Elevator Pitch: Definition, Uses & Tips

An elevator pitch is a short, persuasive speech that is used to quickly and effectively summarize a product, service, or idea. The name “elevator pitch” comes from the idea that it should be possible to deliver the pitch in the time it takes to ride an elevator, typically about 30 seconds to two minutes. The goal of an elevator pitch is to quickly capture the listener’s attention and interest and to persuade them to want to learn more about the product, service, or idea.

An elevator pitch should be concise and to the point, and should clearly articulate the key benefits and value proposition of the product, service, or idea. It should be well-rehearsed and delivered with enthusiasm and confidence. The goal is to persuade the listener that the product, service, or idea is worth considering and to create a desire for more information.

Elevator pitches are commonly used in business and entrepreneurship to pitch a new product or service to potential investors or customers, but they can also be used in other settings, such as job interviews or networking events, to quickly and effectively introduce oneself and one’s skills or experience

Uses of an elevator pitch

Elevator pitches are commonly used in a variety of settings, including:

Business and entrepreneurship: Elevator pitches are often used to pitch a new product or service to potential investors or customers. In this context, the goal of the pitch is to persuade the listener to invest in or purchase the product or service.
Job interviews: An elevator pitch can be used to quickly introduce oneself and one’s skills and experience to a potential employer during a job interview.
Networking events: An elevator pitch can be used to introduce oneself and one’s skills and experience to potential business partners, clients, or colleagues at networking events.
Marketing and public relations: Elevator pitches can be used to quickly and effectively summarize the key points of a marketing campaign or public relations effort.
Social and civic organizations: Elevator pitches can be used to introduce oneself and one’s skills and experience to potential members of a social or civic organization, or to present a suggestion for a brand new project or initiative.

In all of these contexts, the goal of an elevator pitch is to persuade the listener to take action or to want to learn more about the product, service, idea, or person being pitched.

Things to consider when preparing an elevator pitch

There are several things to consider when preparing an elevator pitch:

Audience: Who is your audience and what are their interests and needs? Your elevator pitch should be tailored to your specific audience, highlighting the benefits and value proposition that are most relevant and appealing to them.
Message: What message do you want to convey? Your elevator pitch should be concise and to the point, focusing on the most important and relevant information.
Length: How long will your pitch be? An elevator pitch should be relatively short, typically no more than two minutes. It’s important to be able to deliver your pitch within this time frame to keep the listener’s attention and interest.
Delivery: How will you deliver your pitch? Your delivery should be enthusiastic and confident, and you should practice your pitch beforehand to ensure that it flows smoothly and effectively.
Practice: It’s important to practice your pitch beforehand to ensure that it is well-rehearsed and delivered effectively. This will help you to deliver your pitch with confidence and enthusiasm.
Visual aids: Consider whether visual aids, such as slides or a product demo, might help reinforce your message and make your pitch more memorable.
Questions: Be prepared to answer questions and engage in a dialogue with your listener. This will show that you are confident in your product, service, or idea, and will allow you to further persuade your listener.

Types of elevator pitches

Several different types of elevator pitches can be used depending on the specific scenario:

Product pitch: This type of elevator pitch is used to pitch a new product or service to potential customers or investors. The pitch should focus on the key features and benefits of the product, and should clearly articulate the value proposition.
Investment pitch: This type of elevator pitch is used to pitch a business idea or startup to potential investors. The pitch should focus on the potential return on investment, the size of the market opportunity, and the competitive advantage of the business.
Job interview pitch: This type of elevator pitch is used to introduce oneself and one’s skills and experience to a potential employer during a job interview. The pitch should focus on the candidate’s relevant skills and experience and should highlight how they would be a good fit for the role.
Networking pitch: This type of elevator pitch is used to introduce oneself and one’s skills and experience to potential business partners, clients, or colleagues at networking events. The pitch should focus on the candidate’s relevant skills and experience and should highlight how they can add value to the listener’s business or organization.
Social or civic organization pitch: This type of elevator pitch is used to introduce oneself and one’s skills and experience to potential members of a social or civic organization, or to pitch an idea for a new project or initiative. The pitch should focus on the benefits and value of the project or initiative and should highlight the candidate’s relevant skills and experience.

Elevator pitch examples

Here are a few examples of elevator pitches for different scenarios:

Product pitch

“Our company has developed a new app that helps people track and manage their daily expenses. It’s easy to use and saves people time and money. We’ve already had a lot of interest from users and have been featured in several major publications. We’re looking for investors to help us take the app to the next level.”

Investment pitch

“We’re launching a brand-new online store to market eco-friendly goods. The market for sustainable products is growing rapidly and we have a unique angle that sets us apart from competitors. We’re looking for an initial investment of $500,000 to help us get off the ground and scale quickly. In return, we’re offering a 20% equity stake in the company. We believe this is a great opportunity for investors to get in on the ground floor of a promising business with a lot of growth potential.”

Job interview pitch

“I’m a recent graduate with a degree in marketing and a strong passion for social media. I’ve interned at a couple of marketing agencies and have gained valuable experience in creating and executing social media campaigns. I’m a fast learner and am always looking for ways to improve my skills. I believe my background and passion make me a great fit for this role, and I’m excited to bring my skills and energy to your team.”

Networking pitch

“Hi, I’m a software engineer with experience in building scalable web applications. I’m currently looking for new opportunities to work on challenging projects and to learn from experienced professionals. I believe my skills and experience make me a valuable asset to any team, and I’m always open to discussing potential collaboration opportunities. Do you have any open positions or know of any companies that might be interested in my skills?”

“Hi, I’m a graphic designer with a drive for producing aesthetically compelling works that easily and quickly convey difficult concepts. I’m excited to be a part of this organization and am eager to contribute my skills and expertise to any projects or initiatives. I believe my background and passion make me a great fit for this organization, and I’m excited to help make a positive impact in our community.”