Elevator Pitch Study Notes

What is an elevator pitch?

  • A memorable, succinct summary of who you are and what you do, typically in a professional setting.
  • Also called an elevator speech.
  • Can be about you, your company, your product, or your personal brand.
  • Origin: the idea that you should be able to explain your work in under a minute — about the time you’d ride in an elevator with a potential investor, editor, lawmaker, or hiring manager.
  • The goal: act as a professional introduction and a way to get a second, more detailed conversation with people who can help your mission.
  • Uses: conversation starter, interview introduction, sales pitch, fundraising, networking, trade shows, etc.
  • Key idea: opportunity can strike anywhere and at any time, so always be prepared.
  • Elevator pitches are useful for professionals at every level for networking and business conversations.
  • Example context from the guide: a concise self- or product-introduction that sparks further dialogue.

When to use an elevator pitch

  • Best situations to use:
    • Networking
    • Job interviews
    • Sales conversations
    • Presentations
  • More nuanced situations may require tailored information; in uncomfortable or informal environments, a full pitch may feel out of place.
  • If someone asks you for your pitch in informal settings, you’ll be prepared to deliver it.
  • For formal pitching environments, the pitch can lead to a follow-up discussion rather than a full presentation.

Length and variants

  • The main characteristic is brevity: you should be brief and to the point.
  • Target length: 30–60 seconds30\text{--}60\text{ seconds}
  • Target word count: 50–200 words50\text{--}200\text{ words}
  • Some contexts (e.g., a job interview) may allow a longer version; you should have shorter and longer versions for different scenarios.
  • Example format used in the guide (Grammarly sample):
    • "Hi, I’m [Your Name], a wildlife biologist with five years of experience in habitat restoration. I specialize in creating and executing conservation strategies that enhance biodiversity. I’m passionate about collaborating with teams to drive impactful projects that rejuvenate ecosystems. Could we connect to see if my skills align with your needs?"

What to include in a pitch (the four parts)

  • An effective elevator pitch contains four parts:
    • Introduction
    • Explanation
    • Unique Value Proposition
    • Call to Action
  • Note: A pitch should be only a few sentences; you can combine parts into single sentences if needed.

Part 1: Introduction

  • Say your name and/or your company name; include your job title if relevant.
  • It’s a formal but necessary opening so the listener knows who you are.
  • Simple examples:
    • "Hello, my name is [name] and I’m the [job title] at [company]."
    • "Good evening, I’m [name] from the [company]."

Part 2: Explanation

  • Explain what you or your company does, in a few words.
  • Include industry context and any relevant details that help situate your work.
  • Example:
    • "I work at Grammarly. We make an AI writing assistant that suggests improvements as you type."

Part 3: Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

  • UVP = what unique service you, your company, or your product provides that helps your customer.
  • This is the most important part of the pitch because it’s what the audience will remember.
  • Characteristics:
    • Persuasive and logical
    • Not braggy or arrogant; rather matter-of-fact
    • Should explain why someone should do business with you
  • Grammarly note: contrasts with other tools by also offering advice on style and tone, making communications specific and personal to the user.

Part 4: Call to Action (CTA)

  • A CTA states exactly what you want the listener to do next.
  • Examples of CTAs:
    • Schedule a follow-up interview
    • Exchange contact information
    • Propose a next step (e.g., a short meeting, a demo, or a chat)
  • Example CTAs from the guide:
    • "Why don’t I give you my contact information? You can call me when it’s convenient. I’d love the chance to discuss this more."
    • "Can I set something up with your assistant?"

How to write a pitch in practice

  • Four-part template summary:
    • Introduction: say who you are (name, company, job title)
    • Explanation: what you do and the industry you’re in
    • UVP: what makes you unique and why it matters
    • CTA: what you want from the listener next
  • Note: It’s acceptable to compress multiple parts into one sentence or two if needed to fit the time constraint.
  • Example structure (from the guide):
    • Introduction + Explanation + UVP + CTA in a concise flow

Contextual examples by setting

  • Job interview context:
    • Preparation helps you answer common prompts like “tell me about yourself” with a concise, compelling narrative.
  • Online profile example:
    • 30–60 seconds phrasing that highlights track record, focus areas, and a CTA to connect.
  • Networking event example:
    • Short, memorable pitch that communicates capabilities and invites further conversation.
  • Presentation/origin story:
    • Opening with a concise pitch can establish credibility and hook the audience for the rest of the talk.
  • Brand/product examples:
    • E.g., Weightless Gear founder example emphasizes a solution to a specific problem (ultralight backpacks for women) with a call to try the product.

Do's and Don'ts of writing and delivering an elevator pitch

  • Do:
    • Practice (record yourself, use a mirror, get feedback)
    • Speak slowly and clearly
    • Be confident (not cocky)
    • Speak conversationally
    • Be flexible (adapt to the listener and context)
    • End with a call to action
  • Don’t:
    • Ramble or be overly verbose
    • Talk too fast or use too much jargon
    • Be shy or avoid eye contact
    • Deliver a monologue; keep it conversational
    • Give a generic pitch
    • End without a clear next step

Elevator pitch examples (contexts and phrasing)

  • Job interview example:
    • Rebecca Fuller: highlights journalism degree, leadership experience as editor-in-chief, and interest in a fast-paced role.
  • Online profile example:
    • Abdul Wahid: experienced startup investor, emphasizes strategy and network access, and willingness to collaborate on breakthroughs.
  • Networking event example:
    • Andrea Durst: office manager with focus on workflows, problem-solving, and people-first mindset; invites contact for improving productivity and culture.
  • Presentation/origin story example:
    • Austin of Weightless Gear: origin story about developing lightweight backpacks for women and inviting others to try the product.

Elevator pitch FAQs

  • What is an elevator pitch?
    • A memorable, succinct summary of who you are, what you do, what you want to do, or what you sell. Also called an elevator speech. Recommended length: about 50–200 words50\text{--}200\text{ words} and delivered in under a minute.
  • Why do I need an elevator pitch?
    • It provides confidence and peace of mind in introducing yourself or your business, especially during unexpected opportunities.
  • How do you write an elevator pitch?
    • Include four parts: introduction (name/company/title), explanation (what you/your company/product does), UVP (what sets you apart and why people should work with you), and a call to action (next step or invitation to connect).

Practical takeaways

  • Always be prepared with a concise pitch; you never know when you’ll meet someone who can help your career or business.
  • Adapt length and focus to the context; have short and longer versions for different occasions.
  • Focus on a strong UVP and a clear CTA to maximize the chance of continuing the conversation.
  • Use the four-part structure to organize your thoughts quickly and coherently during spontaneous introductions.