask a question that relates to your lead and your business. Using the virtual assistant question, you might ask, "What business activity do you find the most tedious?"
• Give a Call to Action: Once your pitch is done, give the lead something to do next in a call to action , such as take your business card. Briefly let your audience know what they can do to follow up and hear more. Provide a means for further contact or for scheduling a meeting.

Putting Your Elevator Pitch Together

Once you've come up with something for each of the six steps, work with your responses to create up to a 30 second or 80- to 90-word pitch.   Add transitions and edit your pitch until it flows conversationally and captures the most important information. For example, it might read something like this:

"Hi, I'm Sally Smith, a virtual assistant who helps busy small business owners get more done, in less time, to earn more profits. What business activity do you dislike doing the most?"

"Hi, I'm Sally Smith, I'm an accountant who helps people keep more of their hard earn money. Last year I helped my clients save over six-figures. Here's my card which lists the top tax deductions most people don't take advantage of."

The above examples are shorter than most, but they highlight your goal which is to give an indication of what you do and how you can be helpful to your lead.

Tips to Effective Elevator Pitches

There is a secret to a good elevator pitch which goes to the psychology of sales and marketing. Here are a few things you need to keep in mind:

Know Your Audience

Get your lead talking first so you can learn something about them and their pain points so you can tailor your pitch to fit their needs. For example, if Sally Smith learned that a small business owner was buried under papers, she could say, "Hi, I'm Sally Smith, a virtual assistant who helps small business owners get their ducks in a row. My clients scan their paper items and I organize and file them for them, saving them time, money, and clutter."

Target Market

Like all other forms of marketing, the more you can speak to your lead's needs, the greater the chance you'll entice them to want to learn more about your business.

Less Is More

There's a natural tendency to want to say everything about your business, but when you start getting into monologue territory, you risk boring or annoying your lead. Be pithy and hook your lead with information that will naturally lead them to ask about your business. Again, this is where describing your benefits, over your features can help.

Consider Leading With a Hook

A hook is an enticing statement that grabs attention. Your hook can be a question, such as, "You know how so many business owners waste time and money because they wear too many hats? I'm a virtual assistant that takes those hats so business people can focus on what they do best...make money."

Or your hook can be a benefit statement, "I help business owners work less and make more." Just saying that alone would likely have a business owner asking how you did that.

Create Opportunity for Follow Up

All marketing should provide you with a means of following up. That can come in the form of a call-to-action, in which your lead is asked to take a next step, such as, "Here's my card with my website where you can get my free guide on working less and making more."

Better yet, improve your chances of a follow up by getting your lead's information, "Can I have your card? I'll email you my free guide on working less and making more."

Call to Action (CTA)

Always end your conversation giving your lead something to do that will allow you to contact them again in the future.

Practice, Practice, Practice

Don't just write and read your elevator pitch, speak it out loud and practice. It needs to sound natural when you say it, otherwise, you'll come off as a salesman. When the opportunity comes, you want the pitch to flow like it's a natural part of the conversation. If you can't flow through the pitch, then rewrite it until it rolls off your tongue.

Like a business card, an elevator pitch is a quick, easy way to introduce your business to people you meet. But beyond just answering the question of, "What do you do," you want to use your pitch to create interest in your business, and turn a lead into a prospect .

Pepperdine University. " Preparing Your Elevator Speech ," Page 1. Accessed Jan. 17, 2020.

University of California, Davis. " The 30 Second Elevator Pitch, " Page 1. Accessed Jan. 17, 2020.

Essential Rules of Successful Elevator Pitch

30 seconds waiting for an app doesn’t feel like a gift, but imagine you’re in a room full of prospects or face-to-face with a potential investor. In a scenario like this, 30 seconds might as well be gold in your hands. The question now is, how do you cash in on the rush?

If you’re heavily invested in your business or company, you likely have loads of information you can fire off on demand. But then again, you only have 30 seconds, and there’s only so much you can do with that. If you’re wondering what the appropriate course of action would be, here’s your answer. Elevator pitches! An elevator pitch is meant to be succinct while leaving a distinct impression, thus dealing with your 30-second problem. Keep reading to learn what exactly the elevator pitch is and how you can use it to turn 30 seconds into solid gold leads.

