define elevator speech

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.

Don't forget to share this post!

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The ultimate guide to creating an ideal elevator pitch presentation in 2023

What is an elevator pitch? What is an elevator pitch designed to do? And even more importantly – what makes a good elevator pitch? It is probably one of the most common presentation types – and it’s easy to see why. It is brief, effective, and utterly universal since you can use this format in pretty much any sphere – from business to making friends. So, let’s find out exactly what it is and how to make an ideal elevator pitch!

Elevator pitch meaning

An elevator pitch, sometimes referred to as an elevator speech, is a brief, memorable summary of your professional background, product/service, expertise, and credentials. This type of presentation should be quick enough to present during a short elevator ride, which is why it’s called an elevator pitch.

This speech is entirely about who you are, what you sell or currently do, and what you plan to do in the future.

Think of it as a Twitter version of your business proposal/plan. You can use over 140 characters to share your ideas during a 60-second elevator ride but only share up to 3 tweets’ during the first contact. The reason is simple: the average English word has 5.5 characters with spaces, and a 140-character tweet is equal to 25 words.

Pro tip: In your elevator pitch, speak at a comprehensible 75 words per minute (a little slower than the usual pace of 120-200 words/minute).

Done right, this speech will help you make a solid first impression on potential investors, employers, or business partners. It can also aid in network development, employment, or establishing connections with new coworkers on your first day at a company. You might even learn something new about your business that you never knew before!

Is this something you are interested in trying?

Good! Because we’ll soon show you how to do it!

Key takeaways:

• Aim to convey your message in no more than 60 seconds and keep your elevator speech short and to the point.
• Maintain a maximum of 75 words per minute.
• With the limited time you have, be enthusiastic and persuasive. Concentrate on the most critical details.
• Use visual aids to grab attention.
• To ensure that your speech is effective, record it or deliver it to a friend. Remember, practice makes perfect.

What is an elevator pitch deck designed to do?

To put it shortly, an elevator pitch is designed to introduce either you or your product or service. Keep in mind that your audience would likely be strangers. Your goal here is to catch their attention and spark interest.

Depending on what you want to achieve, there may be different types of elevator pitch presentations:

• Introductory elevator pitch – fits anywhere from job interviews to sales campaigns and fundraising events – wherever you need to introduce yourself or your product/service.
• Job interview elevator pitch – fits for making a fast overview of your skills and competencies for your potential employer.
• “Selling” elevator pitch for business – fits for either selling your product or getting funding to make one.

Remember, your elevator pitch is as helpful during online networking events, job interviews, and trade fairs as in person.

In this article, we’ll show you how to craft a powerful elevator pitch ppt to attract investors.

What constitutes a good elevator pitch?

The purpose of elevator pitch slides is to give clear and crisp information about yourself or your product/service. That’s why your deck should contain only a few slides. The perfect elevator pitch deck is anywhere between 5 to 12 slides, with smart art and charts.

How to do an elevator pitch for business?

There are a ton of elevator pitch examples available online. And every one of those samples follows a slightly different format template.

This raises an important question: which one is the best?

We at SlidePeak will try to provide a clear answer to that question in this elevator pitch guide. Having explored many alternative options, we found our winning template, which we will now share with you.

Our elevator pitch presentation is divided into 8 sections:

• Introduction
• Problem vs. solution
• Market size and competition
• Business model
• Unique selling point (USP)
• Founding team
• Money milestones
• Call to action (CTA)

Here’s a quick overview of what each elevator pitch slide deck section includes and why:

Section 1: Introduction

You might be tempted to begin an elevator pitch with something startling. After all, you want to draw the investor’s attention, don’t you?

The issue with shocking starters is that they may draw the investor’s attention away from your business, which is the main focus of your pitch. That’s why we recommend starting out naturally rather than shockingly and putting information on 1-3 slides to make the information easy to understand.

You should include these elevator pitch essentials in your introduction:

• The name of the business
• A concise summary of your business (no more than two sentences)
• A breakdown of the top three products/services you offer (optional)
• Your target audience

Make sure to relate all details in no more than 18 seconds or 36 words max. By briefly outlining the details, you give the potential investor a basic grasp of what you do.

Good examples:

Pro tip: You can skip the target audience if it is obvious, like in the example above (anyone can benefit from social media). For other products/services, this is a crucial component that should be clearly defined.

Starting your elevator pitch PowerPoint with a question or hook is also an excellent way to attract the investor’s attention. In such a case, add one more slide before the introductory one.

Example 1: Starting with a question

Example 2: Starting with a hook or interesting fact

The pitch’s beginning or conclusion might both contain a hook. If you’re cold-pitching and use your hook at the beginning, your audience might be intrigued. A lengthier conversation will begin if you place it near the end of your speech during a networking event or job interview.

Section 2: Problem vs. solution

The next section has to throw light on the problem you’re attempting to solve. It can consist of one main problem statement, several smaller ones that are related to it, or one main problem divided into two to three smaller ones.

The objective is to demonstrate that you fully understand the challenge and quickly tell them about the solution you offer. The simpler to understand, the better.

Section 3: Market size and competition

Potential investors are always more likely to invest where they can expect substantial returns. That’s why demonstrating the scale of the opportunity and insights into the competition gives an immediate sense of whether they should invest their time with you.

Good example:

Section 4: Business model

An investor can get a sense of how you plan to make money with a fast elevator pitch slide on the business model. An investor is more likely to convert when a business strategy is clear and compelling.

Section 5: Why choose us or our USP

Your objective in this section is to show potential investors how your company stands out from the competition. At this point, they decide whether or not to spend more time with you.

If they want to hold a second listening to you, you are more likely to get funding.

Pro tip: You should be mindful that you have a maximum of 20 seconds to highlight your USP. Therefore, keep information to a minimum and provide details that are absolutely necessary for your investors to know.

You can also add a slide describing your technology if you offer high-end, technologically oriented products or solutions. If it’s a patented technology, make sure to put it forward during your elevator pitch.

Section 6: Founding team

People invest in people.

Investors are interested in the credentials of the people they spend their money and effort on. To inspire trust in potential investors, always include your credentials, experience, and accomplishments.

