written networking elevator speech examples

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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60+ Elevator Pitch Examples by Type, Scenario, and Industry

By Kate Eby | January 26, 2023

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No matter your industry, your goals, or your career level, you should always have an elevator pitch prepared. We’ve worked with experts to assemble the largest collection of elevator pitches to help spark inspiration as you craft your own. 

Included in this article, you’ll find detailed elevator pitches sorted by type, such as a 10-second one-liner pitch and a two-minute pitch ; by scenario, such as a sales pitch and an elevator pitch for students ; and by industry, such as a pitch for project managers and an elevator pitch for an accountant .

What Is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a quick summary of a person, product, or company. A good pitch clearly conveys what you do, while encouraging a connection. Elevator pitches should be engaging, persuasive, and clear. 

The sheer number of strategies and methods for writing an elevator pitch can be daunting. Reviewing elevator pitch examples can be a great way to learn how others pitch their companies or services so that you can adapt their ideas to your own business, product, or service. 

Find everything you need to write an elevator pitch , including how long it should be, common elevator pitch pitfalls, tips from experts, detailed examples of pitches, and more. For additional resources, try one of these downloadable elevator pitch templates .

Elevator Pitch Examples by Type

Elevator pitches can vary in length, from 10-second one-liners to five-minute investor pitches. You can also use different strategies to strengthen your pitch, such as attention-grabbing questions or surprise endings.

Review the following examples to see how you can apply different elevator pitch strategies and structures to your own pitches.

10-Second, One-Liner Elevator Pitch Examples

When you don’t have time for a full 60-second elevator pitch, it can be helpful to prepare a supershort 10-second pitch. Convey the value, advantage, and function of the person, company, or product you are pitching in 10 seconds or fewer.

Elevator pitches that are this short should grab the listener’s attention quickly. Try asking a thought-provoking question or sharing a surprising statistic. 

David Leonhardt, Freelance Writer and Owner of THGM Writing Services , shares his supershort, one-line elevator pitch: “A lot of people are just too busy to write their own articles, press releases, reports, or even books, so I help them get it done.” 

In this pitch, Leonhardt communicates directly and clearly what value he can bring with his writing services, without getting bogged down in details. This pitch opens up the possibility of a longer discussion down the road. 

Josh Pies, Executive Producer at C47 Film Associates , uses this pitch when selling his digital marketing services: “I don't want to waste your time. Do you have a strategy to distribute the video you want us to create for you?  'Cuz if you just have a plan, it's not gonna work.”

This pitch, explains Pies, “sets up a conversation about how strategy must precede creativity.” In less than 10 seconds, he’s caught the listener’s attention, asked a thought-provoking question, and kindled interest in his expertise.

30-Second Elevator Pitch Examples

Thirty seconds is a standard length for a short elevator pitch. In half a minute, a speaker should be able to provide just enough information to pique listener interest. Try including statistics, thoughtful questions, quick jokes, or other attention-grabbing strategies. 

Here are two examples of effective 30-second elevator pitches: 

• “Did you know that 70 percent of the waste produced by the global beauty industry comes from packaging materials? That’s billions of tons of rigid plastic. We think this is a serious problem, which is why we’ve made a commitment to doing better. In just the last two years, we’ve increased the amount of biodegradable materials in our packaging from 40 to 60 percent.”
• “I’ve worked with parents who are so anxious about getting their children into private schools that they’re losing sleep. And it’s understandable. Every school has different standards, essays to write, tests to take, and high-pressure interviews. I simplify the whole process. I do the heavy lifting so that my clients can relax, while knowing that they’re doing everything possible to get their children the education they deserve.”

Take a look at this chart to see how these examples pack in lots of information in a few short sentences.

One-Minute Elevator Pitch Example

Sixty seconds is another common length for an elevator pitch. In one minute, a speaker can provide compelling data, show personality, and more. Practice a one-minute elevator pitch often to make sure you are using the time wisely. 

Lucy Hurst, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Sherbet Donkey Media , shares her company’s one-minute elevator pitch: “Sherbet Donkey Media was set up with the intention to disrupt the digital marketing industry by being honest and clear with clients from the get-go and producing tangible results. We’ve put together a team with exceptional and complementary expertise, and every member of our staff keeps their finger on the pulse as well. From the start of your marketing campaign, all our departments will work together to ensure that the marketing strategy succeeds on every level. It’s then consistently monitored and tweaked accordingly to ensure that you get results. We have multiplied a business’s e-commerce sales tenfold in 12 months. While we can’t guarantee this for every customer, we can promise that we will deliver results like no other.”

In this elevator pitch, Hurst uses the additional time to clearly explain what Sherbet Donkey Media does and how it can add value. She cites specific evidence of the company’s past success and paints a colorful portrait of its culture and team makeup.