Table of Contents:

What is an elevator pitch, how to craft an elevator pitch, elevator pitch tips, elevator pitch examples, final words.

It’s in the name, really, an elevator pitch is the sort of pitch you’d give in an elevator. In other words, it’s short, only taking roughly 30 seconds to a minute. You can think of the elevator pitch as a net. It helps you snag attention and reel in eyes and ears to your business or value proposition.

An elevator pitch, also referred to as an elevator speech, is a quick, easy-to-understand rundown of your offering. Its task is to introduce who you are, what you do, and how your solution can benefit the listener. The goal is not an instant yes; rather, the elevator pitch buys you time and attention – valuable currency nowadays.

With an elevator pitch, you can get prospects interested enough to want a second conversation. However, like all lead-gen strategies of extreme utility, there’s a careful art to successfully executing an elevator pitch. Here are some instructions to guide you.

1. Start With An Introduction

A warm, friendly introduction makes a good start for an elevator pitch, especially in social situations. Give your name with a smile and a firm handshake, maybe exchange a pleasantry. It can be a major temptation for most people to ramble about themselves in detail. However, when delivering an elevator pitch, that’s a very unhelpful tack.

This is because your targets have no idea who you are and why they should care, not yet, at least. The elevator pitch is a strategy for measured persuasion; it gets prospects to perk up their ears. Until they return for seconds though, leave your intro at, “Hi, I’m first and last name, nice to meet you.”

2. State What You Do & Your Company’s Mission

These are separate things, so let’s address them one after the other, starting with what you do. That refers to your professional standing or the role you occupy. Don’t bother with details about your experience or educational background just yet. Rather, segue into a clear and brief description of your company, its objectives, and operations.

3. Roll Out The Value Proposition

A value proposition is indisputably necessary for all effective pitching techniques. It speaks to what a prospect actually cares about, which is how you can help them. As such, a well-crafted value proposition should address the following things:

• The problem: Essentially, whatever’s impeding a prospect’s goal or an obstacle that slows down operations. Heads up, they might not even know it yet. But that’s okay; you’re only piquing their interest. Keep it moving.
• The solution: This describes how exactly your product or service attends to client needs. You’ve already explained what it does; now you have to differentiate the value it delivers. The purpose of this is to set you apart from other similar solutions in your industry.

Your entire value proposition should not exceed a sentence or two. However, you can strike a chord by fluidly connecting prospect needs with your solution.

4. Use A Hook To Reel Them In

Hooks are attention-grabbing, and for good reason, too; people respond better to engaging or relatable stories. Yours could be a chuckle-worthy customer anecdote or a couple of interesting data points you have at hand. Most pitching techniques incorporate a hook; adding one to your elevator pitch can help make it come alive.

5. Read Your Elevator Pitch Out Loud

Prospects are people and they want to feel seen as much as the next guy. So, take the time to go over your pitch to make sure it sounds natural. A lot of people underestimate the effects of editing or simply reading aloud. However, it’s a great way to minimize hitches in your speech and make it flow as freely as regular conversation.

Thus far, you’ve learned what you need to craft a basic elevator speech; here’s lesson two on elevator pitch tips. These are practices you can incorporate to enhance the effectiveness of your pitch. These tips will help refine your pitching technique by improving your overall communication skills.

As you may have noticed, this is a foundational feature of the elevator pitch. The whole point is to be concise while still retaining your prospect’s attention. Thanks to its brevity, the elevator pitch is adaptable to various situations. So once more, keep it short at 30-60 seconds only.

If you spend all 30-60 seconds of your pitching time on jargon, you might as well have not even given it a shot. Prospects need to understand quickly and easily what you’re putting on the table. Otherwise, it might be hard for them to see the value or ask additional questions to make sense of it. Clarity matters, so try to steer clear of niche language or technical terms, especially with wider audiences.

Project confidence and positivity

Approach each pitch with confidence that it will work. It leaks into your body language and communicates your enthusiasm about your offer. Prospects can pick up on such things, making your elevator pitch more believable. So stand tall, wear a friendly smile and infuse your voice with certainty as you share how you can help prospects.