Section 7: Money milestones

Investors absolutely love numbers and will remember them long after your elevator pitch is over. Therefore, make sure to demonstrate a well-thought-out investment process right from the start.

A good example from Airbnb:

How to speak at an elevator pitch?

Now that we’re finished with the content part, let’s talk about how you should speak at an elevator pitch.

Actually, time may be quite an enemy here. You start talking faster because you are worried, and there’s so little time for you to speak. And if you are a fast talker, this may result in your pitch feeling rushed and hard to follow.

Try keeping a relaxed approach to how you speak. Your steady and clear rhythm will create a feeling of confidence in what you are talking about. This will result in credibility and give you the highest possible impact.

How to end an elevator pitch?

The ending is as important as the beginning, if not more! In fact, the more creative you can be, the more successful your elevator pitch will be.

You need to consider a concluding statement that will stick in the investor’s mind. The better the line, the more likely your potential investor will remember your message afterward.

This memory trigger could be anything from a catchy phrase to a promise of value. It can be a summary of the pitch. If you can make it rhyme, bonus points for you!

You can also ask whether further explanations are needed, initiate a discussion, or offer your business card – whatever attracts attention and makes your pitch memorable.

What to avoid in an elevator pitch?

The key thing in an elevator pitch, apart from its size, is clarity.

Here are 6 things you should avoid when you write your elevator pitch.

• Avoid truisms, buzzwords, hyperbole, and jargon. Some people can be impressed, but many others will be confused.
• Don’t speak too fast or ask too much of people.
• Weed out fillers and annoyances.
• Don’t give your elevator speech to people who don’t want to hear it or are in a hurry.
• Don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to refresh your pitch if the situation changes.
• Don’t speak in a monotone way or frown. Instead, aim for high energy.

Finally, think about how you move and what you do during your elevator pitch. Too many gestures and overall movement may appear annoying, while not moving at all will make you sound odd. So, try to strike a balance and always be ready for objections!

Some good examples to follow:

The presentation part

The design, appearance, and feel of the deck have an equal impact on your elevator pitch’s success, as does accurately communicated information.

Do not shy away from receiving professional assistance to get the elevator pitch design done. After all, it is your idea that should succeed – an effective elevator pitch deck simply opens the door.

Quick tips for elevator pitch that stands out

• Keep it concise, short, simple, and visually appealing.
• Select bold fonts.
• Give preference to contrasting backgrounds.
• Use words, fonts, and images that are easy to understand.
• Avoid putting all the information in a single slide –the less information, the better.
• Avoid using free stock images – instead, use few but relevant ones.

The bottom line

Stick with the elevator pitch guidelines we’ve offered in this article, and you will present your business with class and style. And if you have any questions or need assistance creating an elevator pitch, feel free to contact our team at any time convenient for you.

We’re always happy to assist business owners and startups in expanding their marketing efforts!

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Home › Blog Topics › Advocacy/Leadership › What is an “elevator speech”?

What is an “elevator speech”?

By Sedley Abercrombie on 01/26/2018 • ( 1 )

An elevator speech is a clear, brief message or “commercial” about you. It communicates who you are, why you are valuable, and how you can benefit your stakeholders. It’s typically about 30 seconds to 1 minute, the time it takes people to ride from the top to the bottom of a building in an elevator .

Elevator speeches are handy to have rehearsed to advocate for school library programs in all kinds of situations: those planned and those unexpected.

Let’s start with “why”. 

Nobody know what you do better than you.

• If you don’t blow your own horn, no one else will.
• The squeaky wheel gets the oil.
• Advocacy begins with you!

Three characteristics of an elevator speech:

When can you use them?  

Elevator speeches are helpful when meeting a new principal, goal-setting meetings, and school board or parent meetings. They are also helpful outside of school–at the soccer field, the dollar store, or any place where the conversation leads to the purpose of school libraries or school librarians.

Who can use them?

School librarians, district coordinators, state-level leaders, affiliate assembly members, committee member, and university professors can all use elevator speeches to advocate for school library programs. Parents and students can also be your allies in advocacy efforts.

What are the components of an elevator speech?

Here is a sample:  

References:  

Mcusick. “The Elevator Speech.”  Advocacy, Legislation & Issues , 17 Oct. 2016, www.ala.org/advocacy/advocacy-university/school-library-resources/elevator-speech.

Author: Sedley Abercrombie

Sedley Abercrombie is the district digital learning and library media programs specialist for Davidson County Schools in North Carolina, an NCSLMA executive board member, and an adjunct instructor at East Carolina University.

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Categories: Advocacy/Leadership , Blog Topics

I love the “speech” presentation. You were short and to the point! I would advocate for you:)

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Elevator Pitch explained plus template

Elevator Pitch: this article explains the Elevator Pitch in a practical way. In addition to explaining what the concept is, it also explains why it is important, the background, the important questions to arrive at a good pitch, the steps based on an example and a elevator pitch template to get started yourself. Enjoy reading!

What is an Elevator Pitch?

An Elevator Pitch, sales pitch or business pitch is a short and enthusiastic way in which an idea for a product, service or project is presented. The name reflects the time it takes for an elevator to go from the ground floor to the top floor, which is approximately 30 seconds to two minutes.

Entrepreneurs first used this term when they attempted to convince a venture capitalist that their idea was worth investing in. Venture capitalists use the quality of the Pitch as a way to judge the quality of an idea and the team behind it.

An Elevator Pitch is also used for other purposes today, for example in networking situations. It may concern the sale of a product, seeking employment, speed dating or making a point quickly in a conversation.

It is important to have an eye-catching presentation with ideas, comparisons and examples when delivering an elevator pitch, as presented in the AIDA-model (attention, interest, desire, action).

A good elevator pitch brings added value in a large number of situations. It is an effective way to demonstrate certain strengths, skills and professional aptitude. That is why the elevator pitch is used when pitching a business idea, but also during the job search, for example in job applications.

Whether the interview takes place through a screen or in person, applicants are often asked to provide a summary of who they are. Everyone knows that a good first impression is important. The elevator pitch is therefore very suitable for answering the question/assignment: tell us something about yourself!

This introduction also fits well on a résumé, as a summary statement about an applicant. It also serves as a high-quality introductory talk, in line at the grocery store, at a cocktail party, or at an organized, professional business meeting. Wherever you go, having an elevator pitch ready is a great idea.

