What is an Elevator Pitch?
A) It’s a short and effective sales pitch.
B) It can be used to describe yourself or to describe an idea, product, or company.
C) It’s typically about 30 seconds, the time it takes people to ride from the top to the bottom of a building in an elevator.
D) The idea behind having an elevator pitch is that you are prepared to share this information with anyone, at anytime, even in an elevator!
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5 Quick Tips to Elevator Pitch Success
1) Positive Body Language
- Ensure good eye contact and have a nice big smile.
- Ensure hand movements to emphasise key points and to engage with your audience.
- Ensure an effective posture by standing up straight. Relax your shoulders. Overall, you want to look strong and solid in your posture but, also, relaxed.
2) Positive Verbal Communication
- Ensure a strong, confident and upbeat tone of voice.
- Aim to sound natural, friendly and unrehearsed.
- Enunciate your words and speak slowly.
- Avoid overly complicated terms. Avoid jargon.
- Aim to keep your message simple and clear.
3) Positive Language
- You want your Elevator Pitch to sound professional and upbeat.
- Using Positive Business and Office Phrases can help you convey your pitch in a positive way.
4) Put it all together
- Write each section of your pitch, then put it all together.
- Read it aloud. Time how long it takes. If it’s possible, aim for a 20 to 30-second pitch length
- Then aim to cut out anything that doesn’t need to be in your Elevator Pitch
5) Practice
- Rehearse your Elevator Pitch to family, friends, or by yourself in front of your mirror.
- Aim to get feedback. Use this feedback to improve your Elevator Pitch.
- While you practice your Elevator Pitch, you can change it, modify it, and continue to test it out.
- Aim to memorise your Elevator Pitch.
Elevator Pitch Structure for Students
Introduction
1) Say who you are.
2) Say what you study.
3) Say what you hope to become.
What do you offer?
4) Offer examples of what you have achieved or tell a short story.
5) Say why you are interested in your listener.
What are the benefits?
6) Explain the advantages of working with you.
7) Explain how you are different and unique.
What response do you want afterwards?
8) What response do you want afterwards?
9) Make this happen!
Elevator Pitch Examples for Students
Example 1
“Hi, my name is Tim Shark, and I am a senior Software Programmer major. I’m looking for a position that will allow me to use my programming skills. Over the past few years, I’ve been strengthening these skills through my work with an online shopping channel.
Eventually, I’d like to develop apps for shopping. I read that your organisation is involved in these kinds of projects. Can you tell me how someone with my experience may fit into your organisation?”
Example 2
Nice to meet you. I’m Jane Dines. I’m currently a senior and am studying Digital Marketing. I hope to become a Digital Marketer when I graduate. I’ve had a couple of internships where I worked on several marketing campaigns with a project team. I enjoy developing digital marketing business solutions.
The position you have listed in ‘Job Market Today’ seems like it would be a perfect fit for someone with my skills. I’d like to hear more about the type of projects in your organisation and how I might fit in.”
Elevator Pitch Structure for Job Seekers
Introduction
- Say who you are.
- Say what business you’re in.
- Describe which type of company you’d like to work in.
What do you offer?
- Say what group of people you offer a service to.
- Say what your Unique Selling Point (USP) is.
What are the benefits?
- Explain the advantages of working with you.
- Explain how you are different and unique.
Call for Action
- What response do you want afterwards
- Make this happen!
Elevator Pitch Examples for Job Seekers
Example 1
“Hi, my name is Todd. My background is in digital marketing. I majored in digital communications and have long been interested in marketing methods. I am seeking a position that will allow me to use the skills and strengths I acquired as a student and employee.
I have worked on several major projects in the field and would bring that experience to your company. I started out working as an intern at my current firm and was promoted in just one year. I am now looking to take my skills to a new and exciting position. Would you like to take a look at my resume?”
Example 2
“Hi, my name is Alice. I’m a Research and Development (R&D) Scientist who helps companies use their existing patents and technologies to develop new haircare products. Right now, at the Spark Hair Company, I’m finishing a successful project for an anti-balding shampoo.
I’m looking for my next challenge. Do you know any companies that are involved in discovering and developing new hair care products?”
Example 3
“My name is Zoe. I help bakeries with multiple locations, organize their customer database and boost their sales up to 15%, without having to spend any additional money or time on advertising. Do you know any bakeries with multiple locations that want to boost their sales up to 15%?”
Elevator Pitch Structure for Entrepreneurs
Introduction
1) Say who you are.
The Hook (this is where you draw the listener in)
2) You could ask your audience a question.
Problem and Solution
3) Present a problem, relevant to your audience, with a solution.
Your USP (Unique Selling Point)
4) Explain how your product or service solves the problem.
The Benefits
5) Explain the benefits of solving the problem.
Call for Action
6) What response do you want afterwards?
7) Make this happen!
Elevator Pitch Examples for Entrepreneurs
Example 1
“Hi, my name is Tony. Has your manager ever asked you to “organise an event with a strict deadline”? You say yes, reluctantly. You know it’ll be a real challenge, and it will mean balancing your workload. The founders of my company, Events4You, constantly see this problem in the workplace.
So they created a quality Events Management service that takes away all this stress at an affordable price. It means that staff can spend time on other essential tasks. Clients say we’re practical, affordable and efficient. So, can I organise a small event of your choice based on your unique situation?”
Example 2
“Hi, my name is Aidan. Have you ever tried watching Business English videos but found yourself overwhelmed by the speaker rambling to the extent that you could not learn effectively? I help my students overcome this problem by delivering courses in which I speak at a slower pace.
Relevant images, clear text, and captions accompany my voice. This approach to learning ensures better understanding. Students say my Business English courses are easy to understand, accessible and engaging. So, do you want to learn Business English fast? Why not purchase one of our courses at special offer prices today? You won’t regret it.”
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