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How to Give a Great Elevator Pitch (With Examples)

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How to Give a Great Elevator Pitch (With Examples) was originally published on Forage .

Picture of one business person giving an elevator pitch to another

Though people are complex and so much more than just their jobs, in a new social situation you’re often asked, “So, what do you do?” or “What are you majoring in?” While you probably have a stock answer ready to go (I’m in sales; I’m majoring in English), the person asking may be able to help you achieve your career goals — but they won’t know unless you’ve got an elevator pitch ready to go.

An elevator pitch is an enticing and interesting three or four-sentence summary of you. But you do more than talk about yourself. Your elevator pitch gets the listener interested in what you’re capable of.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

What Is an Elevator Pitch?

How to write an elevator pitch, elevator pitch examples, elevator pitch bonus tips.

Mike Gardon of CareerCloud sums up elevator pitches like this: “When meeting someone for the first time, we all get asked what we do, right? Well, an elevator pitch is how you answer that question.”

At its core, an elevator pitch is a brief synopsis of who you are and what you do (or are trying to do). It’s named so because of the idea that you’re in an elevator with the one person who can make your career dreams come true. You’ve got the length of that elevator ride (approximately 30 seconds) to convince that person to keep listening to you.

Why You Need an Elevator Pitch (and When You’ll Use It)

In many respects, an elevator pitch is all about you. And though it may seem strange — uncomfortable even — to talk about yourself, a well-designed elevator pitch starts with you and ends with the listener.

Gardon explains, “The elevator pitch is designed to engage the person with whom you are communicating, and get them to take some next action. Think about it like this: if you were writing an email, the elevator pitch would be the subject line plus the next couple of lines that are shown in an inbox. The purpose is to get the recipient to open the email.”

In the case of your elevator pitch, you’re attempting to spark a longer conversation (or later meeting) with someone who could potentially help you professionally.

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Your elevator pitch comes in handy when you’re looking for a job. But you’ll also use various versions of your elevator pitch in situations like:

Networking events
Prospecting for new sales and clients
When you’re interviewing and asked, “Tell me about yourself.”
As the “about me” on LinkedIn, Twitter, or other social media page
In the summary of qualifications on your resume

How Long Should an Elevator Pitch Be?

While elevator ride times vary, the general rule of thumb is that an elevator pitch is no longer than 30 seconds, which means your pitch needs to be concise.

So, you can’t include every accomplishment from your last three jobs, just the top most recent ones. As you’re honing your pitch, write it down and limit yourself to four sentences. This will help you focus on your top highlights.

In general, an elevator pitch includes four essential elements: who you are, what you do, what’s unique about you, and what your “ask” is. Though the “meat” of your pitch likely doesn’t change often, you should prepare multiple elevator pitches that you can tailor to your situation.

For example, if you’re a student, the pitch you use at a career fair may not be the same one you use at a networking event. Likewise, if you’re changing careers, you may need to switch up what your “ask” is depending on who you talk to.

Gardon offers an example. “I wear so many different hats and am involved in different businesses. So, if I want someone to be a guest on my podcast, I might tell them how we’ve done over 400 episodes, instead of telling them that I’m a former derivatives trader.”

Also, while the below elements are crucial, they can go in almost any order. While a good elevator pitch usually begins with your name, you may find that listing your skills before your accomplishments is better for your pitch.

Part 1: Who Are You?

Your elevator pitch starts with your name, of course, but also consider throwing in a “hook” that gives the person you’re speaking with an opening to ask you questions. Here are some examples:

“I’m [your name], a recent graduate of [university] with a degree in [your degree].”

“My name is [your name] and I’m a junior at [university] majoring in [your major].”

“I’m [your name] and while I’m currently in product development, I’ve decided I want to change gears and go into graphic design.”

Part 2: What Do You Do?

The second part of your elevator pitch explains what you do. However, you shouldn’t limit yourself to a job title. This is the place to mention one outstanding accomplishment from your job, internship, or even a class that will wow your listener.

Like all parts of your elevator speech, this needs to be brief, but it should also be detailed and help the listener get an idea of what you’re capable of:

“During my marketing internship at [name of company], I grew social media engagement by 43%, which resulted in an uptick in newsletter sign-ups year over year.”

“Our business is small, but that lets us have more personal interaction, which has helped us keep a small but loyal and profitable client base for 15 years.”

“After learning about the stock market, I wanted to test what I learned as well as my skills, so I created a mock portfolio that’s realized a 24% gain over the last year.”

Part 3: What’s Unique About You?

The next section of your elevator pitch includes something unique about you. While this can include specific skills, you can also trace your career path or accomplishments to illustrate how you use your skills.

Because you only have 30 seconds, you might be tempted to list your skills or accomplishments like a grocery list. But try to link them to an outcome or something you can do.

“I enjoy analyzing data and using the results to plan my content calendar, including social media posts.”

“I worked on my college newspaper, starting on the sports beat, eventually moving my way up to chief editor.”

The first example mentions one skill (data analysis ) and two outcomes (planning the content calendar and social media posts). The second example doesn’t mention any skills but illustrates the speaker’s career path (sports beat to chief editor), demonstrating an increase in skills and responsibilities.

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Part 4: Call to Action (or What’s Your Ask?)

The final part of your elevator pitch includes a call to action. Or, more specifically, what are you asking for?

Much like networking, you may not want to blurt out “a job!” even if that’s your desired outcome. This section is what you hope will happen, which could be a job, internship, or just a new networking connection.

“I would love to speak to you about being a potential mentor, if you have time.”

“I’d like to follow up with you about how I can get involved in and conduct summer research.”

“Can you tell me how you decided on [this] career?”

Each of these invites the listener to continue engaging with you either right now or in the future.

Optional Part 5: Something Memorable

Finally, depending on the situation, you might want to include something memorable in your pitch. This is situation-dependent and only something you should do if you’re comfortable.

For example, the pitch on Gardon’s LinkedIn profile says, “Earned the Title ‘World Champion Funniest Person In The World (to my kids)’ 10 years running.”

Of course, not everyone can be the “Funniest Person in the World,” but your memorable moment could be your love of science fiction, who your favorite author is, or the fact that you just adopted a cat.

Here’s what all the elements look like when you put them together:

“I’m David, a rising senior at XYZ University and an education major. I spent last year student teaching at my old high school, and it was quite the experience being on the other side. I’m graduating in the spring and am looking to teach high school biology.”

“I’m Ella, and I’m currently an individual contributor at XYZ company running the social media accounts. I use Google Analytics to analyze and improve content performance, and my personal TikTok has XXX followers. I’m looking to move to a leadership role at a mid to large-size company where I can mentor others.”

“I’m Mike and I’m a sophomore at XYZ university. When I was a kid, I really wanted to communicate with animals, which is partly why I’m majoring in zoology. I’m not sure what career is best suited for me. Can you tell me how you ended up in yours?”

Once you’ve written (and rewritten) your elevator pitch, you’re almost ready to try it out. Before you do, though, ensure your delivery is memorable — for the right reasons!

Practice. Practice makes perfect, of course. And while you don’t want to sound too rehearsed, you also don’t want to trip over your pitch or start rambling. Practice in front of a mirror, with friends or family, or record yourself to make sure you’re getting it right.
Time yourself. Thirty seconds can feel like forever or fly right by. Time yourself to make sure your pitch isn’t too long or too short, and adjust as necessary.
Use your “excited” voice. While you’ll want to use your “inside voice,” vary your tone. When you give a rehearsed speech, it should be polished but not robotic. Try to bring some excitement to your voice as you speak.
Speak slowly. You may want to cram as much as possible into your 30 seconds, but that could result in you speaking too quickly to try to get it all in, making it tough for the listener to understand you. As hard as it might be, stick to one or two main points.
Maintain eye contact. While you don’t want to stare at the listener the whole time, you don’t want to stare at the floor either. Maintain the level of eye contact that feels normal and natural to you, and break eye contact when appropriate.

Make Your Pitch

An elevator pitch is useful in all sorts of professional (and even personal!) situations. By taking stock of what you do and what you want to do, you’ll find the perfect elements to include in yours and impress the next person you pitch it to.

Want more insights into creating the perfect pitch? Check out Ashurst’s Building Your Personal Brand Virtual Experience Program .

Image credit: Canva

The post How to Give a Great Elevator Pitch (With Examples) appeared first on Forage .

Business growth

Business tips

11 actually great elevator pitch examples and how to make yours

Hero image with an icon of two people shaking hands on an elevator

There's a trope in late '90s movies where a motivated, ambitious main character does everything they can to get on the same elevator ride as the CEO of some powerful company.

It usually ends the same way. Our protagonist makes a nervous, fast-paced speech that the CEO ignores while repeatedly pressing the elevator button, and we get a five-second scene with sad music of our main character watching them walk away.

That nervous, fast-paced speech is an elevator pitch example—a bad one, because otherwise, those movies would be nine minutes long and uninspiring. In the real world, an elevator pitch can make a powerful impression and pave the way for business ventures, employment opportunities, and networking. It won't get you a corner office and a fancy title one week into your new job, but it can be an important step in the right direction.

To highlight that difference—and to really dismantle "The Pursuit of Happyness" as a plot—I've put together some elevator pitch examples and a guide on how to write one that actually works.

Table of contents:

Components of an elevator pitch

11 elevator pitch examples

How to write an elevator pitch

What is an elevator pitch.

An elevator pitch is a concise speech in which you introduce yourself and a few key points about what you're pitching, whether it's to acquire investors, promote a product, advertise a business, or even sell yourself as a potential employee. If it takes longer than a minute to get the point across, it's getting too long.

Elevator pitches were originally exclusively spoken—used in business conversations and investor pitches—but have since grown into a written format used for things like websites, social media, video ads, marketing outreach, and media pitches .

You're not trying to convey your entire business strategy or all your selling points. Your goal here is to raise interest, make a connection, and facilitate an opportunity for business in the future.

Let's say you're in the fintech industry and are attending a networking event full of bank representatives and decision-makers. Instead of spending an hour going through your company's history and how it's aiming to be carbon-neutral by 2157, you'd find more success introducing it concisely, pointing out one or two key features and how they could serve your audience's interests.

The pitch begins with a hook to draw your audience in, veers into the value you offer, provides some proof to support your statement, and wraps it all up with a display of what makes you different.

It's relatively easy to incorporate these elements into a short pitch. The difficulty lies in choosing a good hook and phrasing your proposition in a way that appeals to the other side of the conversation.

The hook: This element doesn't need to be fancy or complicated. Make it simple and get straight to the point. For example, if you're pitching a time management tool, your hook can be a personal story like: "When I first started my business, it felt like there was too much to do and not enough time to do it." It can also be a statistic. If you're pitching an online collaboration tool, your hook can be something like: "73% of all teams will have remote workers by 2028."

The value proposition : This is where you provide an overview of the value you're bringing to the table. Discuss what you're pitching and what it does, research your listener's unique needs beforehand, and prepare a compelling argument for how you can meet them.

The evidence: The person you're talking to may be nodding, but that doesn't necessarily mean your point is getting across. Some proof of past success or stats that speak to your success could make that nodding a lot more genuine.

The differentiator: Let them know that you're different—that your product or service isn't just another iteration of what came before. You get brownie points for originality and not quoting any movies.

The call to action: Make sure you're inviting your audience to take action. They have all the details, and they might be interested. It's time to bring it home with a clear call to action . Ask them to connect with you on LinkedIn, invite them for a coffee chat, share contact information, and make sure there's an opportunity to follow up on the conversation.