Background elevator pitch

There are a number of stories about the origin of the elevator pitch. First up is the story of Michael Caruso and Ilene Rosenzweig . These two former journalists were active in the 1990s.

Rosenzweig was constantly pitching ideas to the editor-in-chief at Vanity Fair, but the editor-in-chief could never keep their attention for long.

Instead of giving presentations, Caruso started catching up with the editor-in-chief in the elevator, for example. The story goes that that’s how the elevator pitch was born.

A possibly different origin predates the story of Caruso and Rosenzweig. Author and business man Philip Crosby suggested that a prepared speech should be delivered within the time it takes an elevator to get to the top floor of a prominent figure.

Important elevator pitch questions

An effective Elevator Pitch should answer the following questions:

• What is the product/service or project?
• What is its use to the buyer/user?
• Who are we?

Furthermore, it is important to take the following elements into account:

• The content of the pitch
• Verbal communication
• Non-verbal communication

In addition, it is possible to target the goals of the Elevator Pitch such as the relevant market, the target group and the unique selling points of a product which set it apart from that of the competition.

Seven tips for a successful elevator pitch

1. keep it short.

An Elevator Pitch means that you are able to introduce your idea, product or service in the time it takes an elevator to go from the ground floor to the top floor. Your Pitch should be no longer than 30 seconds.

2. Study the target group and the situation

Each situation requires its own Elevator Pitch. Apart from preparing a general pitch you should prepare a number of specific pitches depending on the situation. An investment conference requires a different pitch than a purchasing conference or a conference where you are looking to find new customers.

3. Make an intriguing and powerful opening statement

Make a concise statement in which you solve a problem or fulfil a need. If you do not solve a problem or meet a requirement, it will be difficult to sell your product.

4. Promote the benefits

You are not pitching your idea, product or service. You are pitching the benefits of your idea or product.

5. Make it tangible

Do not say “ we are going to install your Linksys Wireless router” but tell them that you will make sure that the wireless internet (of the Linksys brand) will work without a problem.

6. Be passionate

Investors also like to invest in people. Show them your enthusiasm, your passion.

7. Call to action

Finish your pitch with a so-called “call to action”. Tell them that you will call them, or plan a meeting or accompany them to their office to continue the conversation. Make sure there is a follow-up – If you say you will call a prospect to make an appointment, then do so within the next one or two days.

What are pitfalls of an Elevator Pitch

Length of time.

Although an elevator pitch is relatively easy to set up, there are also things to keep in mind to ensure a high-quality pitch. There is only a limited time available in which you have to transfer a lot of information. Do not try to solve this challenge by speaking faster. This makes it complex for the listener to filter out the core of your message.

The opposite should also be avoided. Practice your pitch repeatedly. It’s important not to sound like a robot throwing out the same bit of text over and over, but you also don’t want to get confused sentences in your pitch or get off track. Give the person you’re pitching the space to interrupt you.

Body language

The disadvantage of practicing a pitch is that sometimes the focus is more on remembering the exact sentences than on the way in which the message should be conveyed. Maintain a high energy level, be confident and radiate enthusiasm.

How to write an Elevator Pitch

An elevator pitch answers the following three questions:

• Who are you?
• What are you doing?
• What do you want?

Follow the step-by-step plan below to develop your elevator pitch. Make sure to include all relevant information from the pitch in the template before developing the final version. Don’t forget to end with a call-to-action.

Step 1: Introduce

If you’re approaching someone to pitch, either at an event or in a casual setting, start with an introduction. Give your full name, smile, extend your hand for a handshake or make a joke.

Step 2: Summarize what you do

Then give a very short and concise summary of what you do and your background. Only use the most relevant information, such as education, work experience, specialties and things you are good at. Don’t know what to say? Then write down as many characteristics and topics as possible on paper to consider them one by one. After that, remove anything that is not essential.

An example so far.

“Hello, my name is Michael. Nice to meet you here. I am a PR manager dedicated to guiding launches for initiatives from start to finish. In addition to nine years of professional experience, I recently graduated for my Masters degree at the University of ABC, with a focus on consumer psychology.”

Step 3: Explain exactly what you want (to achieve)

In this part of the pitch, focus on what you have to offer. It is a good opportunity to explain exactly what added value you will bring to a job or investment opportunity.

Let’s take Michael’s example again.

“Hi, my name is Michael. Nice to meet you here. I am a PR manager dedicated to guiding launches for initiatives from start to finish. In addition to nine years of professional experience, I recently graduated for my Masters degree at the University of ABC, with a focus on consumer psychology. I find the work your PR team does inspiring and innovative. I would love to have the opportunity to use my expertise for your company.”

Step 4: Close with a call-to-action (CTA)

An elevator pitch ideally ends with a call-to-action. Basically this means you end the pitch by stating what you want to happen next. What this is depends on the purpose of the pitch. Examples include asking for a meeting, investment, showing interest in a position, etc. Asking for something can be intimidating, but it’s very important because it gives the conversation an action point.

Back to the example.

“Hi, my name is Michael. Nice to meet you here. I am a PR manager dedicated to guiding launches for initiatives from start to finish. In addition to nine years of professional experience, I recently graduated for my Masters degree at the University of ABC, with a focus on consumer psychology. I find the work your PR team does inspiring and innovative. I would love to have the opportunity to use my expertise for your company. Could I schedule a short meeting next week to discuss future opportunities within your team?”

Elevator Pitch template

Start describing your Elevator Pitch with this ready to use template / worksheet.

Download the Elevator Pitch template

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More information

• Diaz, C. S. (2009, July). Teaching the techno-pitch: Taking student innovators beyond the elevator pitch . In Professional Communication Conference, 2009. IPCC 2009.
• Faust, B., & Faust, M. (2002). Pitch Yourself: Stand Out from the CV Crowd with a Personal Elevator Pitch . Pearson Education . IEEE International (pp. 1-7). IEEE.
• Pincus, A. (2007). The perfect (elevator) pitch . Bloomsberg Businessweek.

