An elevator pitch is a short way of presenting yourself or a product. It is designed to be short enough to be exposed during the elevator ride. Learning how to create and deliver this simple and concise presentation helps you make the most of this short time. A good elevator pitch shares the right information engagingly, making people want to learn more.
Your elevator pitch will cover four key components—your mission, value proposition, appeal, and request. If we look at it from a personal perspective, it will answer the question: “Who are you?”, “What do you do?” and “What do you want?”.
Components of an Elevator Pitch
Introduction/Mission
Whether you’re introducing yourself at an event or a job interview, start with an introduction. Say your full name and add a kind phrase, like “Nice to meet you!”. Making a short list of ways to describe yourself can also help here. You can create a custom list that fits your audience. For example, in a professional setting, it is not necessary to provide information about how many siblings you have. Instead, focus on something interesting that is relevant to the situation.
When talking about a company, first focus on your mission in the elevator pitch. Why do you do what you do? Your mission goes beyond your product or service. Start with the “why” as the foundation of your company. Think about the problem you’re trying to solve and turn it into a purpose statement. Your mission statement should reflect the deeper purpose of your organization – something that will resonate with people on an emotional level and encourage them to connect with your vision and values.
Summarize What You Do/Explain the Value Proposition
Here you should offer a summary of your experience. Mention key information such as education, work experience, or any key specialties. If you’re uncertain about what to include in this section, jot down all your ideas on a piece of paper. Then remove what is not essential to explaining your experience. Once you have a general list you’re happy with, organize it into a coherent whole.
Once you’ve shared your “why,” explain your “how” through your value proposition. It is a strategy that allows you to achieve your goals. Your value proposition should demonstrate how your solution or service benefits users and why it is unique. Show how your offering not only fills a need but also brings added value and helps users achieve their goals in a more efficient and meaningful way.
Explain What You Want/Appeal
Your elevator pitch request may involve seeking consideration for a job, or internship, or simply obtaining contact information. This is the perfect opportunity to highlight the value you can bring. Also, explain why you are a good choice for a particular opportunity. Focus on what you have to offer and how your audience can benefit from your expertise. Focus on your key strengths in this part of the conversation.
From a company perspective, your “what” in an elevator pitch is about appeal. Here you can list specific metrics, milestones, and successes that demonstrate the viability and value of your offering. You can highlight measurable results that support your claim, such as percentage growth, efficiency gains, and the like. These numbers and evidence provide credibility and show that your offer is not only good in theory but also proven to be effective in practice.
Call To Action/Your Ask
You should end your elevator pitch with a statement of what you want to happen next. It can be an invitation to a meeting, an expression of interest in a job, or someone becoming your mentor. Since you are just getting to know the person, aim for a simple request! If the person agrees with your request, thank them for their time and exchange contacts. If that doesn’t happen, end the conversation by thanking them for their time.
The same applies if you represent your company. Your request can be a simple invitation to continue the conversation in the future, an appointment to meet, or an assessment of the person’s interest in a partnership or purchase. This is a key moment where you should be clear about what you want as a next step – whether it’s a new collaboration opportunity, an opportunity to demonstrate your product or just an exchange of contact information. Be specific, but modest, and open space for further communication.
Tips For Delivering an Elevator Pitch
- Slow down: Speak thoughtfully and slowly enough so listeners can easily understand what you’re saying.
- Maintain positive body language and tone: Speak conversationally, as if it were a natural dialogue, not a pre-remembered script. Focus on an energetic, confident, and enthusiastic performance.
- Tailor the pitch to the occasion: While it’s good to have a general pitch, try to tailor it to specific situations to make a better impression.
- Simplicity is the key: Use language that everyone can understand. Avoid technical jargon, except in specific situations such as a technical interview.
An elevator pitch is a powerful tool that can help you build professional connections, land new opportunities, and make a strong first impression. Mastering the art of concise and persuasive presentations can significantly advance your career. If you want to deepen your knowledge and hone this skill, now is the time to pre-register for ABC Silicon Valley 2025! In two weeks, you will have the opportunity, among other things, to learn more about the elevator pitch, with expert advice and first-hand examples.