Example elevator pitch with the different components identified by color: the hook is highlighted in purple, value is highlighted in orange, evidence is highlighted in green, the differentiator is highlighted in yellow, and the call to action is highlighted in teal

11 elevator pitch examples done right

I rewatched "The Pursuit of Happyness" to see if there was anything I could salvage, but all I walked away with was frustration at the misleading lesson that passion can overcome anything. Passion cannot, in fact, overcome a busy decision-maker who can't wait for you to stop talking.

If you're at all like me, you'll find the following examples a much better use of your time.

1. Startup pitch example

Everyone's got ideas for [shared goal] . But ideas aren't enough.

We took [shared goal] and turned it into a reality.

We developed [solution] at [company name] that's [list of qualities] . We made it possible for [target audience] to [shared goal] .

What sets us apart is our [differentiator, followed by brief overview] .

If you're passionate about [high-level goal] and interested in [benefit of collaborating with you] , let's connect.

An example elevator pitch for startup companies, with the hook, value, evidence, differentiator, and call to action highlighted in different colors

This elevator pitch example demonstrates how to approach potential business partners and investors with a clean energy project. The hook is simple. It leans on the issue and the harsh reality of how little the world does to achieve utopian sustainability. Then it introduces the solution as the company's proactive effort to change the status quo. It pitches efficiency, reduced costs, and access to a larger customer base. Finally, it addresses how ease of use sets the solution apart from the competition and invites further collaboration.

This example is ideal for startups in that it focuses more on the product, what makes it unique, and the features that set it apart, rather than the company's past achievements, success stories, or revenue metrics. It can easily be used to pitch investors and potential clients alike.

You can follow this example by making the problem the centerpiece of the hook. Open with the issue, and position your company's service or product as the solution.

2. Job seeker pitch example

It took me [period of time] to [achieve goal] .

It's always been my priority to deliver [high-level result] , but I want to put my [expertise] to use making [high-level goal/impact] .

At [company name] , I [past experience] that [measureable results] .

I love what I do. But I [differentiator, high-level goal] .

If you're looking for a [position/title] who's [differentiator] , let's chat. I'm eager to explore how I can help your organization achieve its [field] objectives.

Example of an elevator pitch for a job seeker, with the hook, value, evidence, differentiator, and call to action highlighted in different colors

Since tropes are only a good idea when I propose them, I've decided that our job seeker would be making a pitch to GreenCorp, the company from our previous example. Will Smith will not be playing this role.

In this example, the author of the pitch isn't trying to sell a company or a product; they're trying to sell themselves. The hook addresses their background, expertise, and goals. It then veers into past performance results and highlights the key skill set. The uniqueness factor here speaks to GreenCorp's mission, showcasing that the author shares the company's grand goals, empathetic mindset, and desire to help build something positive.

If you're ever job hunting, open your pitch with a concise and direct overview of your background, share your most impressive achievements, and do your research into the company you're pitching.

3. Sales pitch example

Most people [relevant statistic, followed by explanation] .

At [company name] , we've taken the [pain point] out of the equation.

Our [products] are designed for [value proposition] .

They're more than just [product] . They're [differentiator, followed by supporting evidence] .

We're not just salespeople; we're [differentiator] .

So, are you ready to find [product selling point] ? Let's [CTA] .

Example of an elevator sales pitch, with the hook, value, evidence, differentiator, and call to action highlighted in different colors

In this example, a guitar shop is pitching its unique guitar design to potential customers. It recognizes a very common problem and ties it to a feeling that most guitar enthusiasts know all too well: giving up too soon. It later positions the author as an expert and fellow musician and utilizes customer reviews as supporting evidence.

A sales pitch will always depend on your industry, product, and customer base. Approach your audience by speaking to their greatest pain points .

4. Networking pitch example

I'm a [position/title] at [company name] , and I've worked on [past experience] .

Over the past [period of time] , I've had the privilege of working with diverse industries, from [industry] to [industry] , and what truly excites me is [shared interest] .

I'm here to connect with other professionals who share my enthusiasm for creative and innovative [field] ideas. I really want to explore new [differentiators and shared interests] .

Let's connect on [communication channel] . I have quite a few compelling [field] resources to share and talk through.

Example of an elevator pitch for someone who wants to network, with the hook, value, evidence, differentiator, and call to action highlighted in different colors

This networking pitch resembles the job seeker pitch with one major difference: the audience shifts from an employer to a colleague. The objective changes, and that affects the entire approach.

In this example, the author isn't trying to convey their efficiency or results in percentages or measurable performance points. They're sharing aspects of their industry that they're passionate about and are interested in discussing. The point here is to make a memorable introduction at a networking event and gather connections .

Ahead of your next networking event, tailor your pitch so that it speaks to your expertise and knowledge without going into too much detail.

5. Investor pitch example

At [company name] , we [business concept offer] , plain and simple.

We [value proposition] .

Our portfolio contains [supporting evidence] .

Why us? Well, we [differentiator] .

We roll up our sleeves and get involved.

We're currently prospecting [target audience] to join us on our journey. If you're ready to be part of the next [field] disruption, let's talk about how [company name] can help.

Example of an elevator pitch for someone looking for investors, with the hook, value, evidence, differentiator, and call to action highlighted in different colors

Investors have heard it all a million times over. It's why their faces are so hard to read—set in unimpressed silence. So it's best to make your hook short and to the point. "We do X to achieve Y" can be a breath of fresh air when your job is listening to entrepreneurs pitch their ideas five days a week.

In this example, YZTech Ventures aims to secure investors for promising companies. The hook is straightforward and simple, slowly veering into an overview of the company and why it works.

6. Nonprofit pitch example

Every day, [pain point] .

[Company name] is working to change that.

We're a nonprofit dedicated to [high-level goal] . We've already provided [supporting evidence/achievements] .

We don't want to treat the symptoms; we want to face the root cause of [pain point] . But this will be a losing battle if we're fighting it on our own.

We're always looking for individuals who share our vision and drive to build a better world where [high-level goal] .

If you're ready to make a difference, let's discuss how you can be part of the solution.

Colorful nonprofit pitch example for Hope Unlimited Foundation

Empathy is the name of the game here, and charities and nonprofits can use it as a unique selling point. The good news is there's very little risk of doing this wrong. The example outlines the cause, its aim, and the efforts being made to find a solution.

If you're pitching a nonprofit or a charity to potential donors, lean heavily on the charity's message and accomplishments.

7. Personal branding pitch example

I'm [name] , and I'm a dedicated [title] . I've helped [past expertise and achievments] .

I do what I do by [value proposition, followed by differentiator] .

I'm here to [offered value] .

There's " [position] " in the title, but I'll be [differentiator] .

Let's schedule a meeting and discuss what you can do.

Colorful personal branding pitch example for John, a dedicated life coach

Personal branding comes into play when you're pitching yourself, the individual. Just as companies share their unique idea, proposition, and values, the life coach does the same at a personal level.

If you're ever writing a personal branding pitch, approach it as you would a business. The key difference is to showcase your values and what makes you unique as a person rather than as a corporate entity.

8. Product launch pitch example

I'm very excited to share with you [product selling point] .

At [company name] , [products] aren't just a [basic nature of product] . We see them as a game-changer in [selling point] .

This is why we developed our [product] , a cutting-edge [product overview] .

Imagine all of your [value proposition, followed by key features] .

Our product has already received rave reviews during beta testing, with users reporting [survey results] .

[Product] is now available for preorders! [CTA].

Colorful product launch pitch example for TechCo's GloVision glasses

This example focuses less on the company and more on the newly revealed product. The new release speaks for itself and the business at the same time.

The hook immediately positions the product as the future or "the next best thing." The pitch dives into what makes the new product unique, utilizing a hypothetical to paint a picture of what it can achieve.

If you're writing a product launch elevator pitch, focus on the product and let it speak for the company.

9. Rebranding pitch example

We've done great things as [company name] . We've helped businesses [services and past achievements] .

We've since been on a journey of transformation, and it's time for a fresh start.

Our company has grown, adapted, and innovated in response to changing market dynamics. We've [outlined change] . Now, [company name] is about to become [new company name] .

Why the change? We've rebranded to [rebranding reasons] .

With [new company name] , you can expect the same quality, expertise, and dedication you've come to trust. But now, we're adding a fresh perspective and a dynamic spirit to our brand.

We invite you to join us in this exciting phase of our journey. [New company name] is ready to [service/value proposition] .

Let's schedule a meeting and explore how our renewed brand can better serve your evolving needs.

Colorful rebranding pitch example for ProjectX

In this example, the hook immediately delivers the reasoning behind the change.

Instead of a value proposition, the pitch offers an assurance that the rebranding won't have detrimental effects. It's designed to address stakeholders and clients as well as provide context.

10. Consulting services pitch example

At [company name] , we specialize in [value proposition] .

With a team of seasoned experts in [field of expertise] , we've successfully guided organizations to [high-level goal] .

Our approach is all about partnership. We take the time to deeply understand your unique market and audience. From there, we [differentiator] .

[Company name] can be the catalyst for your business's transformation. Whether you're looking to [goal] or [goal] , we're here to help.

Let's schedule a virtual meeting to discuss where your company stands and where we can take it.

Colorful consulting services pitch examples for StratEdge Advisors

This pitch is designed to attract clients for a consulting service. It takes a collaborative tone in its approach and focuses on areas of growth that pretty much every decision-maker worries about. It makes the solution the centerpiece of its hook instead of the problem, and goes on to briefly outline how the firm's process is structured.

11. Technology solution pitch example

[Relevant statistic].

That's how it goes for your [pain point] .

Imagine you didn't have to worry about [pain point] .

Our [product] is designed to enhance [process] . We help businesses [value proposition] .

One of our recent success stories includes helping a [supporting evidence] .

The thing is, [differentiator] ; we make sure our [product] is specifically customized for your organization's needs.

Are you available to meet next week for a personalized demo?

Colorful example of a tech solution pitch example for cutting-edge automation software

In this example, the hook is a statistic that lays the foundation for the problem and the value proposition. It's a powerful hook that captures the audience's attention and helps you transition into what you really want to say.

You can be an optimist and decide to improvise an elevator pitch. But you'll likely end up taking too many pauses under the guise of sipping your water, and stumbling over your words mid-pitch might waste a precious conversation.

It pays to be prepared, and writing an elevator pitch beforehand can make a big difference.

1. Outline a clear objective

Before you start writing the elevator pitch, focus on your objective . Are you introducing yourself to grow your personal network, pitching a service or product, prospecting investors, or trying to acquire a new client?

Your objective will help you pinpoint the information you want to mention in your pitch.

Tip: Establish success metrics relevant to your objective. Investors will want to know how much revenue your business can generate, while potential clients will want to know the benefits of your product or service. Make sure your success metrics speak to your audience's concerns.

2. Define your audience

One speech won't work across the board. Hollywood says the up-and-coming manager likes to be impressed with a Rubik's cube, while the CEO likes to hear your heartfelt speech about how much this job means to you and how you're expertly overcoming odds.

Both those things are wrong, but the point remains that identifying who your listener is and what matters to them is a nice way to tailor your pitch so that it speaks to their concerns, needs, and bigger pain points. The more you resonate with your audience, the more impactful your pitch will be, and the closer you'll get to a tearful Will Smith movie ending.

Defining your audience goes beyond knowing the name and nature of what might make a potential client.

Tip: Conduct in-depth audience research by diving into your chosen market, competitors, user data, and digital marketing analytics. Then comb through that information to define your audience's pain points and how you're uniquely positioned to address them.

3. Craft a hook

You know what you want to say and why. Now you need an opening statement—a hook that grabs their attention and gets them invested in the rest of your pitch. You want to set the stage for the elements that come next. Make it clear and engaging, but keep it concise. The goal here is to get an attentive listener, not a bored one.

The hook needs to spark the audience's interest. You need to speak their industry's language, show knowledge and expertise, and put your audience research data to good use by pointing out the difficulties and issues they face.