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Original publication date: 10/27/2021 | Last update: 01/24/2024

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Patty Mulder

Patty Mulder is an Dutch expert on Management Skills, Personal Effectiveness and Business Communication. She is also a Content writer, Business Coach and Company Trainer and lives in the Netherlands (Europe). Note: all her articles are written in Dutch and we translated her articles to English!

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What is an elevator pitch? 

By Michael Feder

This article has been vetted by University of Phoenix's editorial advisory committee.  Read more about our editorial process.

Kathryn Uhles, MIS, MSP, Dean, College of Business and IT

This article was updated on 12/01/2023.  

At a glance

• An elevator pitch (or elevator speech) is a 30- to 60-second summary of yourself or an idea that you share with a certain audience, typically a boss or interviewer.
• These pitches are useful for networking and interviewing as well as building an interest around your own ideas.
• There are three main questions to answer with an elevator pitch: “Who am I?,” “What do I do?” and “What’s my ask?”
• Career Services at University of Phoenix  can help you develop your pitch, as well as other skills to enhance your career.

It’s a fast-moving world out there and getting you and your ideas in front of the right audience can be difficult. It can seem like everyone is short on time and patience. So, making the most of an opportunity becomes more important than ever, particularly in business where being first is often the coveted position.

That's where the elevator pitch comes in. This handy career skillset can help you sell yourself or your ideas in a succinct and interesting way. While that may sound easy, it can take time and training to nail your pitch. If you're looking to improve your salesmanship read on for tips and examples from a University of Phoenix certified career advisor. 

Sign up for our LinkedIn® newsletter to receive career planning tips, resumé help and more. 

What is an elevator pitch?

The  elevator pitch  or elevator speech, so named for the average time of a quick elevator ride, is a 30- to 60-second summary of yourself or an idea. You can imagine the scene: An employee pitches a new project to an executive on the first floor then steps into an elevator. And, by the time the elevator has reached the top floor, the executive is interested and convinced of the project’s merit.

That situation in an elevator is potentially unrealistic and specific to the name. But there are a number of scenarios in the business would where an elevator pitch may come in handy. Read on to learn when and where to use yours. 

When and how to use an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a concise and compelling introduction that succinctly conveys your key strengths, goals and value proposition, serving as an effective tool in interviews to showcase your candidacy, in networking to make memorable connections, and in brainstorming sessions to quickly articulate your ideas.  

In an interview, you’ve probably been prompted, “So, tell me a bit about yourself.”

Having a pitch committed to memory, one that you know gets the main points across quickly, can make it easy to deliver your story succinctly and put your best self forward as a candidate.

An elevator pitch can also be part of your resumé, according to University of Phoenix career advisor Ricklyn Woods. Woods often describes the “summary” at the top of a resumé as a written version of your pitch.

“It includes everything except the ask,” she says. “But the thought process is the same and it is usually the part of the resumé that is most difficult for people to write.”

Need help writing an effective resumé? Download our free step-by-step guide.

While a job fair or a networking event has a captive audience to talk to, they don’t have all day. Potential employers, investors or collaborators can be very important for enhancing your career. That first interaction can be the jumping-off point for a job, a business venture or an invention.

An elevator pitch opens up the dialogue between you and others that can spark interest and leave a positive impression that lingers long after the conversation is over.

Brainstorming

By forcing you to summarize yourself or an idea in a short period of time, a pitch can help you clarify — for yourself and others — the main reasons why you or your idea is worth another’s investment.

Following this line of thinking, an elevator pitch can also reveal potential obstacles or opportunities facing you or your idea. It may spur further inspiration or development of the idea.

How do you write an elevator pitch?

Writing an elevator pitch first starts with having an idea. As Woods stated, approach your pitch similar to how you would write the summary section of a resumé. Remember to keep it short and to the point and only include the most interesting and critical details.

If you still need help, check out our blog article on how to write an effective resume, which includes 5 steps from a certified UOPX career advisor. The article also includes a step-by-step downloadable guide and video covering each step and section of the resume. Click here to read the article. 

When you do sit down to start writing your elevator pitch, there are three main questions you may want to consider, and they are:

What do I do?

• What’s my ask?

Now that you know where to start, let’s break down these questions!

There are two ways of thinking about this question, one more literal than another.

It is, in fact, literally important for a potential employer or investor to know who you are. This means introducing yourself in a friendly, professional manner. A handshake, along with a “Hello, my name is” can break the ice and get the conversation started.

It may seem obvious but jumping right into the meat of your pitch won’t be nearly as effective if you don’t take the time to introduce yourself.

The other, less literal way of thinking about this question is to  consider the impression you want to leave  on the person you’re talking to. They may not remember every detail of your pitch. That being said, getting across the things that motivate you, the things that really define you, can leave a lasting impression.

After introductions, it’s time to convey  what you bring to the table . Of course, you won’t have time for the most detailed summary. This is the place, however, where you can get across the work experience and educational background that make you stand out. You’ll have to keep it short and limited to just the experience relevant to the situation, but this is the opportunity to communicate the cold, hard facts about your experience.

It’s also important here to speak about your strengths. Have you succeeded under pressure? Do you have a unique talent that distinguishes you? Including these in your elevator pitch can express the type of candidate, business partner or collaborator you are.

This is also a great opportunity to pose questions to the person you’re speaking with. It helps carry the conversation along, and their answers can give you an opportunity to relate your experience back to theirs.

For example, you can ask a potential employer about where they see their company growing in the next few years. They might mention that they are looking to get more aggressive with their marketing strategy. This would be a great opportunity to relate your marketing experience and any examples of your work.

This information can help a potential employer see what you’re bringing to the table as it relates to their specific needs.  

What's my ask?

There are a few reasons to develop an elevator pitch. You may want to be ready to impress recruiters at a job fair. You may just be looking to share a business card. Regardless, the point of your pitch is to persuade someone to consider you for that internship, business meeting or opportunity.

This is your  ask , and it will determine many aspects of how you present yourself in an elevator pitch. You’ll need to demonstrate the value you plan to bring to whatever position or opportunity you’re pitching for. This is why it’s so important to get  what you do  across, so that you can align your experiences with the opportunity in front of you.

Consider what you can uniquely bring to the table. Center what makes you or your idea distinct from others. Especially when it comes to very competitive positions, you’ll need to demonstrate your specific value compared to other candidates. Successfully doing so can mean you nail that dream job, get funding for your project or build a connection that can help you in your career.