Delivery is as important as the words you say in an elevator pitch, so try to practice speaking conversationally. Play with your tone and volume so your speech is interesting and key aspects are stressed with no part sounding forced or stilted. Also, practice your pacing to carry listeners along; speak too slowly, and they’ll get bored; speak too fast, and they might miss it.

Overall, practice is a necessity as it can help boost your confidence. With practice, you go from simply knowing the words to being intimately familiar with the concepts you want to communicate. An undeniably positive influence on your powers of persuasion.

Know Your Audience

A keen familiarity with your target audience allows you to tailor your speech to suit them. You can properly address their needs and, even better, use language they are accustomed to. With a tool like Signal Hire, you only need a prospect’s full name. Then, you can look them up from among over 400 million profiles. This way, you can find contact details such as their social media accounts, company they work for to learn more about them.

Looking for additional elevator pitch tips? Getting familiar with some elevator pitch templates can give you some idea of what you’re going for as you craft yours. Here are some easy-to-use elevator pitch templates, along with examples;

1. Use A Customer Story

Begin with a case study highlighting the product’s purported value and ability to deliver. Customer stories show proof of work. Read on to see what that looks like.

A project manager at Orion, Sarah Lane, had trouble organizing her team efficiently. However, using Clipboard, she has improved her team’s productivity by 60%. With a tool like Clipboard, Sarah and other project managers can streamline communication and task management to keep teams on track and on time. Want me to go into more detail?

2. Incorporate a Shocking Statistics

You can use one that shines a light on the problem and its consequences or stresses the solution’s effects. This works because data adds credibility to your claims while being very attention-grabbing. Here’s an elevator pitch example that utilizes the problem-focused template.

70% of projects suffer excess costs due to poor task management and team communication. Companies not only lose funds but team morale also drops, resulting in further unproductivity. With Clipboard, a project management tool that facilitates easy collaboration and tracks project progress, project managers can boost productivity by over 60%.

This elevator pitch template is short and straight to the point, clearly highlighting the utility of the offer. Below is a sample.

Hi, a pleasure to meet you. I’m first and last name, a marketer with Clipboard. Our software helps project managers amplify team productivity by more than 60% by optimizing their workflow via task assignments, progress tracking, file sharing, and real-time communication. Would you like to hear more?

Elevator pitches get easier with practice, so don’t be afraid to try. Experiment with different templates and delivery methods, and sharpen your communication skills and powers of persuasion. Eventually, you’ll find what works for you and settle into a comfortable and effectual rhythm.

Meet Gregory Green, an accomplished member of SignalHire's esteemed sales team. With a solid five years of experience in sales, Gregory brings a wealth of practical knowledge to the table. But his contributions don't stop there; he also shares his expertise through his own column on the SignalHire Blog. In this space, he offers valuable techniques and insights into the dynamic world of modern sales, making him a trusted resource for sales professionals seeking to excel in their careers.

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Let’s Talk: Crafting an effective elevator pitch

Yajush Gupta

May 15, 2024

Crafting an effective elevator pitch is crucial for seizing opportunities.

It’s like having a key to unlock doors to potential collaborations, investments, or partnerships. Being able to succinctly communicate your idea can make all the difference in capturing attention and getting results.

If you’ve ever found yourself stumbling over your words or failing to convey your idea clearly, don’t worry – it’s a common challenge. But with practice and some key strategies, you can refine your pitch to be concise, compelling, and impactful.

Let’s delve into some expert tips on crafting that perfect elevator pitch!

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Alan Manly, CEO of CampusQ and author of The Unlikely Entrepreneur

“An elevator pitch is like any other craft. The skill comes from the thinking through your goal of the job at hand. My goal is to effectively introduce myself and my product, get a person’s name and open the opportunity to follow up after the elevator pitch.  I still use a business card as my prop. I say my name, offer my card and say that I am with “XX” which is an XX company specialising in “XX”. The details of our services are on the back of the card.  I then ask “what do you do?”. After listening I ask for their card or details. I usually get a card or a scan or link with their details.  Next day, I follow up confirming having met them at a function, to remind them who I am, and seek further interaction. After many years I can say that when I follow up a new contact I always get a polite response giving me an opening to present my product.”