Tip: Use a personal story, a statistic, a fact, or an interesting hypothetical to draw your audience in.

4. Explain your value proposition

Once your audience is paying attention, it's time to dive into the proposition and the value within. What do you and your idea bring to the table? What problems do you solve, and how does that make your listener's life better? How does your solution differ from those they've heard pitched a thousand times before?

Point out the differentiating factors that make you and your business unique, whether it's the groundbreaking tech you've patented or the better pricing options your competitors can't keep up with.

Tip: Write down all the aspects that make your business different, and choose the most compelling ones for the pitch.

5. Support your pitch with evidence

Who doesn't like real-life measurable data? Well, Hollywood doesn't, but that's just because no amount of Hans Zimmer music can make your 325% ROI cinematically engaging. You can be confident that your audience will want to hear success stories that support your proposition.

Have a few successful case studies from former and current clients ready to drive the point home and turn a semi-interested listener into an engaged party.

Tip: Draw on your own expertise, and use performance statistics and relevant metrics from previous projects.

6. Keep it concise

It's called an elevator pitch for a reason. You have under a minute to get your entire pitch across to a busy decision-maker who doesn't have all day. Cut the fluff, and only say what you feel certain will convince your recipient to take your side.

Tip: Practice reading your pitch out loud in the mirror. Use a timer to measure how long it takes to deliver it comfortably.

7. End with a clear call to action

Since the point of an elevator pitch is to generate interest, you'll want to end it with a clear call to action—one that evokes a response and maybe a more in-depth conversation.

If you're pitching a service, you can offer to schedule a meeting to further outline your services and how they can help the listener. If you're pitching a product, you could offer to schedule a demo to prove it can improve their business. Get creative here, and aim to turn that interest into a meeting.

Tip: Lead your audience to connect with you beyond the pitch. Schedule a meeting or a coffee chat, exchange contact information, and make sure there's room for a longer discussion.

8. Prepare to answer questions

You can't just deliver your pitch and then hit the open bar at the networking event. Be ready to answer questions.

Questions at this stage mean your listener is intrigued, curious, and interested. At this point, feel free to provide as much context in your answers as you'd like. The elevator pitch has already ended, and it served its purpose. Go in-depth and provide context.

Tip: Write down a few questions based on your own market research. Ask yourself what your customers, investors, and audience might be curious about. Prepare your answers so you're never surprised.

Make a unique first impression

Elevator pitches exist because humans have shorter attention spans than goldfish, and we really need a leg up on our aquatic competition.

Opportunities are fleeting, especially when businesses are launching every day. In an oversaturated environment, an elevator pitch can help you make an impression that lasts. And who knows, you might just have what it takes to inspire a 50-million dollar movie that Will Smith can "misty-eye" his way through.

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Interview Strategies

How to Create an Elevator Pitch (With Examples)

Examples of the Best Elevator Pitches

how to write an elevator speech about yourself

When and How to Use an Elevator Pitch or Speech

What to say in your elevator pitch, what not to say and do during your elevator speech, tips for virtual elevator pitches, elevator pitch examples.

Hybrid Images / Cultura / Getty Images

What is an elevator pitch, and how can it help your career? An elevator pitch—also known as an elevator speech—is a quick synopsis of your background, experience, and purpose. It's called an elevator pitch because it should be short enough to present during a brief elevator ride.

This speech is all about you: who you are, what you do, and what you want to do (if you're job hunting) or are doing (if you're simply networking).

Your elevator pitch is a way to share your expertise and credentials quickly and effectively with people who don't know you.

Done right, this short speech helps you introduce yourself to career and business connections in a compelling way. It can help you build your network, land a job, or connect with new colleagues on your first day of work.

Key Takeaways

Keep your elevator speech short and sweet, aiming to deliver your message in 60 seconds or less.
Say who you are, what you do, and what you want to achieve. Your goal is to focus on the essentials.
Be positive and persuasive with your limited time. Focus on what you want to do, not what you don’t want to do.
Deliver your speech to a friend or record it to ensure your message is clear. The more you practice, the better your speech.

If you're job searching, you can use your elevator pitch in person at job fairs or career expos, and online in your LinkedIn summary or Twitter bio. An elevator speech is a great way to gain confidence in introducing yourself to hiring managers and company representatives.

You can also use your elevator pitch to introduce yourself at networking events and mixers. If you're attending professional association programs and activities, or any other type of gathering, have your pitch ready to share with those you meet.

Your elevator pitch is just as useful in virtual networking events, interviews, and career fairs as it is during in-person gatherings.

Your elevator pitch can be used during job interviews, especially when you're asked about yourself. Interviewers often begin with the question, " Tell me about yourself ." Think of your elevator pitch as a super-condensed version of your response to that request.

Maddy Price / The Balance

Your elevator speech should be brief . Restrict the speech to 30–60 seconds. You don't need to include your entire work history and career objectives. Your pitch should be a short recap of who you are and what you do.

Be persuasive. Even though it's a short pitch, your elevator speech should be compelling enough to spark the listener's interest in your idea, organization, or background.

Share your skills. Your elevator pitch should explain who you are and what qualifications and skills you have. Try to focus on assets that add value in many situations. This is your chance to brag a bit. Avoid sounding boastful, but do share what you bring to the table.

Practice, practice, practice. The best way to feel comfortable about giving an elevator speech is to practice it until the speed and “pitch” come naturally, without sounding robotic. You will get used to varying the conversation as you practice doing so. The more you practice, the easier it will be to deliver it at a career networking event or job interview.

Practice giving your speech to a friend or recording it. This will help you know whether you're staying within the appropriate time limit and delivering a coherent message.

Be positive and flexible. You often aren’t interviewing for a specific position when you deliver your pitch, so you want to appear open-minded and flexible. Don’t lead with the stuff you’d rather not be doing. (For example, if you don’t want to travel a lot for work, that’s completely legitimate, but you shouldn’t volunteer that information immediately.) This is your chance to make a great first impression with a potential employer. Don’t waste it.

Mention your goals. You don't need to get too specific. An overly targeted goal isn't helpful since your pitch will be used in many circumstances and with many different types of people. But do remember to say what you're looking for. For instance, you might say you're looking for "a role in accounting," "an opportunity to apply my sales skills to a new market," or "the opportunity to relocate to San Francisco with a job in this same industry."

Know your audience and speak to them. In some cases, using jargon can be a powerful move—it demonstrates your industry knowledge. But be wary of using jargon during an elevator pitch, particularly if you're speaking to recruiters. They may find the terms unfamiliar and off-putting. Keep it simple and focused.

Have a business card ready. If you have a business card, offer it at the end of the conversation as a way to continue the dialog. If you don’t, you could offer to use your smartphone to share your contact information. A copy of your resume, if you're at a job fair or a professional networking event, will also demonstrate your enthusiasm and preparedness.

Don't speak too fast. Yes, you only have a short time to convey a lot of information. But don't try to fix this dilemma by speaking quickly. This will only make it hard for listeners to absorb your message.

Avoid rambling. This is why it's so important to practice your elevator speech. While you don't want to over-rehearse, and subsequently sound stilted, you also don't want to have unfocused or unclear sentences in your pitch, and you shouldn't get off-track. Give the person you’re talking to an opportunity to interject or respond.

Don't frown or speak in a monotone way. Here's one of the downsides to rehearsing: it can leave you more focused on remembering the exact words you want to use, and less on how you're conveying them through your body language and tone. Keep your energy level high, confident, and enthusiastic.

Modulate your voice to keep listeners interested, keep your facial expression friendly, and smile.

Don't limit yourself to a single elevator pitch. Maybe you're interested in pursuing two fields—public relations and content strategy. Many of your communication skills will apply to both those fields, but you'll want to tailor your pitch depending on who you are speaking to. You may also want to have a more casual, personal pitch prepared for social settings.

All of the same guidelines apply to a virtual elevator pitch. You may have an opportunity to give an elevator speech at a virtual career fair, a job interview over Zoom, or during a networking event. Follow the dos and don'ts listed above.

Plus, keep these tips in mind:

Check how you look. You'll want to have a clean and professional background. Plus, make sure you're well-lit and aren't in any distracting shadows.
Make eye contact. Try practicing beforehand so you get accustomed to looking at the camera, which will help you appear to make eye contact with the person on the other side of the video chat. Just avoid overdoing it or staring!
Aim for high energy. As with in-person pitches, you'll want to avoid speaking too quickly. Also important: modulate your voice (to avoid a monotone) and keep your energy high. It's easier for people to be distracted during video meetings, and you'll want to keep their attention.

Use these examples as guidelines in crafting your own elevator pitch. Make sure your speech includes details on your background, as well as what you'd provide an employer with:

I recently graduated from college with a degree in communications. I worked on the college newspaper as a reporter, and eventually, as the editor of the arts section. I'm looking for a job that will put my skills as a journalist to work.
I have a decade's worth of experience in accounting, working primarily with small and midsize firms. If your company is ever in need of an extra set of hands, I'd be thrilled to consult.
My name is Bob, and after years of working at other dentists' offices, I'm taking the plunge and opening my own office. If you know anyone who's looking for a new dentist, I hope you'll send them my way!
I create illustrations for websites and brands. My passion is coming up with creative ways to express a message, and drawing illustrations that people share on social media.
I'm a lawyer with the government, based out of D.C. I grew up in Ohio though, and I'm looking to relocate closer to my roots and join a family-friendly firm. I specialize in labor law and worked for ABC firm before joining the government.
My name is Sarah, and I run a trucking company. It's a family-owned business, and we think the personal touch makes a big difference to our customers. Not only do we guarantee on-time delivery, but my father and I personally answer the phones.

23 Elevator Pitch Examples to Inspire Your Own [+Templates & Expert Tips]

Published: May 06, 2024

Whether you're introducing yourself at a networking event, telling new colleagues about your business, or pitching to another professional — you want to capture attention and get it fast. In situations like these, you need a short and easy-to-grasp explanation of your company and its products, like an elevator pitch.

salesperson using an elevator pitch or speech

In this post, we'll discuss what an elevator pitch is, review some helpful examples, see some elevator pitch templates you can reference, go over some elevator pitch best practices, and cover some key mistakes you need to avoid when delivering one of these speeches.

Let's dive in.

Table of Contents

What is an elevator pitch?

Elevator speech example, how to write an elevator pitch, elevator pitch templates, 30-second elevator pitch examples, elevator pitches from real sales leaders, elevator speech best practices, what not to do in an elevator pitch.

An elevator pitch — also known as an elevator speech — is a short, memorable description of what you do and/or what you sell. The goal is to earn a second conversation, not to convince the person you're talking to that they should hire you or buy your solution.

An elevator pitch is never an opportunity to close a deal. It‘s an opportunity to close more of your prospect’s attention and time. It's a quick introduction to you, your company, and how you can help your prospect.

Hi, I‘m an account manager with Vacation Locator. We help travelers across the world plan their perfect holiday based on their interests, budget, and location preferences. With travel experts assigned to each account, we find the best deals and most unique experiences for each client, so they can enjoy their vacation, instead of stressing out about planning it. On average, we’re able to save travelers up to 30% on expenses such as hotel and airfare.

When to use an elevator pitch?

You can pull your elevator pitch out at functions like networking events or conferences, over interactions like warm calls, and even in job interviews or at career fairs. Keep your elevator pitch goal-oriented — for instance, "I help companies like yours increase production by up to 30% without additional cost . " — and always end with a business card or request to connect on LinkedIn.

If you‘re curious about what an elevator pitch should look like, or simply ready to jumpstart the pitch creation process, download the templates below. We’ve compiled several types of templates — from sales pitches to funding requests.