Finally, be direct about your ask. This doesn’t have to be a huge deal; it might just be a request for a follow-up. They may say yes. They may say no. Regardless, it’s important to be clear and direct. There should be no doubt by the end of your pitch as to what you want to do moving forward.

What to avoid in an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a great opportunity to sell yourself or your idea. Some things, however, can  sink your pitch . Here are a few:

• ·Talking too fast
• Getting off topic
• Wasting time on unrelated subjects
• Trying to sound “smart” rather than being direct

In addition, it’s important to not get lost in the details while delivering your pitch. You have limited time, and though your idea may be complex, it’s crucial to clarify the main points and stick to them. If you do this right, you’ll have plenty of time to dive into those details in a later conversation.

Looking for more resources to help you on your job search?  University of Phoenix Career Services  offers one-on-one coaching, sample resumés and more!

Elevator pitch examples

Sometimes, the best way to learn is by example. Here are a few helpful examples of how to deliver pitches that can help you craft yours!

Elevator pitch examples for students

Here’s a scenario in which a student is seeking an internship with a  potential employer :

“Hello! Nice to meet you. My name is Michelle. I’m a student at University of Phoenix, pursuing a  Bachelor of Science in Business Administration.  In that time, I’ve developed the groundwork for my dream of running a business. That includes everything from communication and leadership skills to the nitty-gritty of management and finance. That said, I have a lot to learn and would appreciate the opportunity to explore internship opportunities at your company so I can further develop those skills. Here’s my card!”

Elevator pitch examples for a job interview

“Hi, my name is Patrick, and I’m really excited to be speaking with you today about the position. A little bit about me: I graduated in 2019 with  a degree in health administration . That degree prepared me with many of the management, leadership and financial skills I’ve used in my post-college work. That includes two years at a local hospital, where I helped manage patient records and ensured quality healthcare administration. That was a great experience, but I’m looking to grow more in this field. That’s why I’m excited to talk with you today about this position. Can you tell me a bit more about what you’re looking for in a potential candidate?”

Now you should have a solid understanding of the definition of an elevator pitch and how a pitch about yourself can help you achieve your goals.

Not sure what your career goals are? You can find out what employers are likely to be looking for in years to come. Check out our post on the  top five growing fields! .

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Michael Feder is a content marketing specialist at University of Phoenix, where he researches and writes on a variety of topics, ranging from healthcare to IT. He is a graduate of the Johns Hopkins University Writing Seminars program and a New Jersey native!

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Meaning of elevator pitch in English

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• If you're job-hunting, develop a a 15-second " elevator pitch " to use whenever you meet a potentially useful contact .
• When you start a business , it is all about " elevator pitches ", in which you express your idea in simple terms - in less time , as the term suggests , than a 30-second ride in a lift .
• When I look at a website I am looking for the company's elevator pitch : what the company does, briefly explained , and some proof that it does a good job .
• I am less interested in a flashy power point than a good elevator pitch .
• ambulance-chasing
• argumentation
• be/go on at someone idiom
• jockey someone into something
• lean on someone/something
• unpersuasive

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We are all kind of familiar with the notion of an elevator pitch, but that is not nearly enough to be able to effectively craft and use one.

So, let’s see what exactly is an elevator pitch, why should you have one, and how to create it.

What is an elevator pitch.

An elevator pitch is a persuasive, concise introduction that provides the listener with a solid idea of a person, a business, a product, or a service (or practically anything else) within just a short space of time.

Typically, an elevator pitch will last no more than 2 minutes, although it is usually much shorter (20 or 30 seconds) - about the length of the average elevator ride. Elevator pitches are common when highlighting your individual skills when interviewing for a job, but they are also often used in marketing.

Why Form an Elevator Pitch?

First impressions count, and with research showing that a first impression is formed in just 7 seconds, it becomes necessary for businesses to ‘wow’ prospects right off the mark. Ultimately, if the first 7 seconds don’t succeed in capturing the audience’s attention, the rest of the meeting may as well not happen!

It’s well worth taking the time to form a great elevator pitch, as your pitch can be used in a wide range of different marketing and sales scenarios. Most commonly, an elevator pitch is used at meetings, but there are other times when it can prove useful, including networking events, conferences, and pretty much any time that someone asks, “what do you do?” You should never say no to an opportunity for lead generation!

How to Create a Successful Elevator Pitch

First, you need to have a good understanding of your own capabilities, limitations, and advantages. After that, you are ready to create a great elevator pitch that:

• Looks at the needs of your target audience
• Addresses the ‘why change?’ question (looks at why customers should be doing something different)

Here are some important structural pointers for creating a successful elevator pitch:

Make Clear Introductions Begin by making it crystal clear to your audience exactly what you are selling. After all, this is the entire point of the meeting. A failure to mention what you’re selling upfront tells the audience that you either:

• Don’t understand what you’re selling
• Don’t understand why you’re selling it
• Don’t understand how what you’re selling forms a solution for the customer.

Make it clear that you know what your business is all about, and how your offerings can directly address the needs of the audience.

Talk About the Solution If you had all the time in the world, talking about the problem would be fine. But you don’t. When you’re limited on time, there is no room for redundancy. Chances are, if you’ve been invited for a meeting, then the customer is already well aware of the problem they have; they don’t need you to tell them what it is. Instead, what they’re really interested in hearing is how you can solve this problem for them. Acknowledge the problem to show understanding, but don’t dwell on the struggles of the business.

Create a ‘Roadmap’ Audiences want to know about the solution, but that’s not all. They also want to know how that solution will fit in with their business. Now is the time to touch upon the idea of ‘marketure’; discussing the marketing roadmap that will show how the solution will integrate with existing practices and processes.

Don’t simply offer a solution without a way for the customer to deploy it; that’s like selling a car without the key! If you’re offering a solution, you want the customer to be confident that they can use it.

Elevator Pitch Examples

Here are two statements that may be created by a technology company:

Example A: I’m Jeff, and I work for the 123 National Corporation. As leading innovators, we’re making it possible for businesses like you to improve the accuracy of their transactional record-keeping using Blockchain; one of the most disruptive technologies today. By using an in-house team, we’re able to maintain control over the costs, deployments, and compatibility with other systems, delivering the benefits to our clients.