Two-Minute Elevator Pitch Example

Two minutes is an uncommon length for an elevator pitch. Take advantage of this stretch of time to pitch your product or service by telling compelling stories, establishing credibility, and asking engaging questions. Always rehearse your talking points. 

Longer pitches are appropriate for situations where you already have a captive audience, such as in a presentation or an interview. Divide your pitch into sections to keep your information organized and concise.

Here is an example of a two-minute pitch a candidate might use to introduce themselves in a job interview : 

In two minutes, you should be able to demonstrate that you know industry lingo, show relevant experience, and have goals that align with the role you want. 

Tip: Any time you pitch a potential client, employer, investor, or other person, do your research ahead of time and tailor your pitch to your audience.

Five-Minute Elevator Pitch Examples

Once an elevator pitch is five minutes long, it’s not really an elevator pitch. In five minutes, you can offer a fully fleshed-out pitch to present to investors, potential clients, or executives within your company. 

For example, you might pitch your services to a new client. Ask them questions to identify their specific needs and explain how you are uniquely positioned to address them. 

Here are some questions you might ask: 

• How are you currently supporting your system?
• When was the last time you completed a project, and how did it go?
• How did you find the resources for that project? 
• What are some of the attributes you look for in a resource?
• What are some reasons you’re looking at different options for your next project?
• Which of those is most important? 
• Which of those have you had the most trouble finding?

Tip: For five-minute pitches, visual tools such as a PowerPoint presentation will help you stay organized and help your audience follow along. Remember to ask a lot of questions, which helps with engagement as you present your idea.

Elevator Pitch Deck Template for PowerPoint

Download the Elevator Pitch Deck Template for PowerPoint

Try this elevator pitch deck template for help structuring a longer presentation. The template organizes a pitch in a simple, six-part structure, which includes a problem statement, solution statement, expertise, competition, justification, and call to action.

Attention-Grabbing Question Examples of Elevator Pitches

Want to make your pitch stand out? Start with an attention-grabbing question. A thoughtful or surprising question can engage and excite listeners as you deliver the rest of your elevator pitch. 

Shane Hampson , an experienced SEO consultant, uses an attention-grabbing question to pitch his services: “Are you capitalizing on the estimated one-third of Americans who search for a local business every day? My clients have generated millions of dollars in revenue by making their websites reflect the expertise, authoritativeness, and trustworthiness that are needed to succeed online.”

This pitch uses a common strategy of combining an attention-grabbing question with a surprising statistic .

Question Everything Pitch Example

One way to establish credibility and capture a listener’s attention is to challenge their most basic assumptions by using the question everything tactic. Start your pitch with information you could only have gotten with your specific experience or expertise.

Pies from C47 Film Associates uses this tactic in this longer elevator pitch: “I've had videos go viral — viewership from around the world — and not made a dime. It actually cost us. I've had videos with 10 views that make us a small fortune. After 20 years of doing this work, you learn a thing or two. If we made you a video that had one view, but it was Warren Buffett and he signed a billion-dollar contract with you, would you be worried about the view count not being higher? Here's what I'd prefer to do with you. Let's hatch a plan. Let's follow that plan and get the right attention, from the right people, in the right way, and then we'll get the right response. I want you to get results. Can I show you how to do that?”

In this example, Pies asks the listener to rethink the way they measure the success of online videos. He’s piqued their interest by having them question what their goals really are and how they might meet them. Additionally, he’s established credibility and demonstrated the value of his years of experience.

Credibility Boost Pitch Example

Establishing credibility is essential for any elevator pitch. When listeners think you are credible, they will be more open to your ideas. Incorporate evidence, statistics, or stories that will boost credibility with your listeners. 

Ravi Davda, CEO of Rockstar Marketing , demonstrates an effective credibility boost by saying, “As someone with six years of experience as an entrepreneur, I've made every mistake when it comes to marketing your business. That's the reason why I started Rockstar Marketing — so you wouldn't have to make the same, expensive mistakes I did.”

In this example, Davda draws on his years of experience to show that he has the knowhow to avoid costly mistakes.

Relatable-over-Reliable Elevator Pitch Example

Sometimes the best strategy for an elevator pitch is to focus on making a personal connection. Tell a story that shows your audience that you can relate to them, while still offering a solution to their problem. 

Here is an example of a relatable-over-reliable elevator pitch: “When I started my first management position, I didn’t know what I was doing, but I also didn’t want it to seem like I couldn’t handle my new responsibilities. Instead of asking for help, getting feedback, or reflecting on my management style, I just plowed ahead. It took three team members suddenly walking out on me before I realized that I had to consult an expert, learn what I was doing wrong, and change. Now I have over 20 years of managerial experience and a successful management consulting firm of my own.”