No matter which type of pitch you‘re delivering, keeping things concise is key. You don’t want to waste your prospect‘s, investor’s, or fellow professional‘s time. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how much time should you spend on an elevator pitch?

Download Now: Free Elevator Pitch Templates

E-pitch templates to better sell your product, fund your business, or network.

4 Fundraising Pitch Templates
2 Networking Pitch Templates
2 Sales Pitch Templates

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

How long should an elevator pitch be?

An effective elevator pitch is meant to be no more than 30 seconds, just like the length of time you ride in an elevator. You want to keep your words easily digestible, so avoid trying to get too deep into specifics as it can drag on the conversation — and lose your prospect's attention.

You should have an effective elevator pitch prepared before you need it since you have such a short window to deliver it. Your pitch needs purpose, flow, and a hook to reel in attention if you want to get the kind of mileage you need out of it in 30-ish seconds.

Let's take a closer look at how to put one of these pitches together.

1. Use elevator pitch templates .

Download Free E-Pitch Templates

Every elevator pitch has to start somewhere, and there‘s no better “somewhere to start” than HubSpot’s handy suite of easy-to-use elevator pitch templates. I‘m not exaggerating when I say they literally provide the best reference points for constructing thoughtfully tailored, effective elevator pitches you’ll find anywhere on the internet. Call my bluff.

HubSpot has templates to help you structure pitches for three key audiences: prospects, investors, and potential network connection — and while we trust that you, our valued readers, are capable of coming up with elevator pitches on your own, having these templates makes that process exponentially easier, freeing you up to focus on selling, crushing quota, and living your best life.

Okay, I‘m done with our plug — and now that I’ve essentially elevator pitched you on our suite of templates for elevator pitching, let's dive into the ins and outs of fleshing out an elevator pitch of your own.

2. Introduce yourself.

The value of a personal introduction in an elevator pitch is multifaceted. For one, it gives your prospect some pretty mission-critical context — you won‘t get too much mileage out of an elevator pitch if they have no idea who you are or who you’re with.

Second, it can make the whole experience a bit more approachable. You don't want things to be too rigid or imposing when you pitch — a friendly introduction helps set the stage for a more natural engagement.

Bear in mind — you need to know what your prospect needs to know . What I mean is that you have to be mindful of how much information you‘re sharing as part of your introduction. You don’t want to get lost, ramble, and share more information than your prospect needs to know. Get it?

Effective elevator pitches are delivered in a tight window — you don‘t want to waste time rattling off details like how long you’ve worked at your company, what job you had before, or how much you like working for your employer.

Stick to the essentials, be friendly, and get on with the pitch.

3. State your company's mission.

Want me to let you in on some next-level, mind-blowing insight? Ready? Here we go — you need to know what your business does if you're going to pitch it effectively. Revolutionary stuff, right?

Seriously though, you want to include some insight about your business — and a lot of the time, that means briefly speaking to its mission and goals. Including a section where you give a thoughtfully tailored reference to your company identity can give a prospect valuable context and develop a little trust on a dime.

You don‘t have to give a comprehensive rundown of every project you’re working on or fondly reminisce about the team retreat where you picked up trash on the local beach. It can be as simple as something like, “I'm a sales rep at Better Than the Rest Cable. We help hotels across the U.S. pair with the perfect cable provider and plan for their region and needs.”

That description is both succinct and sufficient. It covers the necessary bases without getting too deep into the weeds. If you were to be cut off after these two sentences, the prospect would still know exactly who you are and what your company does. You know — the stuff your prospect needs to know.

4. Explain the company value proposition.

This might be the most important base to cover. A prospect isn‘t going to be interested in a solution that they can’t see the value in, so naturally, you need to be able to articulate a compelling value proposition in your pitch.

Unless you're at the forefront of some sort of technological revolution, your product or service exists in a competitive landscape — so your prospect is bound to have some options. Why should they choose you?

You need to provide a sentence or two that covers why your product or service is worth it — why your current customers are so happy with you. Here's what that could look like:

“I'm a sales rep at Better Than the Rest Cable. We help hotels across the U.S. pair with the perfect cable provider and plan for their region and needs. With regional experts assigned to each account, we help hotels identify the most cost-effective and guest-delighting cable plan for them.”

In one sentence, you‘ve told the prospect what sets you apart and how you can bring them value. You’ve likely piqued their interest, but how can you really grab their attention? Keep reading.

5. Grab their attention with a hook.

You‘ve spent the pitch up to this point lining them up, now knock them down. Give them the bit that’s going to prompt that second conversation — hit them with the hook.

That can come in the form of an enthralling story about a customer, some exhilarating information about your company's founders, a fascinating statistic about your offering, or something else that's neat and engaging to round things out and keep them interested.

Let‘s finish up the pitch we’ve been running with with an attention-grabbing statistic.

“I‘m a sales rep at Better Than the Rest Cable. We help hotels across the U.S. pair with the perfect cable provider and plan for their region and needs. With regional experts assigned to each account, we help hotels identify the most cost-effective and guest-delighting cable plan for them. On average, we’re able to save hotels up to 25% on their annual cable bills.”

6. Make sure your pitch is more conversational and less “sales-y.”

According to Patrick Beltran , Marketing Director at Ardoz Digital , you want to "[a]void sounding too sales-y. In my experience, people often shy away from elevator pitches that feel like a typical sales pitch. Your elevator pitch should come across more like a casual chat than a sales pitch. The aim is to spark interest, making the listener curious to learn more, not to seal the deal immediately.

"To make your pitch sound conversational, use a relaxed tone and steer clear of jargon. For instance, rather than saying ‘We offer cutting-edge solutions,’ say ‘We provide innovative solutions.’

"And instead of aggressively promoting our brand, we suggest ‘We’re looking to work with companies to address some of their marketing challenges. Perhaps you’d be interested in exploring this opportunity?’ "

7. Keep it simple and focused.

Gauri Manglik , CEO and Cofounder of Instrumentl , says, "The most important tip I can offer for creating and delivering an effective elevator pitch is to keep it simple and focused. Have one clear message or key insight you want to convey and structure your pitch around that.

For example, if you have a new product, focus on articulating the core problem it solves and how it uniquely solves that problem. Say something like, ‘We’ve developed a new tool that helps sales teams reduce the time spent on administrative tasks by over 50% each week. By streamlining CRM data entry and reporting processes through an intuitive mobile interface, account managers can spend less time pushing paper and more time building key relationships.’

A simple, focused message like this, with one relevant example or proof point to bring it to life, is all you need for an initial elevator pitch. Resist the urge to cram in too many details or try to explain everything your business or product does.

You have 30 seconds; one clear message is enough to spark interest for follow-up. With practice, a simple pitch can become a compelling story that fuels a meaningful first conversation. Keep it short — make it count."

8. Read and edit the pitch.

Once you have everything written out, read it aloud to make sure it sounds natural. Overly rigid, borderline-robotic pitches are rarely compelling. If it seems too stiff and formal, go back to the drawing board — at least a little.

Ideally, this pitch will be a prelude to a professional conversation — so striking a balance between professional and conversational with your pitch is in your best interest.

Now that you know how to write an elevator pitch, download HubSpot's eight free elevator pitch templates to put your learnings into action. These templates can be used to make a sale, start networking, or jumpstart a deal for business capital.

Featured Resource: 8 Free Elevator Pitch Templates

8 elevator pitch templates to help you develop and deliver great elevator pitches

Our templates follow established best practices for elevator pitches. Each one includes:

A personal greeting: Start every pitch by establishing a human connection and making your prospect feel seen and heard.
A statement of your company's mission: Your mission can be blended with your value proposition and vice versa. But this piece of information is essential to get your prospect's buy-in, quickly.
A hook to get your audience's attention: The hook can be as simple as a probing question or a highly personalized statement that‘s been tailored to your prospect’s needs. Either way, the hook will often seal the deal.
A real example: See the template in action by reading a filled-out example, allowing you to visualize what your pitch may look like as you refine and edit it.

Using these templates allows you to save precious time and focus on the essence of the pitch instead of minute details, such as how to start it off or how to organize it. Your prospect's time is valuable, and so is yours.

If you're looking for some inspiration, look no further. The following elevator pitch examples illustrate different ways to describe what you can offer in 30 seconds or less.

1. An Attention-Grabbing Question

And like the previous one, it speaks to a “common but specific” pain point for the prospect on the other side of the pitch, covering an issue that many (if not most) marketers deal with consistently — and the “look at how many of your peers I talk to every month” element supports that.

And finally, it ends with an accessible but vivid metaphor about how efficient the resource is. I‘ll go out on a limb and assume that most prospects have poured a cup of coffee in their lives. It’s a frame of reference that's equal parts relatable and engaging — in short, it works.

3. The Surprise Ending

You want to know how many leads from your webinar campaign became customers versus leads from your trade show booth. But only customers who bought two products — and weren't already in your database.

How long would it take you to create that report?

If you had AnswerASAP, a data and reporting tool, you'd already know. It creates reports in a matter of seconds.

Holy heck! My goodness! What a twist! Bet you didn't see that ending coming — and neither will your prospects!

Okay, that might be overkill, but still, this kind of pitch works — for a few reasons. For one, it starts with a relatable approach. It runs through a “common but specific” scenario that businesses in the prospect‘s industry likely deal with. That shows that you’re familiar with a prospect's space, giving you some instant credibility.

From there, it offers an engaging, cheeky way to plug your solution. You raise a pressing pain point and immediately position your offering as the best way to solve it. It's slick, creative, and fun — taken together, those elements give you some serious staying power.

4. An Outlandish Stat

Dan Ponomarenko , CEO of Webvizio , offered this pitch:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

5. "Enhance your online visibility with CodeDesign . "

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

8. "Elevate travel with JetLevel Aviation . "

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

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

1. Keep it brief.

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

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

2. Practice multiple times beforehand.

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

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

3. Come prepared with additional materials.

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

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

4. Be positive and enthusiastic.

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

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

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

5. Vary the tone of your voice.

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

1. Don't ramble.

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

This elevator pitch is not effective because:

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

2. Don't use too much jargon.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reel in Clients with an Effective Elevator Pitch

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

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

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9 elevator pitch examples for making a strong first impression

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When to give an elevator pitch

How long should an elevator pitch be, 9 elevator pitch examples to help you succeed, put your best foot forward.

Whether you’re introducing yourself in a job interview or presenting a product to a room full of investors, you need to connect with your audience. And in most cases, you need to do so quickly.

Organize your thoughts and confidently deliver your message with an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch, or elevator speech, is a brief blurb that describes you, your business, or your project to inspire interest and encourage a second conversation. It’s a helpful tool in professional settings when you only have a short amount of time to grab a listener’s attention and persuade them to take action.

Your pitch should be concise and memorable, highlighting the most important details of your subject. Done correctly, it’s your best asset at a networking event, and it can even be the difference between letting a new connection fizzle out and finding your dream job.

Here’s when to present a speech , how to craft one, and elevator pitch examples to guide you through the process.

Career fairs, job interviews , and networking events are great places to pitch yourself as a potential candidate. And if you’re presenting a product or service, industry events and client meetings are ideal for introducing your idea. In all of these spaces, people are ready, and maybe even eager, to hear from people like you.

But you never know when you could run into the right person who could offer a new connection or career opportunity. Prepare talking points and have a pitch ready, even if you don’t have an upcoming event. You might bump into someone unexpectedly.

Use your elevator pitch in the following four scenarios to command an audience’s attention:

1. Career fairs

Career fairs bring you face-to-face with top employers. If you’ve done your research before attending, which you should, you might even have a few companies in mind you’d like to get in touch with.