Example B: I work for the 123 National Corporation. We know that cyber security is currently a major issue and that businesses like you are struggling to keep your transactional data safe and secure. We’re offering a solution using the latest technology to keep your computer-stored data highly protected. We’re proud to be able to offer this solution for a much lower cost than our competitors, making us the perfect choice.

Which one makes the best elevator pitch? If you chose Example A, then you’re right!

Example A has everything an elevator pitch needs. It immediately adds a sense of personality and with the inclusion of the speaker’s name before moving onto an introduction to the solution. It offers a brief yet informative overview of the technology used that not only discusses a number of different benefits of using that company but also shows how the company is able to guarantee these benefits. Finally, the pitch touches on compatibility, making it clear that it should be simple for the client to implement.

Example B lacks personality and spends more time discussing the problem than the solution. It mentions computer-stored data at a time when mobile devices are taking over, which suggests that the pitch hasn’t been updated in some time. The only benefit of choosing that company that is mentioned is cost, which could be damaging if cost isn’t a primary concern for the customer. Ultimately, the customer has relatively little useful information by the end of the pitch.

Another important thing to mention is that you don’t have to limit yourself with one unique pitch for every occasion. Different businesses have different values and priorities, so you can always look to personalize your pitch to your current audience.

The Future of the Elevator Pitch

Right now, there is an ever-increasing focus on the ‘techno pitch,’ one of today’s biggest buzzwords. While the techno pitch is important to understand and consider, it is unlikely to kill off the classic elevator pitch, especially as B2B clients still prefer face-to-face meetings over digital encounters.

However, the features of the techno pitch can be very useful to take into account when creating an elevator pitch. The techno pitch is typically much shorter — less than 50 words, or perhaps a maximum of 280 characters — forcing you to think harder about the core values of the business and ways in which you can communicate these values efficiently yet effectively. Drawing on the concept of the techno pitch, you can further hone our skills, creating excellent elevator pitches that will help drive ongoing success.

6 Tips for Talking About Your Business With Anyone How can you explain your new business in a succinct, engaging way? Here are 6 tips to help you tell your story without losing anyone’s interest.

Treat Investor Meetings Like a Sales Pitch Want to increase your success when pitching to potential investors? Learn how to tweak your approach — “selling an idea” rather than “asking for money”.

Copyright © 2024 SCORE Association, SCORE.org

Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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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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What is Elevator Pitch & How to Create one? (With Example)

An elevator pitch is a concise and compelling summary of an idea, product, or business, typically delivered within the duration of an ‘elevator ride’. It is called an “elevator pitch” because it should be succinct enough to be presented to someone during a brief encounter, such as an elevator ride, capturing their attention and leaving a memorable impression.

Table of Content

Understanding Elevator Pitch

Need of elevator pitch, advantages of an elevator pitch, elevator pitch – faqs.

The term “elevator pitch” draws upon the idea of a person having a short amount of time (usually between 30 seconds to two minutes) to pitch their idea to someone influential who can make a difference, such as a potential investor, business partner, or executive.

The goal of an elevator pitch is to convey the core essence and value of your proposition in a clear, concise, and persuasive manner. It should answer the question of what problem your idea solves, what makes it unique or innovative, and why it is relevant or beneficial to the listener. By presenting a compelling elevator pitch, you aim to generate interest, engage the listener, and ideally secure a follow-up conversation or opportunity.

Imagine you’re in an elevator with someone important, and you only have a short ride to explain what you’re all about. Your goal is to capture their attention and make them interested in your idea. It’s like giving them a sneak peek that leaves a strong impression and makes them want to know more. The key is to keep it concise, memorable, and exciting.

How to Create an Elevator Pitch?

An effective elevator pitch typically includes seven key components. Let’s understand each point in brief with an example of a Mobile Notification App for better understanding:

1. Identify the Problem: Identify the Problem that your product or service can solve.

Example: People have difficulty managing their time due to the large number of notifications on their phones.

2. Explain the Solution: Explain how your product or service can solve the problem.

Example: your product could be a mobile application that helps people to manage their notifications and prioritize the most important ones.

3. Identify your Target Market: Identify who your ideal customers are and why they would benefit from your product or service.

Example: Your ideal customer could be busy professionals who need to stay on top of their work and personal lives but struggle to manage their notifications.

4. Include your Competitors: Acknowledge Your competitors and explain what makes your product or service unique compared to theirs.

Example: Your app might be more user-friendly and intuitive than other notification management apps on the market.

5. Introduce your Team: Introduce your team and explain why they are qualified to create and bring your product or service to market.

Example: You might mention that your team has a lot of experience in app development and has created successful products in the past.

6. Explain your Financial Summary: Provide a brief overview of your financials, such as your revenue and funding needs.

Example: You might have a freemium model for users who can access basic features for free but can pay for more advanced features and you might be looking for funding to help further develop the app.

7. Discuss Milestones: Share your key milestones and Accomplishments, such as positive feedback from the beta tester or securing funding for investors. This helps to demonstrate progress and build credibility with your audience.

By including these 7 key components in your elevator pitch, you can effectively communicate the value of your product or service and generate interest from potential investors, customers, or partners.

Remember to keep your pitch short, clear, and engaging, and also, practice it until you feel comfortable delivering it in any situation.

The need for an elevator pitch arises from the fact that in today’s fast-paced world, attention spans are short, and opportunities to make an impression are limited. Here are a few reasons why having an elevator pitch is crucial:

1. Concise Communication: An elevator pitch helps you deliver your message quickly and effectively. It forces you to distil the most important aspects of your idea or business into a concise format, making it easier for others to understand and remember.

2. Capturing Attention: People are constantly bombarded with information, so it’s essential to grab their attention from the start. An elevator pitch allows you to make a strong first impression, capturing interest and leaving a lasting impact.

3. Networking and Opportunities: Elevator pitches are often used in networking events, conferences, or chance encounters with influential individuals. Having a well-crafted pitch can help you seize these opportunities by clearly and confidently conveying what you do and what value you bring.