Surprise Ending Pitch Example

Use a surprise ending elevator pitch to help a listener visualize your solution. Start with a situation your listener can relate to, then show how the outcome might be different with your product or service. 

Here is a surprise ending elevator pitch for a mobile app: “Let’s say your employer has just switched insurance companies, and your primary care provider is no longer in network. You could spend hours researching in-network doctors, asking friends for referrals, or navigating your insurance website to find a new doctor. But there’s another possibility. Imagine you had access to reviews, insurance information, availability, specialties, and more, all in one user-friendly location. That’s what you have if you download this app.”

Unbelievable Statistic Elevator Pitch Examples

An unbelievable statistic is a great way to capture a listener’s attention and stress the importance of your product or service. Look for numbers that are significantly higher or lower than you might expect, and add them to your pitch. 

Here are some unbelievable statistics that would work well as elevator pitch openers:

• “One fast food burger patty can contain meat from as many as 100 different cows. With our burgers, we guarantee that one burger equals one cow.” 
• “For every 1,470 resumes the average employer receives, they will hire just one candidate. That’s why job seekers need all the help they can get to make their resumes stand out.”
• “In the next five years, the U.S. workforce will be 75 percent millennials. That’s why it’s vital to stay up to date on millennial workforce trends.”
• “On average, an office work desk contains 400 times more bacteria than a toilet seat. You need to hire cleaners you can trust to keep your workplace safe and clean.”

Outlandish Start Pitch Example

An outlandish start elevator pitch can make your pitch extra memorable. Use creativity to add humor, playfulness, and color to your pitch, while still being clear and specific about the problem you can solve.

Pies created this example for a commercial advertising a snow plowing company, where the speaker is dressed up like a cowboy: “There's only one cowboy in this town who can ride 501 horses at the same time and leave no snow, or manure, behind — and that's me. Mind if I tell ya how?”

Start with a Stat Pitch Example

Beginning an elevator pitch with a surprising statistic shows that you are prepared and knowledgeable about a subject. Start with a stat to bolster credibility and demonstrate why your services are necessary. 

Dean Kaplan, CEO of The Kaplan Group , uses an unbelievable statistic to begin the elevator pitch for his company: “Did you know that the industry success rate for collecting business debts falls to 50 percent at only seven months past the due date? This is why it is worth considering engaging an experienced business debt collection company. At our company, each collector has at least 10 years of experience across multiple companies and industries. We are proud to say we have an industry-leading 85 percent success rate for recovering debts.”

Kaplan’s example shows how you can use a surprising statistic at the top of your pitch to make your company or product description more persuasive. In addition, it incorporates credibility-boosting evidence .

Storyteller Elevator Pitch Example

Thinking of your elevator pitch as a story provides structure, while engaging an audience. A storyteller elevator pitch builds on common narrative structures to convey information in a memorable way. 

For example: “When I first started the company, I was the only employee. I had tens of thousands of dollars worth of student debt and zero professional experience. Fifteen years later, we have 200 employees and are one of the top outdoor equipment retailers in North America. Do you want to know how we did that?”

A Customer Story Pitch Example

A customer story elevator pitch demonstrates your past successes with clients. These pitches help you build a connection to the listener, who might be facing a similar problem to the one you’ve already solved.

Here is Davda’s example of a successful elevator pitch that incorporates a customer story: “We have a client with a fitness business, similar to yours. Before they started working with us, they weren't appearing on page one for any keywords. In the last six months, they've started showing up for 13 different keywords and increased their organic traffic by 329 percent.”

Reality Check Pitch Example

In elevator pitches, a reality check is a short statement or question that helps the listener realize they have a problem or stokes their frustration. A reality check can be a helpful way to make your product or service appear more urgent and necessary. 

Hurst shares a reality check example in this pitch for Sherbet Donkey Media: “Let me guess — your current digital marketing agency either doesn't keep you updated or doesn't produce results for you.” 

By starting her pitch with “let me guess,” Hurst highlights that this is a common problem. It sparks frustration in the listener, who can surmise there is an easy solution that they’re missing. 

When she continues with the rest of her pitch, she presents the listener with that solution: “This is exactly why Sherbet Donkey Media was set up. We’ll be honest and clear with you from the get-go as to what exactly we can do for you and what you can expect. We’re driven by ensuring that our customers are kept happy and with all the clients that we currently have on our books, I’m confident that we can exceed your expectations.”

Comedic Spin Example of an Elevator Pitch

When appropriate, put a comedic spin on your elevator pitch to make it more fun and interesting. Use humor to break the ice at a networking or to lighten the mood during a presentation. 