Investigate each business you want to connect with before crafting your elevator pitch. Note what you appreciate about the company, its latest developments, and active job postings . This information lets you determine which positions you’d like to apply for and convey why you’d make a great fit. Remember to highlight your attributes that match the roles and responsibilities and have targeted resumes to give to recruiters.

2. Job interviews

Preparing for interviews is intimidating, even if you’re well-versed in situational and behavioral interview questions . Creating an elevator pitch to answer the common “Tell me about yourself” question is a great place to start. You can show recruiters why you’re the right fit for the role and leave a memorable first impression , walking them through key elements of your CV and touching on your professional development goals .

Having an elevator pitch ready helps settle job interview nerves by making you feel more prepared, and it gives you the chance to focus on the most relevant details of your work history. Presenting the hiring manager with key moments of your career right away sparks interest, inspires further questions, and helps them remember you.

3. Networking events

Networking events are an opportunity to make connections within your industry. All attendees are there to build a network , so you can use your professional pitch with anyone you meet. And practicing with other attendees is a wonderful way to improve your communication skills .

Your pitch should highlight your professional experience, what you have to offer, and what you’re looking for in your career. This opens the door to professional connections that could lead to new opportunities, whether you’re looking for a job or want to pitch a product.

First impressions count. And you never know what connection will lead to future success. An effective elevator pitch at a networking event could be what you need to land a new role or put you in the path of potential clients or investors.

4. Sales meetings

A product or service-specific sales pitch should be ready for any occasion, whether that’s for an organized meeting or an impromptu encounter with a potential client. Tailor your pitch to address your audience’s needs, and pose your product as the solution. Include a thought-provoking hook, a clear explanation of what you have to offer, and a final statement that inspires further conversation.

An elevator pitch is useful for kicking off a sales meeting and setting the tone of the discussion. It’ll most likely lead to follow-up questions about your product or service, so prepare for any that could come your way.

Whether you’re presenting yourself to a potential employer or a project to an investor, an elevator pitch should last 20–60 seconds. Around 30 seconds is the general consensus. This is the perfect amount of time to touch on key points while engaging the audience .

Research shows that the average person’s attention span is only eight seconds , so you need to grab their interest fast. Start strong so their focus and concentration don’t wane. Create a list of important points, and put vital ones first. Every pitch you create should start with introducing yourself and follow with key points and a clear call to action.

Ensure your pitch is within 20–60 seconds by timing yourself reading it out loud. Speak in a conversational tone, and try not to rush or cram in additional information as you go. The 30-second average is longer than it seems and should be plenty of time to get your point across while keeping attention spans in mind.

man explaining his case to woman in chair

An elevator pitch should reflect your personality and professional goals , and it can be whatever you want it to be. But with so much freedom, it’s hard to write.

Here are nine elevator pitch ideas with examples and tips to nail your next important meeting.

For sales pitches

Speaking to investors and potential collaborators is all about highlighting your product’s strengths. With that in mind, there are dozens of ways to approach an elevator pitch. Find one that suits your brand identity , sales skills , and target audience. You have time to experiment.

1. Ask an engaging question

This approach works best as a sales pitch. Ask a short rhetorical question that addresses your target audience’s problem and suggests that you’ll be the one to answer it. Use this method in planned meetings or cold calls to grab someone’s attention and entice them to keep listening. It should empathize with their needs and show them you’ve done your research and understand their pain points.

Your question-centered pitch should follow this order: ask a relevant question, empathize, and explain your value proposition . Here’s an example:

Are you tired of looking at a full inbox? Maybe you’ve missed a few deadlines because you didn’t open the correct correspondence in time. My partner and I constantly dealt with this issue while working as sales managers. That’s why we created LetterFix, a software tool that quickly scans your emails for upcoming dates and brings them to your attention.

2. Use a statistic

According to a study from the journal Communication Research, statistical evidence is more convincing than just a story . Starting a sales pitch with a surprising statistic will show your client that not only is their problem significant, but you understand it and its impact. Just make sure it’s relevant and directly correlates to the thing you’re trying to sell. It should also be accurate.

Here’s an example of using a stat to introduce a product or service:

Workers spend, on average, 2.6 hours per day answering emails . That’s nearly three hours that takes away from their day-to-day tasks — slowing down projects and progress. Our tool SpeedyQuill automates email responses and allows you to press send within seconds of reading an email. We’ve saved workers approximately two hours per day they can use towards more important tasks.

3. Try a comedic approach

With the right audience, comedy can be a great way to break the ice during a sales pitch. It shows your audience that you’re solution-oriented yet fun to work with. Keep in mind that this approach doesn’t work for every audience or every business, so use it with caution. If it matches your brand identity, humor is a great tool , but it might not fit into a corporate setting.

Here’s an example of a funny elevator pitch to inspire you:

Did you hear about the salesman that’s stuck answering emails all day? He was too busy to attend this meeting because his inbox was full. But that could change. Each salesperson that uses our tool SpeedyQuill saves approximately two hours daily from answering emails, and that’s two hours they can spend acquiring new clients and increasing your revenue.

4. Create an emotional connection

Appealing to your audience’s emotions and feelings gives your audience the chance to connect with your idea. The goal is to interest them in your cause, tugging at the heartstrings and offering a compelling case for your product or service.

Remember that emotions alone aren’t always enough to sell your product or service. You’ll need hard evidence of its benefits to persuade someone to do business with you. Here’s a pitch that explains the emotions behind a business idea:

When I started my therapy practice, I thought I could help more people, but scheduling conflicts at my in-person office made it difficult to serve every patient. I spent time outside my working hours to help as many as possible but wished there was an easier way. That’s why I created Head Start Hope, a 24/7 online therapy platform that connects therapists and patients around the US. Now patients can receive therapy at any time with licensed therapists without worrying about scheduling an in-person appointment or commuting somewhere. We’ve helped hundreds of people get the help they need.

5. Utilize storytelling

Similar to creating an emotional connection, storytelling relies on real-life examples to engage your audience. It uses your or a customer’s testimonial to appeal to your audience rationally and provide a specific example of how your product or service can succeed. And if what you’re offering is hard to understand, telling a story about it can put the concept into perspective and clarify what it means. Here’s an example:

We have a customer that was struggling to get their sales team motivated when it came time to sell a new product. With the help of our workplace coaching service, the sales team was able to increase motivation and improve their sales by 50% in the first four months. And they aren’t the only customers we’ve helped achieve those numbers.

6. Try a memorable one-liner

The first and final parts of any speech are the most memorable , while the information you present in the middle sticks the least. Using this logic, you can implement a clever one-liner at the beginning of your pitch or at the end to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

Your one-liner should be authentic, unique, and related to your product or service. This way, if your audience has heard countless introductions throughout an event, they’ll remember you more easily. Here’s an example of a pitch that ends with a one-liner:

Most children wait months for specialty dental surgery in Texas. But with the proper training and resources, this time could be much lower. Our company, Little Lion Dental, developed a program that connects new dentists with offices that need them, faster. So the question is, do you want to invest in the smiles of tomorrow?

For personal pitches

It can be hard to sell yourself to a potential employer or client, especially if you’re anxious about the conversation. Preparing a pitch beforehand removes that uncertainty and helps you remember exactly what you want to say. Here are a few examples of personal pitches to inspire you :

7. Short and sweet

It’s best to keep things short and sweet when introducing yourself at networking events or job fairs — that’s the goal of an elevator pitch, after all. A short blurb lets the other person contribute to the conversation faster and remember the important details afterward. Use eye contact when communicating and read your listener’s body language to adapt the conversation and grab their interest.

Start by introducing yourself, touching on your relevant work experience, and explaining what you’re looking for in your career. Remember to end your interaction by leaving your contact information with a resume or business card. Here’s an example:

Hi, my name is Fatima. I have 10 years of experience as a freelance photographer, helping large food and beverage companies truly capture their products. If your business is interested in my work, here’s my card, but you can find some examples of my best work on my portfolio website .

8. Relay industry knowledge

Starting your pitch with the latest developments in your industry shows your audience you’re well-informed. This works well at career fairs where recruiters are looking for top talent who keep up with current trends and are invested in the industry.

Mentioning one of your industry’s latest developments, and involving the recruiter in the discussion, is an excellent way to grab their interest. To do this effectively, quickly introduce yourself, explain how you’ve been implementing new knowledge in your career, and end with your future goals. Here’s an example of a personal pitch that does this:

Hi, I’m Melissa, a consultant for tech and software businesses. I’ve assisted software clients for over 10 years, and I’m interested in using AI tech like ChatGPT to find optimized pathways for businesses that want to scale quickly. I’ve already implemented my system with a few different organizations with a 100% success rate, which is extremely exciting, and I’m looking for a firm that can support my research. Can I offer you my resume?

9. Inquire about a job referral or internship

When you meet someone who works at a company you’d like to work at or in an industry you want to work in, you can pitch yourself on the spot. Don’t be shy about your interest. You’re pitching for a reason, so be confident .

Try this method by introducing yourself, explaining your interest in their company, and inquiring whether the person knows of open positions or could get you in touch with someone who does. Here’s an example of a personal pitch that directly asks about jobs:

Hi, I’m Raji. I’m a big fan of what Corkboard Marketing is doing in the industry, especially when it comes to client relations. I’ve been working as a marketing associate for five years, and have experience in both client management and campaign development. I actually improved client relations at my previous job based on your company’s methods. I’m very interested in any open positions you know of. Would you happen to know if Corkboard Marketing is hiring or who to talk to about joining the team?

Whether you’re making an elevator pitch about yourself or a product you’re passionate about , take the time to prepare and write one that works. Just a few sentences could set your professional trajectory higher than before.

If you’re feeling stuck, use elevator pitch examples and templates for inspiration. They might spark your next great idea.

Elevate your communication skills

Unlock the power of clear and persuasive communication. Our coaches can guide you to build strong relationships and succeed in both personal and professional life.

Elizabeth Perry, ACC

Elizabeth Perry is a Coach Community Manager at BetterUp. She uses strategic engagement strategies to cultivate a learning community across a global network of Coaches through in-person and virtual experiences, technology-enabled platforms, and strategic coaching industry partnerships. With over 3 years of coaching experience and a certification in transformative leadership and life coaching from Sofia University, Elizabeth leverages transpersonal psychology expertise to help coaches and clients gain awareness of their behavioral and thought patterns, discover their purpose and passions, and elevate their potential. She is a lifelong student of psychology, personal growth, and human potential as well as an ICF-certified ACC transpersonal life and leadership Coach.

Writing an elevator pitch about yourself: a how-to plus tips

How to pitch ideas: 8 tips to captivate any audience, how to write an impactful cover letter for a career change, learn types of gestures and their meanings to improve your communication, how to make a presentation interactive and exciting, 10 examples of principles that can guide your approach to work, how to answer 8 phone interview questions to ace your interview, discover how to get noticed by upper management at work, eq versus iq: which should you leverage when, similar articles, learn how to introduce yourself in conversation and in writing, 10 tips to find your niche and succeed at it, how to introduce yourself in an interview: examples & tips, 20+ tips for how to get better at networking even if you are shy, 8 clever hooks for presentations (with tips), communication coach: what they are and how to find one, stay connected with betterup, get our newsletter, event invites, plus product insights and research..

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How To Write A Killer Elevator Pitch (Examples Included)

Mike Simpson 0 Comments

By Mike Simpson

You’re on the elevator, riding up from the lobby to the top floor to drop off your resume with Human Resources in response to a job posting for your dream career.

You’re excited, but nervous, because you know your resume is going to be just one of hundreds that the hiring manager is going to look over before even thinking about inviting anyone in for an interview.