4. Clarifying your Value Proposition: Crafting an elevator pitch requires you to define and articulate the unique value proposition of your idea or business. It helps you clarify your own thoughts and ensures that you can clearly communicate your value to others.

5. Generating Interest and Investment: Whether you’re seeking investors, partners, or customers, a compelling elevator pitch can generate interest and excitement. It increases your chances of attracting support, funding, or collaboration by presenting your idea compellingly and memorably.

6. Versatility: Elevator pitches can be used in various situations, from informal conversations to formal presentations. Having a well-prepared pitch allows you to adapt and deliver a concise and consistent message, regardless of the setting.

In summary, an elevator pitch is essential because it helps you effectively communicate your idea, capture attention, generate interest, and seize opportunities concisely and memorably.

A few advantages of an elevator pitch are:

1. Clear Communication: An elevator pitch ensures your message is communicated clearly and concisely, helping others quickly understand the essence of your idea, product, or business.

2. Memorable Impression: A well-crafted elevator pitch captures attention and creates a lasting impression, making you and your offering memorable to potential investors, clients, or collaborators.

3. Networking Opportunities: An elevator pitch serves as an effective networking tool, allowing you to succinctly convey your value proposition and engage in meaningful conversations with industry professionals, potential partners, or customers.

4. Attracting Investors or Clients: An impactful elevator pitch can attract the interest of investors or clients who are intrigued by your idea, product, or business. It provides a concise overview of the benefits and unique selling points that make you stand out from the competition.

5. Saving Time and Maximizing Impact: An elevator pitch is designed to be delivered within a short timeframe, enabling you to convey important information efficiently. This saves time for both you and the listener while maximizing the impact of your message.

6. Boosting Confidence: Crafting and practising an elevator pitch enhances your confidence in presenting your idea or business. It provides you with a clear and concise message that you can deliver confidently, making a positive impression on others.

7. Clarity and Focus: Developing an elevator pitch requires you to distil your message to its core elements. This process enhances your understanding of your own idea or business, ensuring you can communicate it effectively and with clarity.

Having an elevator pitch offers numerous benefits, including clear communication, making a memorable impression, creating networking opportunities, attracting investors or clients, saving time, boosting confidence, and providing clarity and focus to your message.

How long should an elevator pitch be?

An elevator pitch should typically last around 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

Why is it called an elevator pitch?

It’s called an elevator pitch because it should be short enough to be delivered during a typical elevator ride.

What are the key components of an effective elevator pitch?

The key components are a clear introduction, a concise description of the idea or product, the unique value proposition, and a call to action.

Who should use an elevator pitch?

Entrepreneurs, job seekers, salespeople, and anyone needing to quickly convey an idea or value proposition.

What is the main goal of an elevator pitch?

The main goal is to capture the listener’s interest and prompt further conversation or action.

How can I make my elevator pitch memorable?

Use a compelling hook, keep it concise, focus on benefits, and tailor it to your audience.

What common mistakes should be avoided in an elevator pitch?

Avoid being too vague, overly detailed, or lacking a clear message and call to action.

How should I end my elevator pitch?

End with a strong call to action, such as a request for a meeting, contact information, or a follow-up conversation.

How often should I update my elevator pitch?

Update your elevator pitch regularly to reflect new insights, changes in your offering, or shifts in your target audience.

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A Guide to Special Education Terms

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The number of students in special education has increased steadily in the last four decades , with parents more readily seeking additional support and more students being diagnosed with conditions, like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder.

In the wake of the pandemic, though, districts struggle to hire and—more importantly—keep their special education teachers, who are often beleaguered by stressful working conditions and a lack of resources.

Even as the field shifts to address workforce shortages, with some states considering extra pay for special education and others eyeing how artificial intelligence could lessen the burden of increased workloads, students with disabilities make up roughly 13 percent of the school population, said Natasha Strassfeld, an assistant professor in the department of special education at the University of Texas at Austin.

These are key terms educators should know.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act , or IDEA , is a federal law that establishes the rights of students with disabilities and their families.

First passed in 1975 and most recently reauthorized in 2004, the act provides grant funding to states that agree to the federal government’s vision for educating students with disabilities, said Strassfeld.

Students must be identified, evaluated, and deemed as IDEA eligible for the state to use federal money to educate that child. There are 13 categories under which a student could be eligible, including physical and intellectual disabilities.

There are about seven million students served under IDEA, said Strassfeld.

An Individualized Education Program , or IEP , is a legally binding contract between a school district and a family with a child with a disability. Under IDEA, students are afforded an IEP, said Dia Jackson, senior researcher for special education, equity, and tiered systems of support at the American Institutes of Research.

IEPs spell out what area a student has a disability in, how it impacts learning, and what the school will do to address those needs, such as providing speech or occupational therapy, more intensive instructional supports, and accommodations, including for standardized tests and other learning goals.

The number of IEPs is increasing in schools as conditions, like autism spectrum disorder, or ADHD, are being diagnosed more readily.

All students with disabilities are protected under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, which requires schools to make “reasonable accommodation” for students with disabilities.

Educators don’t have to make specially designed instruction plans under a 504, but students can get certain accommodations, like elevator passes if a student is in a wheelchair, Jackson said.

“It’s a slightly different focus, but both play out in schools,” Jackson said.

Individualized family services plans , or IFSPs, are developed for children up to age 3 who need help with communication, social-emotional skills, and physical needs, Strassfeld said.

Like an IEP, the plan is made in collaboration with a parent or guardian, along with professionals such as a child care provider, religious leaders, or doctors. The document outlines a plan for families to help seek services—such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, medical services, and more—but is focused more on the family’s goals rather than strictly educational goals, Strassfeld said.

“While they’re focusing on pre-education goals, primarily at that age, we’re thinking about that child as being a part of a component of a family,” she said.

The right to a Free Appropriate Public Education , or FAPE , means that for every IDEA-eligible student, services must be provided at no cost to the student or their family, must be appropriate for the needs of the child, and have to be education oriented, Strassfeld said.

With FAPE, there is also the concept of least restrictive environment, or LRE, Jackson said. Students should be included to the fullest extent possible in mainstream classrooms and be challenged but appropriately supported, alongside their general education peers.

That’s not without its challenges, however, Strassfeld said.