Lisl Pietersz, Solopreneur, Communications and Transition Coach at University of Sydney Business School and AGSM at University of NSW

“An elevator pitch can be crafted for a variety of settings. As a communications and transition coach here is my winning formula to craft a memorable career elevator pitch. The structure of the pitch can be adapted for professional networking, job seeking, interviewing, sales opportunities, or your online profiles:

• Introduce yourself : Start by outlining your area of expertise and the customer problem you solve. Avoid buzz words.
• Showcase your value : Highlight the value you bring when solving a key customer problem within your industry. What evidence supports this?
• Share your point of difference : What is your secret sauce, or a key strength or gift that makes a difference to what you do?
• State your call to action : Emphasise what you seek at the end of your elevator pitch. This could be as simple as re-stating the value you provide.

“Once your pitch is crafted, deliver it with authenticity and confidence. A useful tip is to practise your pitch in front of a mirror or record yourself on a smartphone or laptop to review later. Ideally, seek feedback from a trusted contact.”

Rob Malkin, Senior Regional Director of ANZ at Bentley Systems

“Whether you are pitching an idea to a potential partner, customer, or your own team, finessing your elevator pitch is a way for you to crystalize exactly why your proposal matters. An elevator pitch works on the assumption that you have only got one shot to give a quick overview of what, why, and how. Though any business proposal will be mulled over, delivering a strong pitch separates the hype from the facts and boils the idea down to the most critical elements.

“To craft an effective pitch, start by determining the objective and the audience. Why does this idea matter to you, and what’s in it for the other party? It is important to be transparent and realistic, as a pitch is a gateway to a long-term partnership. Therefore, the foundation of the pitch must be mutual understanding and trust. Adding the “why now” element is another critical aspect to get your proposal over the line, as it helps create relevancy and urgency for the idea.

“While an effective elevator pitch is based on being concise and direct, do not forget that it also needs to capture the attention of your audience. Make sure that you begin and end strong to create a lasting impression.”

Sally McKibbin, Career Expert at Indeed

“Strong elevator pitches are vital in recruitment, both for the job seeker and the recruiting employer. When applying for a role, job seekers are encouraged to keep their CVs concise, their cover letters succinct, and to be able to pitch themselves in a short interview. But when aiming to attract top talent, employers need their own elevator pitch ready to answer the question: “Why should I want to work here?”.

“Employers who can clearly summarise their business, describe the available job opportunity, and articulate their organisation's core beliefs and culture – touching on values, team dynamics, or perks and benefits – will ensure potential candidates have a clear and realistic understanding of what working for their organisation entails. Just as job seekers aim to demonstrate the value they can bring to a company; employers must also convey why their company is an attractive place to work.

“In today’s dynamic hiring landscape, mastering the art of the elevator pitch is essential for employers aiming to attract top talent into their organisation.”

Nathan Schokker, Owner & Founder at Wave CRM

“Practice will and can make perfect (or at least, much better). First things first, your pitch must tackle the problem you’re solving, not selling the widget you’re trying to flog. Speak to their pain for reaction.

“Fewer words often spark greater interest (but not too few, or your aloof and uninterested), and can avoid dreaded glazing over of eyes and minds if you dive deep on too much uninteresting detail. Have one clear example of client work up your sleeve, people often understand best in actions taken and delivered, not in hypotheticals and theory.

“Embrace exaggerated language, yet avoid buzzword and complex or industry jargon. The words: love, hate, kill, engage, explode, each spark clear emotions and reactions and shaped well don’t feel over exaggerated or worn out.

“Now, get out and network and pitch this dozens, or hundreds, of times. No matter how great in your head it feels and sounds, when you speak the words, your rhythm, tone, cadence and delivery will affect them and start to form its best muscle memory. Embrace and learn from it, you’re well on your way now!”

Karlie Taylor, Head of Marketing at SHOPLINE Australia

“Crafting an effective elevator pitch is essential for making a lasting impression in a short amount of time. Start by clearly defining the problem you solve, and who you solve it for (i.e. your target audience). Continue with how you actually do it, including a brief overview of your solution or product, emphasising its unique features or benefits.