If only there were a way to make yourself stand out. If only…

The doors open and a woman in a sharp looking business suit steps in with you. She looks over and sees the top floor button is already lit. She smiles and in that instant a current of nervous energy rips through your body. This isn’t just any generic passenger you’re sharing the ride with…this is the hiring manager you’re hoping to impress!

Your heart starts pounding, your palms are sweaty, you feel light headed…

This is your chance!

You have a 12 floor uninterrupted ride up with her and in those moments, in that tiny elevator, she’s your captive audience.

You open your mouth and turn to her with a look of enthusiasm…and speak.

Let’s hope that elevator pitch (or elevator speech) is ready!

Here’s the deal, after you make your successful elevator pitch (which you will after reading this article!), you need to know that you will get an interview…

But here’s the thing: there are over 100 other difficult interview questions you could be asked in your job interview. Sounds stressful right?

Well don’t worry, because we created a free PDF that outlines the most common questions and gives you word for word sample answers that you can use at your next interview.

Click the link below to get your copy now!

Get Our Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet!

FREE BONUS PDF CHEAT SHEET: Get our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you " word-word sample answers to the most common job interview questions you'll face at your next interview .

CLICK HERE TO GET THE JOB INTERVIEW QUESTIONS CHEAT SHEET

What Is An Elevator Pitch?

So what exactly is an elevator pitch?

In a nutshell it’s just what it sounds like: a short, 30-60 second well crafted business pitch telling someone who you are and why they should want to hire you .

It’s called the elevator pitch because it’s meant to represent the amount of time you’d have if you were stuck in an elevator with someone riding from the bottom of the building to the top.

“Well, this stinks. I live in a town of nothing but one floor buildings. How am I supposed to use an elevator pitch? Clearly this article means nothing to someone who doesn’t live in the heart of a big city or surrounded by high rise buildings.”

Elevator speeches are good for so much more than just catching someone in a small enclosed space. You never know who you might run into at a cocktail party, or the movie theater, or grocery store…or any other number of places.

A solid elevator pitch will allow you to distill down to the most pure form exactly who you are and what you offer, and that focus can help to set you apart from all the other candidates who are vying for the same job.

Think of it as a commercial and you’re the product . You’ve got 30 seconds to market yourself and convince whoever is listening to not only NOT change the channel, but to buy what you’re selling…you as the Perfect Candidate!!

“So where do I start? Should I lock myself in the bathroom with a stopwatch and pretend it’s an elevator? Do I need a jingle?”

Hmmm…all we’ll say is do whatever works for you…but let’s all agree to skip the singing…for now. Instead, let’s focus on answering a few basic questions by doing a little pretending.

How To Write An Elevator Pitch

Let’s imagine you’re in sales and you just got into an elevator with the CEO of a huge manufacturing company. The doors shut…it’s just the two of you…and you have 60 seconds to convince him to not only listen to you, but to consider you as a potential employee, not just a fellow passenger on a short ride upstairs. So how do you do that!?

Let’s watch…er, we mean, read:

What do you do? Can you tell someone what you do in such a way that it’s interesting? Can you turn it into a quick little anecdote or story that will capture someone’s attention?

“Let me tell you about the time I took our products all the way to the North Pole. I’m in sales. I started out selling refrigerators to moose in Canada.”

Now that we’ve got your job title, can you tell us what you do when you’re doing what you were hired to do?

“In four short years, I’ve helped lead my team to the number one spot in sales…”

Okay, great…but what’s next?! What’s your objective ? What’s your goal?

“…but I knew we could do better. That’s why I took our refrigerators all the way up to the penguins in the North Pole.”

What makes you the best at what you do? Okay, now’s your chance to shine. Why are you the Perfect Candidate?

“Did you know that broken beaks from trying to eat frozen fish is the number one problem facing penguins today? Their issue isn’t that it’s not cold enough for them to keep their fish fresh, it’s that it’s too cold. I knew that by putting their fish in our double insulated hermetically sealed refrigerators instead of the traditional snow bank, the penguins would be able to keep fish fresh longer without having to freeze them, making it easier for the penguins to eat. As a result, we’ve more than quadrupling our current sales and are not only ranked number one regionally, but nationally as well.”

What’s your hook? You’ve just told a great story, but besides being entertained, why should your audience care?

“Now, just imagine what I can do for your products…”

Wait, who are you? D’oh! Nothing says missed opportunity quite like totally forgetting to tell someone your name.

“My name is Bob Mackrel,”

And most importantly…what do you want?

“…and I’m looking for my next big sales challenge. My I give you my business card?”

Boom. And there you have it: the perfect (if not a little outlandish) elevator pitch. In 30 seconds you’ve told your audience what you do, why what you do is important, hooked them in with what you plan to do next for their company, and who you are.

Easy, cheesy, right?

Penguins and refrigerators aside, this pitch was clearly perfect for the audience because our boy Bob knew the CEO, knew the company, and knew that his skills with sales would be a great match. Bob tailored his pitch.

“Again with the tailoring! That’s all you guys talk about…tailoring!”

That’s because it works! Again, think of our commercial analogy. When you’re watching TV, which ads do you skip over or tune out? The ones that don’t apply to you…right? And the ones you listen to and remember are the ones that DO apply to you.

“Ahh…I see what you’re saying. That does make sense!”

The nice thing about an elevator pitch is that it’s short and sweet and to the point, which means once you get the basics figured out, you should be able to use it on just about anyone in any situation…as long as you make sure to always tailor your hook to your specific audience.

Elevator Pitch Mistakes To Avoid

So now that you know what to do in your elevator pitch, let’s quickly talk about what NOT to do.

Speaking too fast.

Yes, you only have about 60 seconds, but try to avoid cramming 15 minutes of information into one minute.

Using highly technical terms, acronyms or slang.

You want your pitch to be easily understood by any audience and that means try to avoid using words that will confuse the average person. The last thing you want is for whoever is listening to you to feel dumb. Remember, think commercial!

Not being focused.

This isn’t a general conversation and you’re not discussing the weather (unless that’s your job, in which case, never mind). Keep your pitch clear and focused.

Not practicing what you’re going to say.

First, write down your pitch. Read it over. Have your friends and family read it. Does it make sense? Make sure it flows well and that there aren’t any spots that feel rough or awkward. Then practice it. Practice it again. Keep practicing it until it becomes so easy for you to pitch that you can do it at the drop of a hat.

Being robotic.

This is all about a face to face interaction with someone you want to impress. Having an easy, approachable, conversational style to your pitch will get you much further than an overly rehearsed monologue approach.

Not having a business card or other take-away with you.

Okay, you’ve sold them on you…now how are they going to get a hold of you when they decide it’s time to bring you in? Make sure you always have something on you to pass on that will allow people to not only remember you, but contact you later on.

Not saying anything.

It does absolutely nothing for you to have a killer elevator pitch if you never use it. Now it’s your turn! Here are three example elevator pitches to get you started. Remember, these are just examples! Make sure you do the work to craft one specific to you and your audience!

3 Great Examples To Use As Inspiration

Graphic designer/logo branding specialist.

Hi, I’m Pam Tone and I’m a graphic designer. Did you know it takes the average person just two seconds to look at a company logo and decide if they like it? Did you know that a badly designed logo can do irreversible damage to a company brand and that most companies go through at least three to four versions in a single year before settling on their final design, costing both time and money? Having worked for over 10 years as a professional graphic designer specializing in brand identification means I’ve built my reputation on the longevity of my logo designs. I can say that not only are my clients happy with what I’ve done for them, but my designs have gone on to win national and international logo and branding awards. I have worked hand in hand with some of the biggest advertising agencies and companies and out of over 300 contracts, have had only one logo changed, and that was as a result of a merger, not poor design. I’d like to bring that award winning history to your company. Would you be willing to meet with me for 20 minutes to go over my portfolio and see how I can help make sure your logo properly reflects your brand?

TEACHER/EDUCATOR

Mobile app developer.

Hi, I’m Chip Ohm and I’m a developer. Did you know one of the biggest challenges facing companies these days is tracking employee work time? Of course, when you have a building where your employees are required to clock in and out it makes things easier, but what about employees who work from home or are on the road? I’ve come up with an easy way for both employees and employers to log and keep track of hours using just their cell phones and an app I’ve designed. The app allows employees to log in from wherever they are and input their start and stop times at the push of a button. You don’t even need to be in an area with a signal. The program captures all the data and holds it in a file which is then automatically uploaded to the employer’s servers as soon as the user is back in signal range. The system is not only simple, but it’s tamper proof. Not only has this app helped streamline the timecard process for remote employees, but it’s reduced timecard inconsistencies and paycheck errors by 90%, saving both time and money. So, how does your company handle logging in hours for your remote clients?

So there you have it! Now that you’ve read through this article and seen a few examples, it’s time to craft your own elevator pitch. Remember, keep it simple, keep it short, and keep it tailored.

And as always…good luck!

FREE : Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet!

Download our " Job Interview Questions & Answers PDF Cheat Sheet " that gives you word-for-word sample answers to the some of the most common interview questions including:

What Is Your Greatest Weakness?
What Is Your Greatest Strength?
Tell Me About Yourself
Why Should We Hire You?

Click Here To Get The Job Interview Questions & Answers Cheat Sheet

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com.

His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others.

Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

About The Author

Mike simpson.

Co-Founder and CEO of TheInterviewGuys.com. Mike is a job interview and career expert and the head writer at TheInterviewGuys.com. His advice and insights have been shared and featured by publications such as Forbes , Entrepreneur , CNBC and more as well as educational institutions such as the University of Michigan , Penn State , Northeastern and others. Learn more about The Interview Guys on our About Us page .

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

The Speaker Lab
May 6, 2024

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

What Is an Elevator Speech?

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

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

Importance of Having a Strong Elevator Speech

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

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

Job interviews
Career fairs
Networking events
Professional conferences
Social gatherings

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

Find Out Exactly How Much You Could Make As a Paid Speaker

Use The Official Speaker Fee Calculator to tell you what you should charge for your first (or next) speaking gig — virtual or in-person!

Key Elements of a Memorable Elevator Speech

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

Clarity and Conciseness

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

Unique Value Proposition

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

Call to Action

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

Confidence and Enthusiasm

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

Crafting Your Elevator Speech

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

Identifying Your Target Audience

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

Highlighting Your Skills and Experiences

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

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

Tailoring Your Pitch to the Situation

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

Practicing and Refining Your Pitch

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

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

Delivering Your Elevator Speech Effectively

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

Body Language and Nonverbal Communication

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

Speaking Clearly and Confidently

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

Engaging Your Listener

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

Being Prepared for Follow-up Questions

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

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

Examples of Effective Elevator Speeches

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

For Job Seekers

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

For Entrepreneurs

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

For Professionals Seeking Career Advancement

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

For Students and Recent Graduates

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

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Common Mistakes to Avoid in Your Elevator Speech

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

Being Too Generic or Vague

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

Talking Too Fast or Rambling

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

Failing to Tailor Your Pitch to Your Audience

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

Neglecting to Practice and Refine Your Pitch

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

Adapting Your Elevator Speech for Different Situations

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

Networking Events and Career Fairs

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

Job Interviews and Career Conversations

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

Social Settings and Casual Encounters

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

Online Platforms and Virtual Interactions

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

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

FAQs on Elevator Speeches

What is an example of an elevator speech.

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

What are the 3 parts of an elevator speech?

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

What is a good 30 second elevator speech?

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

What is the elevator speech approach?

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

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

Last Updated: May 6, 2024

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15 creative elevator pitch examples for every scenario

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

First things first: What is an elevator pitch?

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

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

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

How long should an elevator pitch be?