“IDEA essentially is premised on the philosophical notion that it is that easy. It’s a real challenge for school districts,” she said, adding that as parents and advocates examine special education through disability justice and disability studies lenses, there are more critiques of the model.

Jackson said that she’s heard criticism along these lines: When students with disabilities aren’t prepared for a general education environment, or when general education teachers don’t have training on special education.

Response to intervention , or RTI , came as an amendment to IDEA in 2004 to help earlier identify students who are struggling before they begin failing, Jackson said, and begin giving them additional support through a tiered process. Generally, all students receive “tier I” instruction on grade-level standards. Then, students who need additional help get more intensive supports. That could look like a teacher working one-on-one, or in small groups, helping target specific areas to improve learning.

Intervention is an evidence-based program meant to address a specific learning or social-emotional need. It can be done in a general education classroom, and looks like regular teaching, Jackson said, but it uses particular materials and involves collecting data on progress.

The term RTI has evolved into multitiered system of supports , or MTSS , which is also a preventative framework, but goes beyond academics to consider the infrastructure districts need to implement MTSS, Jackson said.

“The shift to MTSS is meant to be more inclusive of the infrastructure as well as inclusive of social-emotional learning as well as academics,” she said.

A functional behavior assessment , or FBA , is a way for educators to collect data on student behavior, and what is triggering certain unwanted behavior, Jackson said.

For instance, she said, if a teacher has a student who has autism and, when they get upset, they throw a chair, an FBA could be conducted.

Once that analysis is collected, a behavior intervention plan , or BIP , is developed, describing what the behavior is, how often it happens, and what will be done to address it.

FBAs and BIPs are not without concerns, however, as students with disabilities—especially students of color—are more likely to face exclusionary discipline, such as suspension and expulsion.

“A lot of times, it is a subjective judgment call if a student is exhibiting ‘appropriate behavior’ or not,” Jackson said. “There’s a lot of potential bias that goes into discipline of students and behavior management.”

It’s one example of disproportionality , where an ethnic or racial group is over- or under-represented in certain areas. For instance, Jackson said, students of color with disabilities are over-represented in discipline, on being identified as having a disability, and being placed in more restrictive environments.

Restraint and seclusion are practices used in public schools as a response to student behavior that limits their movement and aims to deescalate them, by either physically limiting their movement (restraint) or isolating them from others (seclusion), according to previous EdWeek reporting .

The practice of physically restraining students with disabilities or placing them in isolation has been heavily scrutinized, but is still used in some states.

It should only be used in extreme cases when a student is at risk to harm themselves or others, Jackson said, but never as a behavior management technique, or as punishment. Students have been harmed, or even killed, as a result of restraints , Jackson said. Students of color are over-represented in the population who are restrained and isolated, Jackson added.

Even still, there are educators who don’t want to see the practices completely banned, Jackson said.

“Teachers have been hurt by students or they’ve been hurt in the midst of a restraint so they still want to have the option available,” she said. “It’s an issue of not having training in another alternative, so they feel like: ‘This is the only way I can handle this particular student, or type of student, because I don’t know anything else.’”

Strassfeld said that there’s been more focus on the practice alongside excessive force in law enforcement.

“There’s been discussion that disability advocates have had about criminalization of behaviors that a person has no control over, and this type of force seems to deny the humanity of people who perhaps are exhibiting behaviors they are not able to control,” she said.

Education Issues, Explained

Vanessa Solis, Associate Design Director contributed to this article.

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elevator pitch

• 1.1 Etymology
• 1.2 Pronunciation
• 1.3.1 Synonyms
• 1.3.2 Translations
• 1.4 See also
• 1.5 Further reading

English [ edit ]

Etymology [ edit ].

From the idea that such a pitch is concise enough to be given during a trip between floors in an elevator.

Pronunciation [ edit ]

• ( Received Pronunciation ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈɛləveɪtə ˈpɪtʃ/
• ( General American ) IPA ( key ) : /ˈɛləveɪtɚ ˈpɪtʃ/ , /-ɾɚ/
• Hyphenation: el‧e‧vat‧or pitch

Noun [ edit ]

elevator pitch ( plural elevator pitches )

• 1998 , Electronic Business , volume 24 , Highlands Ranch, Colo.: Cahners Business Information , →ISSN , →OCLC , page 8, column 1: Once you've found the right person, the art is in making an elevator pitch —spill the beans fast.
• 1998 , Don Pfarrer, Guerrilla Persuasion: Mastering the Art of Effective and Winning Business Presentations , Boston, Mass.: Houghton Mifflin , →ISBN , page 110 : An elevator pitch raises more questions than it answers but they are likely to be questions about how the business works, not what it is.
• 2010 , Frances Kay, “The Elevator Pitch”, in Successful Networking: How to Build New Networks for Career and Company Progression , London, Philadelphia, Pa.: Kogan Page , →ISBN , page 137 : This chapter is about the elevator (or lift) pitch : what it is, how you develop one and how to use it effectively. It is a single sentence that describes your work and which you can deliver in 30 seconds or less – the time it takes an elevator to travel from one floor to another. [ … ] If you want to create a compelling elevator pitch , it needs to be short and accurate. [ … ] The elevator pitch is about getting your message across in the shortest possible time.
• 2017 , Sara Kelly, “Brand You”, in Personal Branding for Entrepreneurial Journalists and Creative Professionals , New York, N.Y., Abingdon, Oxon.: Routledge , →ISBN , page 66 : Elevator pitches are called what they are for a reason. They force you to focus your personal pitch to the mere 30 seconds or so a typical elevator ride takes. The term is old, but the concept remains relevant.
• 1987 , Dave Prochnow, Flight Simulator and Flight Simulator II: 82 Challenging New Adventures , Blue Ridge Summit, Pa.: TAB Books , →ISBN , page 39 : Control the glide descent angle through small amounts of elevator pitch movements.

Synonyms [ edit ]

• elevator speech
• elevator statement

Translations [ edit ]

See also [ edit ].

• high concept

Further reading [ edit ]

• English terms with IPA pronunciation
• English terms with audio links
• English lemmas
• English nouns
• English countable nouns
• English multiword terms
• English terms with quotations
• Word of the day archive

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