“Next, provide specific examples or anecdotes to illustrate your points and make your pitch more memorable.

“Your pitch should succinctly communicate who you are, what you do, and why it matters. Keep it concise and engaging, focusing on the most compelling aspects of your offering. Use language that is clear, compelling, and easy to understand. Avoid jargon or technical terms that may confuse your listener.

“Finally, end with a CTA that prompts further engagement or invites follow-up questions. Be prepared to adapt your pitch depending on the context, situation, or your current audience.”

Kathryn Britt, Group Client Manager at BBS Communications Group

“The ability to describe yourself or your brand in less than 30 seconds is useful, however you need to emotionally connect to your audience for your elevator pitch to be effective. Your interaction must be memorable and leave people wanting to know more – including how your brand could solve their pain points.

• Keep it brief. No more than 30 seconds. That’s about three or four sentences when written.
• Consider your audience. Are they new to you/your business/your sector? Then you’ll need to describe it. If they’re familiar with your brand, what’s a pain point that might resonate with them?
• Don’t leave out your key point of difference. What is the most interesting/important message you want to get across? Did you include it?
• Ensure a confident delivery. First impressions count. If it’s written, ensure proper punctuation. In person, speak clearly, confidently and passionately – passion enthuses people and brings them along for the ride. The more practice you have, the better.
• End with an appropriate ask. End with a call to action like ‘I’d love to share some ideas with yo’”, ‘let’s connect on LinkedIn’ or ‘our website has great resources that might be useful for you’.”

Alexandra Stewart, Founder of Centre For Cancer Nutrition & Cancer Cookery School

“To effectively craft my elevator pitches, I think of them as 30 second stories starting with a hook. I use the problem, solution, result method set out by Donald Miller. You want to effectively communicate the problem or issue your customer faces, how your business addresses it, and the positive outcome the customer can expect after they do business with you. It needs to be to the point. People zone out after a few seconds of noise but keeping your message clear will maintain their attention. Choose your words carefully because every word needs to serve a purpose in the story. Nobody wants to hear about how you started the company – it doesn’t add value to the listener or to the story. When someone asks, “What do you do?”, rather than saying, “Well, it’s complicated…” include the above elements to craft an elevator pitch someone will remember. Mine goes like this, “Chemo changes how food tastes for cancer patients, and adds stress to an already harrowing time. At Centre For Cancer Nutrition, our carefully crafted recipes combat taste changes from chemo, bringing the enjoyment of food back to its pre-chemo glory and restoring a sense of normality to life.”

Donny Walford Managing Director of Behind Closed Doors

“An elevator pitch is the first impression you leave on others so it’s important to leave a memorable and positive impact.

“An elevator pitch is a concise, impactful summary of your business that you deliver in the time it takes to get from one floor to the ground floor in an elevator, typically 10 to 60 seconds. Crafting a compelling elevator pitch is essential for entrepreneurs seeking to capture interest, pitch for funding, or grow customers. The key steps include:

• Define Your Objective : Understand the purpose of your pitch, whether seeking investment, a potential partner, or a new customer. Tailor your message to your objective.
• Explain What You Do : Clearly describe what your business does; your why. Focus on the problem you solve or the need you fulfill. Ensure your pitch is easily understandable.
• Communicate Your Unique Selling/Value Proposition : Highlight what makes your business unique. This could be your innovative approach, competitive edge, or the value you provide.
• Ask Good Questions : Make your pitch interactive by incorporating thought- provoking questions. This encourages two-way communication and makes your pitch memorable and impactful.
• Practice Your Pitch : Practice your pitch to ensure its professional, persuasive, natural and engaging.”

Nina Thomas, Founder & Director at Harmonic Advisory

“Crafting an effective elevator pitch is really simple if you have a formula to follow. The hard part is practicing it and delivering it with confidence.

“The formula I recommend is: 1. I’m a specialist in _______   2. We/I help _(types of businesses)__ businesses to __(grow, transform, cut costs etc.)___   3. We __(list problems you solve)__ 4. We do this by __(explain what you do)_____.