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

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

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

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

How to write an elevator pitch

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

Introduce yourself

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

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

Present the problem

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

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

Offer the solution

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

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

Explain your value proposition

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

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

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

Engage the audience

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

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

A foolproof elevator pitch template

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

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

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

General elevator pitch template

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

30-second elevator pitch examples

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

Example 1: Short and sweet

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

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

Example 2: Relatable over reliable

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

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

Example 3: Savvy with stats

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

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

Example 4: Question everything

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

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

Example 5: Comedic twist

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

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

Example 6: Tell a story

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

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

Example 7: Emotionally driven

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

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

Example 8: Write it first

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

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

Example 9: End with a one-liner

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

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

Elevator pitch examples by scenario

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

Example 10: Networking event

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

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

Example 11: Job interview

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

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

Example 12: Formal meeting

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

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

Example 13: Sales pitch

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

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

Example 14: Social introduction

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

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

Example 15: Entrepreneurs and business owners

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

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

4 tips to perfect your elevator pitch

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

1. Stick to your outline

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

2. Speak slowly and clearly

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

3. Record your pitch

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

4. Practice, practice, practice!

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

Elevate your first impression with an elevator pitch

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

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

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How to Perfect an Elevator Pitch About Yourself

Daisy Dowling

You’re in the elevator with the hiring manager of Dream-Job Corporation. As the door slides shut, you feel a combination of adrenaline and slight nausea: you’ve got 15 seconds, if that, to communicate your value as a potential employee in a compelling way — just 15 seconds to cram in a whole resume’s worth of work and accomplishments and late nights and successes. There’s so much you want to say, but your message has got to be crisp, tailored, to-the-point. Handle this one right, and you’ll be the newest member of the Dream-Job team. Flub it up, and you’re back to scanning listings on Monster.com. What are you supposed to say?

Daisy Dowling is an executive coach and human capital advisor who specializes in working parenthood . She is the author of Workparent: The Complete Guide to Succeeding on the Job, Staying True to Yourself, and Raising Happy Kids (HBR Press, 2021) and serves as series editor of HBR’s Working Parent Collection of books.

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30 Seconds to Impress: How to Write an Elevator Pitch

The ability to introduce yourself professionally and persuasively is the key to successful networking and job searching. One of the best tools for introducing yourself effectively in an interview or at a networking event is by giving a short “elevator pitch” to new contacts or prospective employers.

In this article, we will tell you what an elevator pitch is, how to write an elevator pitch, and share some examples of strong elevator pitches to help you write your own.

What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is a concise speech used to sell yourself, your product, or your company in 60 seconds or less – or the time it takes to travel to your floor in an elevator. Using this method to deliver a professional summary can be very effective in multiple settings, e.g., when you’re networking, job hunting, or even at a job interview. They need to be quick and compelling, and it’s very important not to rush!

Preparing one in advance, and practicing it in front of a mirror, will help you outline your skills and experience quickly and clearly in professional situations. You should also record it to see how much time it takes to deliver and whether any unnecessary words are taking up valuable seconds of a potential mentor or employer’s time.

Check out more tips on how to write an elevator pitch below.

How to write an elevator pitch

1. Introduce yourself.

Before you start your pitch, you should introduce yourself to your new connection , interviewer, etc. Smile, tell them your name, and in pre-COVID times, we’d always have suggested a handshake, too. It’s a good idea to add in a quick, “Nice to meet you,” or, “Thank you for your time,” as well, but don’t waste too many words on this. Remember: you’ve only got 30-60 seconds to impress them!

2. Explain what you do and what makes you unique.

Condense your background into two very punchy sentences. Of course, the more experience you have, the harder this will be. So, firstly, write down everything you can think of – education, career history, any outstanding achievements, etc. Then ask yourself, “What do I want this person to remember about me?” Those are the details that should make it into your pitch.

Your USP (or “unique selling proposition”) is the one thing that will make you stand out from the crowd in the employment market. Identify what sets you apart and tell people about it in the next section of your pitch.

3. Tell them what you want.

Once you have outlined your skills and your USP, you need to tell your audience why they make you a good fit for this job role or why you’re a useful contact for them. For example, if you can show you’ve had success in a similar, niche field, it will highlight the advantages of forming a professional connection with you.

4. Add in a call to action.

Your pitch needs to have a strong ending. To ensure you succeed in getting what you want , close your pitch by asking for what you went in for . Remember, this is your first contact with a prospective new contact or employer, so don’t overdo it. Anticipate, rather than demand, next steps.

Here are some examples of a call to action for the end of your elevator pitch, depending on what you might be seeking:

Looking for a mentor: “Are you in a position to offer me mentorship?”
Looking for a job: “Do you have time for a call next week to discuss upcoming opportunities on your team?”
At a job interview: “Does that answer your question, or would you like further clarification?”

5. Practice, edit, and practice again.

As we have already mentioned, a great way to practice your pitch is to repeat it to yourself , then record it and play it back. Not only will this give you an idea of timing, which is very important—elevator pitches need to be short, or you won’t have time to get to the end!—it will also help identify any repeated words or weak sentences. You want the tone of your pitch to be confident but conversational, and not too sales-y.

When you are happy with your pitch, try it on a friend or family member and ask for their feedback. Check, do you sound natural, or were you going too fast? Is it representative of who you are? Does it flow well? etc.

Elevator pitch examples

Now that you know the basics of writing one , here are some examples of strong elevator pitches from the world’s most comprehensive search engine for jobs, Indeed . We have included three from different scenarios, so you have a template to follow, no matter what you are looking to achieve from your elevator pitch.

1. In an interview

“Hi, my name is Mark. Thanks so much for sitting down with me today. After graduating with my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, I’ve spent the last three years building professional experience as an Executive Assistant. I’ve successfully managed end-to-end event coordination and have generated a strong professional network for my colleagues. I was excited to learn about this opportunity in the sports management space—I’ve always been passionate about the way sports bring cultures together and would love the opportunity to bring my project management and leadership abilities to this position.”

2. Seeking a mentor

“Hi, I’m Molly, so nice to meet you! I’m a Graphic Designer at ABC Inc., where I’m passionate about creating beautiful, intuitive designs for a variety of marketing collateral for our top-tier clients. Before that, I got my master’s in graphic design. I’m looking for experiences to learn more about career paths and ways to grow into assuming an Art Director role in the next few years. Your work with XYZ brand has inspired the ways I think about design—I would love to talk more about a potential mentorship with you if that’s something you have time for and would be interested in.”

Find out more about why mentoring matters and how you could benefit with this post from EU Business School .

3. Adding a contact

“Hello! My name is Anwar. It’s a pleasure to meet you. I have a background in Business Analytics with just over ten years of experience creating data-driven solutions for various business problems. Specifically, I love and have had great success in the strategic evaluation of data analysis with our executive staff. It sounds like you do similar work—I would love to keep in touch to learn more about what you and your company do.”

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Elevator Speech Template: How to Create a 30 Second Commercial for Yourself

Looking for an elevator speech template? In this post, I’m going to explain how to create a 30 second commercial (elevator pitch) for yourself. (Or for your company.) This elevator speech can be used to introduce yourself to a new contact, help you get an interview, or help you sell an idea to a decision-maker. This type of presentation is critical when you have to grab a person’s attention in a positive way and time is short. In this post, we will cover a brief history of the concept, an elevator speech template, and a few examples.

History of the Elevator Speech

In the book, Crosby encourages Quality Managers to create a “pre-prepared speech selling the benefits of their new approach to quality that they could deliver in the elevator if they find themselves unexpectedly in the company of a senior executive for a few floors.”

The Difference Between an “Elevator Speech” and an “Elevator Pitch”

The purpose of the elevator speech is to get the person hearing the speech to want to hear more. Nothing else. In fact, our elevator speech template will encourage the listener to actually want to hear more. In addition, the listener will often ask you to explain the concept in more detail. (If we deliver it well.) So, if you happen to be in sales, and you are looking for a way to get potential prospects to come to you, the template will work well for you.

The 60-Second Commercial and the 30-Second Commercial

Eventually, the concept of the “Elevator Pitch” was replaced with a “60-Second Commercial.” Since Crosby’s original concept was one-minute long, sales trainers used the same concept in networking. This concept was simple. When you are at a business card exchange, you want to be able to explain what you do quickly. So, the Elevator Speech became synonymous with a promotional introduction. They just re-named it a 60-second commercial.

I remember going to networking events in the late 1990’s and early 2000’s. At the time, we were taught to practice a great 60-second commercial. You had to get really good at it. If you did, be able to pitch a random person that you just met and make them want to buy something from you. Of course that was horse hockey. Oh yes, I’m sure, on occasion, someone use this commercial with someone who actually has a specific need. Then, later, the person bought. But, I’d wager that these situations were pretty rare if the person delivering the 60-second commercial was being pushy.

By the way, today, if it takes 60 seconds to explain what you do, you’ve likely already lost the listener. Recently, the concept has been shortened to a 30-second commercial.

Elevator Speech Template

This elevator speech template will show you how to create a 30-second commercial for yourself or company. One key to making this process work is to be both genuinely interested in the other person. Another key, though is to get the person to pull the information from you. A good analogy for this is fishing. No one ever caught a fish by dunking their head underwater and telling the fish how great they were. First, you have to offer the fish something that the fish wants. Then, you have to wait for the fish to make the next move. Finally, you have to set the hook. The 30-second commercial is very similar . (Except that the listener doesn’t end up grilled on a plate at the end. Okay, maybe I could have come up with a better analogy, but you get the point.)

Introduction (If Necessary)

For instance, I know that most people have never heard of The Leader’s Institute ®. So, by not explaining in detail about what the company does, it leads the person to ask, “So, what does The Leader’s Institute ® do?” Also, instead of saying that I’m a teacher or trainer, I say professional speaker. It builds interest. It also makes the speaker want to know more.

By the way, the best way that I have ever found to do that is to ask questions of the other person. If I want the person to ask me something, I will often ask that same thing about them.

Focus on the Problem that You Solve (Want to Solve) for People.

The big mistake that a lot of people make here is to pull out the salesperson fangs .

“Well, let me tell you… The Leader’s Institute ® is an international training company specializing in leadership, presentation skills, and team building events. We conduct as many as 300 public speaking classes every year. We have also trained over 100 professional speakers. In addition, we have over 30,000 people every year participate in our team building activities. Would you like me to send you some information about some of our public speaking classes or team building events?”

The person will likely be polite, but quickly try to distance himself/herself from you. Going back to the fishing example, you got a tiny nibble, and then jerked the line.

Instead, you want to tease the fish a little. Give them another taste of the bait. The best way that I have ever found to do this is to tell the person how you can solve a problem that they can relate to. For instance, in my own case, I might just say something like, “I help people eliminate public speaking fear.” Then… I shut up. I wait for the inevitable… “How exactly do you do that?” I have my second nibble. Now, it is time to set the hook.

Tell a Quick Emotional Story

This is where the actual 30-second commercial actually starts. The best commercials are the ones that take you on a journey. They tell you a story. Your 30-second commercial should do the same. So, whatever problem that you have just said that you solve, give a 30-second example of a time you did it.

For instance, I might say something like…

Well, let me give you an example. a few weeks ago, Whole Foods had me fly into Miami to coach a team their regional managers. The leader of the team was a very charismatic and energetic speaker. So, the managers who worked under him were a little self-conscious about speaking in front of him. So, basically, I helped them have a series of mini-successes which built up their speaking skills and confidence. By the end of my training with them, they were presenting better than most professional speakers. The boss was so shocked at how well everyone did, that he recommended me to Whole Foods corporate in Austin.

Of course, if you pick an example that is closely related to the listener, that works better. So, if I’m speaking to a person in the tech industry, I might give an example of training I did for HP or Microsoft. (Yup, I actually did presentation training for the people who created PowerPoint.)