“I know this can be really hard to do on your own, so we have a free, fully automated elevator pitch chatbot on our Profile Builder website . It runs you through this process and instantly emails you a fully scripted elevator pitch. You can use it as often as you like and create a pitch tailored to each sector you operate in. Then practice it daily so it becomes natural.

“Once you’ve done that, create a 10 second version, such as “We basically specialise in helping clients grow by creating go-to-market strategies that attract more deals, more revenue, more often.

“The best way to generate engagement in your pitch is to finish by asking the person you’re talking to a question. For example: Are you currently dealing with this in your business?

“Then get out there and start pitching.”

Anjani Amriit, Conscious Leadership and Women’s Empowerment Expert

“Ninety Nine percent of people just want to feel heard and be happier.

“All effective elevator pitches are founded on this understanding.

“Imagine meeting a potential client at a networking event. Instead of diving into a sales pitch, you ask them about what is making them unhappy. They may say, ‘struggling with work-life balance and feeling unfulfilled.’

You reflect this back to them so they feel heard, then share not what you do, but how you can help them feel happier.

“My top three tips for crafting a compelling elevator pitch are:

• Hear their problem : Lead with the key specific pain point your audience experiences so they feel heard.
• Share how, not what, you do : share how your offering directly solves their problem, making their lives easier or better.
• Set your vibe : your energy is contagious. Get into the feeling place of excitement, it will shine through in your pitch.

“My proven formula :

Do you know when [ work feels overwhelming? ] 

I help [ busy stressed out professionals find balance and sustainable success by aligning work with purpose ].

“By following these tips you can create an elevator pitch that not only captures attention but also resonates deeply with your audience.”

Kathryn Goater, Co-CEO, Co-Founder and PR Director at Media-Wize

“You get less than a minute to grab your audience’s buy-in during your elevator pitch – so always start with your why.

“One of the most common mistakes we hear in media training sessions comes when we ask spokespeople to give us their elevator pitch. Often, we hear the company description – a factual and robotic statement that sounds like it is being regurgitated from marketing copy. What the company does and how it does it is important, but there’s rarely any mention of why the company does it.

“The inspiration that galvanises your purpose is far more engaging and powerful. If your why includes a mission to help improve the planet or benefit people’s lives then it has even more impact. The reason you do what you do is often to overcome a problem or fill a gap in the market.

“Elevator pitches are important for a variety of reasons. If you’re trying to secure media coverage you get under a minute to encourage a journalist to want to find out more. If you get your elevator pitch right, their next question will drill into the what and how. That’s the moment you can take the journalist and their audience deeper into the details.

“It works the same regardless whether it’s investors, partners, customers or team members. Everyone needs an elevator pitch – a pithy summary of why you do it, what benefit it brings to your customers and how you’re different.

“Elevator pitches should be easy to understand, jargon-free and highly accessible, free of technical details. Remember the movie Philadelphia and tell me about it like I’m a three-year-old. You may only get 30 seconds to be memorable, so be ready to make the first impression count.”

Ashford Pritchard, Co-Founder and Director at Kicker Communications

“The best elevator pitches are both concise and captivating. They capture the heart first and then the head.

“This is because people are emotionally driven and make purchasing decisions based on instincts, not spreadsheets. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, business purchasing decision-making is particularly governed by feelings. After all, a poor choice when buying a household item may waste some money, but a poor choice in a business environment could cost you your job.

“An effective elevator pitches starts with the reason you do what you do, the mission of your business. Then, it’s backed up with proof points: the facts that demonstrate your ability to deliver on this mission and your unique sales proposition. This can be your team, your customers, your scale, your location, your industry knowledge, your technology, your investors.

“Most elevator pitches will fail. Your audience will glaze over and tune out with a polite smile. Don’t be disheartened. Think of it as a powerful filter, one that removes people who are irrelevant to your mission. Those who do respond to your passion for what you do and why you do it, they are the people you want to work with.”

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Yajush is a journalist at Dynamic Business. He previously worked with Reuters as a business correspondent and holds a postgrad degree in print journalism.