The Subtle Take Away

The subtle take-away is the last stage of the Elevator Speech Template. In sales training, we always teach sales people to “Ask for the close.” In presentation training, we encourage speakers to create a “Call to Action.” When we are doing an elevator pitch, though, we don’t want to seem pushy. We want the “close” to be the listener’s idea. So, a subtly take-away can help.

So, instead of me closing with, “Do you or anyone you know need presentation training?” I’d be more subtle. I might say something like, “I’m guessing that working for [Listener’s Company], your team is full of highly skilled presenters. I doubt that they would need the kind of help that I offer, though, huh?”

The moment that I get the listener to disagree with me… Well, I win.

Examples Using the Elevator Pitch Template

Internal elevator pitch to get funding for a project.

Let’s say your team has found a solution to a software glitch, but you need $10,000 in capital to fund the project.

(Intro) Hey boss, it’s Doug from software R&D. (Problem) We have been working on a software glitch that is causing customer service to not be able to pull up customer records. Joe in customer service has determined that we are losing about $5,000/month from it. However, it looks like we have found an easy solution. [Pause and wait for boss to ask, “How?”] (Quick Emotional Story) Let me give you an example. Last week, we got a call from a customer wanting to cancel his service. The customer service rep was able to save the customer by scheduling a tech to come out first thing the next morning. The tech never showed. The customer was irate. Not only did he cancel, but he had a few choice curse words for the rep. We have no chance of ever getting that customer back. Our average customer stays with us three years. So, we lost about $150 this month and $4,000 lifetime by losing that single customer. Joe said that we lost $5,000 just this month. So, if just a few of the deals that we lost were like the one that I saw, we might be losing tens of thousands of dollars from this glitch. Turns out, we can purchase a newer, more up to date scheduling app for just $10,000. (Subtle Take Away) It may take a while to budget the $10,000. So, we can probably get the new scheduling app in use in about 6 months. What do you think?

30-Second Commercial for a Financial Planner

Let’s say you are a financial planner at a business card exchange, and you are looking for new clients. Instead of saying, “I’m a financial planner” focus more on the problem that you solve. Then come up with a job title that encompasses that solution. Here is an example.

(Intro) Hi, I’m Doug Staneart, and I’m a retirement specialist for Edward Jones. [Retirement specialist? What is that?] Basically, I help people retire young enough so that they can still enjoy their wealth. [Really, how do you do that?] Let me give you an example. Back in 2008, I had a family who had been investing with me for about 15 years. The couple was in their mid-forties, and they were just preparing for retirement at 65. Well, I started noticing that there was a lot of uncertainty in the market. So, I suggested that they pull out of all of the funds based on the stock market. After the crash, we reinvested. The almost tripled their nest-egg in about five years. I got a postcard from them in St. Thomas a few weeks ago. They both retired at 55, and they have been enjoying themselves for a few years now. (Subtle Take-Away) You’ve been preparing for retirement for decades, so I doubt that story is really exciting you. though.

The Point is Get Them to Come to You

Remember, focus on the problem that your listener wants to solve. Then show them how you can help them solve it. You can’t push a rope. However, if you can convince the other person to pull the rope, you will move closer to them.

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13 (Really) Good Elevator Pitch Examples & Templates (+How to Write
How to Create the Perfect Elevator Pitch with Examples
12 Elevator Pitch Examples + How to Write Your Own
13 (Really) Good Elevator Pitch Examples & Templates (+How to Write Yours)
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COMMENTS

How to Give a Great Elevator Pitch (With Examples)
Try to bring some excitement to your voice as you speak. Speak slowly. You may want to cram as much as possible into your 30 seconds, but that could result in you speaking too quickly to try to get it all in, making it tough for the listener to understand you. As hard as it might be, stick to one or two main points.
11 actually great elevator pitch examples and how to make yours
The pitch dives into what makes the new product unique, utilizing a hypothetical to paint a picture of what it can achieve. If you're writing a product launch elevator pitch, focus on the product and let it speak for the company. 9. Rebranding pitch example. We've done great things as [company name].
How To Give an Elevator Pitch (With Examples)
1. Start by introducing yourself. As you approach someone to pitch to at an event, interview or anything in between, start off with an introduction. Start your pitch by giving your full name, smile, extend your hand for a handshake and add a pleasantry like, "It's nice to meet you!". 2.
9 Elevator Pitch Examples To Ensure You Stand Out
An elevator pitch or elevator speech is a 30-60-second long speech that informs listeners about you, what you do, and why it's relevant to them — whether you're trying to sell a product, services, or yourself as a candidate for a job. You can use it to quickly introduce yourself in a job interview, at a job fair, during conferences ...
How to Make an Elevator Pitch (With Examples)
Use our templates to write an excellent elevator speech about yourself and deliver it like a pro. Tools. Resume Builder Create a resume in 5 minutes. Get the job you want. ... Here's how to write a powerful elevator pitch in six easy steps: Start with who you are. Write about what you do and how you do it.
Elevator Pitch About Yourself: How-To Write One Plus Tips
When deciding how to deliver a pitch, work on cultivating welcoming body language but respecting their personal space. You should also make eye contact to keep them listening and try to convey a calm and relaxed demeanor to show them your confidence. 2. Tweak your pitches.
How to Create an Elevator Pitch (With Examples)
Keep your elevator speech short and sweet, aiming to deliver your message in 60 seconds or less. Say who you are, what you do, and what you want to achieve. Your goal is to focus on the essentials. Be positive and persuasive with your limited time. Focus on what you want to do, not what you don't want to do.
23 Elevator Pitch Examples to Inspire Your Own [+Templates & Expert Tips]
7. Keep it simple and focused. Gauri Manglik, CEO and Cofounder of Instrumentl, says, "The most important tip I can offer for creating and delivering an effective elevator pitch is to keep it simple and focused. Have one clear message or key insight you want to convey and structure your pitch around that.
The 15-Minute Method to Writing an Unforgettable Elevator Speech
Minutes 1-5: Write Down Everything You Want to Say About Yourself. The first step here is to get everything on paper so you understand what you're working with. Take a blank sheet of paper, and write down every little thing you would want someone you're meeting to know about you. Don't feel the need to hold back here—I promise, we're ...
9 Elevator Pitch Examples to Nail Your Own!
Use your elevator pitch in the following four scenarios to command an audience's attention: 1. Career fairs. Career fairs bring you face-to-face with top employers. If you've done your research before attending, which you should, you might even have a few companies in mind you'd like to get in touch with.
How To Write A Killer Elevator Pitch (Examples Included)
Your heart starts pounding, your palms are sweaty, you feel light headed…. This is your chance! You have a 12 floor uninterrupted ride up with her and in those moments, in that tiny elevator, she's your captive audience. You open your mouth and turn to her with a look of enthusiasm…and speak. Let's hope that elevator pitch (or elevator ...
How to Craft the Perfect Elevator Speech in 2024 (With Examples)
Once you have a draft of your elevator pitch, practice delivering it out loud. Time yourself to make sure it's no longer than 60 seconds. Along the way, pay attention to your pacing, tone, and body language. Ask a friend or colleague for feedback and keep refining your pitch until it feels natural and compelling.
15 creative elevator pitch examples for every scenario
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!
How to Nail Your Elevator Pitch
8. Ride the Elevator. The next time you ride an elevator (alone), practice your speech. First, give yourself some time by going to the highest floor. Then, try giving your pitch from a middle floor and from the first to the third floor, too. Having to make just a few brief moments count will help you to hone the words you need and scrap the ...
Elevator Speech [Outline + 13 Examples] • My Speech Class
1. Smile to your counterpart, and open with a statement or question that grabs attention: a hook that prompt your listener to ask questions. 2. Tell who you are: describe you and your company. 3. Tell what you do and show enthusiasm.
How To Create the Perfect Elevator Pitch in 6 Steps
Write one or two sentences about what you do and the specific problem you solve. If you're a job candidate, highlight your professional abilities and areas of expertise. If you're advertising an idea, explain the idea and why it's important. Focus on the benefits you provide and how you impact the lives of others. 3.
How to Perfect an Elevator Pitch About Yourself
How to Perfect an Elevator Pitch About Yourself. by. Daisy Dowling. May 04, 2009. You're in the elevator with the hiring manager of Dream-Job Corporation. As the door slides shut, you feel a ...
30 Seconds to Impress: How to Write an Elevator Pitch
1. Introduce yourself. Before you start your pitch, you should introduce yourself to your new connection, interviewer, etc. Smile, tell them your name, and in pre-COVID times, we'd always have suggested a handshake, too. It's a good idea to add in a quick, "Nice to meet you," or, "Thank you for your time," as well, but don't waste ...
13 (Really) Good Elevator Pitch Examples + Templates
The examples above are good, but if you want to kick things up a notch, you can take a more unique approach. Here are some more business elevator pitch examples and templates to try out. 4. The wooing elevator pitch template. With this approach, speak to what your audience is most proud of.
How to Create an Elevator Speech About Yourself
Ace your next interview! Here are the Top 10 most asked job interview questions with the best answers. It's the "Job Interview Secrets" Ebook: https://www.ma...
Elevator Speech Template: How to Create a 30 Second Commercial for Yourself
First, you have to offer the fish something that the fish wants. Then, you have to wait for the fish to make the next move. Finally, you have to set the hook. The 30-second commercial is very similar. (Except that the listener doesn't end up grilled on a plate at the end.

How to Give a Great Elevator Pitch (With Examples)

What Is an Elevator Pitch?

Why You Need an Elevator Pitch (and When You’ll Use It)

Showcase new skills

How Long Should an Elevator Pitch Be?

Part 1: Who Are You?

Part 2: What Do You Do?

Part 3: What’s Unique About You?

Part 4: Call to Action (or What’s Your Ask?)

Optional Part 5: Something Memorable

Make Your Pitch

11 actually great elevator pitch examples and how to make yours

Components of an elevator pitch

How to write an elevator pitch

11 elevator pitch examples done right

1. Startup pitch example

2. Job seeker pitch example

3. Sales pitch example

4. Networking pitch example

5. Investor pitch example

6. Nonprofit pitch example

7. Personal branding pitch example

8. Product launch pitch example

9. Rebranding pitch example

10. Consulting services pitch example

11. Technology solution pitch example

1. Outline a clear objective

2. Define your audience

3. Craft a hook

4. Explain your value proposition

5. Support your pitch with evidence

6. Keep it concise

7. End with a clear call to action

8. Prepare to answer questions

Make a unique first impression

Related articles

Improve your productivity automatically. Use Zapier to get your apps working together.

How to Create an Elevator Pitch (With Examples)

When and How to Use an Elevator Pitch or Speech

Key Takeaways

23 Elevator Pitch Examples to Inspire Your Own [+Templates & Expert Tips]

What is an elevator pitch?

When to use an elevator pitch?

Download Now: Free Elevator Pitch Templates

You're all set!

How long should an elevator pitch be?

1. Use elevator pitch templates .

2. Introduce yourself.

3. State your company's mission.

4. Explain the company value proposition.

5. Grab their attention with a hook.

6. Make sure your pitch is more conversational and less “sales-y.”

7. Keep it simple and focused.

8. Read and edit the pitch.

Featured Resource: 8 Free Elevator Pitch Templates

1. An Attention-Grabbing Question

3. The Surprise Ending

4. An Outlandish Stat

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

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

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

5. "Enhance your online visibility with CodeDesign . "

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

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

8. "Elevate travel with JetLevel Aviation . "

1. Keep it brief.

2. Practice multiple times beforehand.

3. Come prepared with additional materials.

4. Be positive and enthusiastic.

5. Vary the tone of your voice.

1. Don't ramble.

This elevator pitch is not effective because:

2. Don't use too much jargon.

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

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

Reel in Clients with an Effective Elevator Pitch

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