For Sherbet Donkey Media, Hurst uses this quick, funny elevator pitch: “Hey, we’re specialists in all things digital marketing. Why not let us do the donkey work? Here’s my card.” Hurst’s example is a light, fun way to play on a company’s name in a pitch. Not only does this make the pitch feel more friendly, it also makes the company name more memorable.

The Joke Elevator Pitch Example

A quick joke in an elevator pitch can lighten the mood, making the speaker appear more likable. Prepare a light joke or two about your company or service to make your elevator pitch more engaging. 

For example: “Researchers have found knowing that something bad is about to happen is actually less stressful than not knowing what’s about to happen. That’s why we employ top-of-the-line psychics to anticipate financial problems. I’m just kidding, we don’t hire psychics. But our market analysts are so experienced, knowledgeable, and thorough that they’re the next best thing.”

Tip: When using humor in your elevator pitch, remember that your priority is to clearly and convincingly communicate the problem that you can solve.

Emotional or Sentimental Appeal Pitch Example

Empathy is an important component in an elevator pitch. In some cases, especially services such as counseling or life coaching, making a direct emotional or sentimental appeal can be a useful way to build trust and make a connection. 

Kathy Streb, Life Coach and Owner of Kathy Streb Coaching , LLC, advertises her life coaching services by opening up and being vulnerable about her own experiences: “The last few years have been one of the hardest times of my life. Working in healthcare as a nurse practitioner during a pandemic made me realize that I was doing too much and I was anxious all the time. I knew that I needed to make changes and just didn’t know where to turn for help. Someone suggested I hire a coach. At first, I didn’t believe it would be helpful, but the last few months we went through an eye-opening process that changed my life.

“What I now know to be true is that I can love my job and still have time for me. I can take time to enjoy my family without guilt or regret. I can heal myself. It’s okay to reinvent myself at any age. It’s okay to not love my life even though I think I should. Change takes courage, but I don’t have to do it alone. After my own transformation, I want to help others the way that I have been helped. I learned the tools in my life coaching program to do just that. Could you use clarity in some area of your life? Would you like to see how coaching can help you?”

Elevator Pitch Examples by Scenario

From informal meet-ups to job interviews, customize your elevator pitch to fit any scenario. For example, when attending an informal networking event, practice a friendly, conversation-starting pitch. For a job interview, prepare a concise summary of your experience and goals.

Remember that in any scenario, an elevator pitch is simply a way to open the door for further connection. “I don't ask for people's business on first meeting them,” explains Leonhardt. “If this interests them, they'll engage. That prompts me to say more and learn about their needs; when someone reacts to my elevator pitch, it gives me permission to explore how I might help them, without me coming across as an aggressive huckster.”

Pitching a C-Level Executive or Business Owner Example

When pitching a C-level executive or a business owner, remember that you don’t have much time to make an impression. C-level executives and business owners hear more pitches than most people. Get to the bottom line quickly. 

Here is an example of a pitch that an IT recruitment professional might make to a company’s COO: “Based on what you told me about your plans to expand the business into new markets, I think a CRM system that better fits your overall sales process and business model would increase user acceptance and adoption from your sales team and get rid of bottlenecks that can impede your overall efficiency. I have a technical architect who recently solved this exact problem for one of your competitors and just became available for a new project. When would you be free to speak with him?”

Job Interview Pitch Example

During a job interview interviewers usually say, “Tell me about yourself.” Your response is your elevator pitch. Prepare a concise statement that includes your professional experience, goals, and view of how you’ll succeed in the role.

Here is an example job interview pitch from a lawyer applying to a new firm: “My name is Laura Smith, and I’m a lawyer with four years of experience at a major law firm. I specialize in intellectual property law, and I’m looking to join a smaller firm where I will be able to work more closely with small production companies.”

This pitch is short and sweet. Laura will have plenty of time later to answer specific questions about her qualifications, experience, and strengths. For now, she makes her background and goals crystal clear.

Networking Event Pitch Example

Always arrive at a networking event with a rehearsed elevator pitch ready to go. Networking events might include job fairs, happy hour meetups, conferences, trade shows, or more. Networking event pitches should be friendly and open a path for further discussion.

SEO consultant Hampson describes his services with this fun, friendly elevator pitch: “You might not know my name yet, but you are likely familiar with my work. I have helped hundreds of websites rank at the top of search engines.”

Formal Meeting Pitch Example

If you’ve landed a formal meeting with a potential client or employer, you’ll need to quickly explain to them who you are and what you do. Whether you’re meeting in person or virtually, introduce yourself and summarize what you do. 

Hampson recommends an elevator pitch like this one: “My name is Shane Hampson, and I am a search engine optimization professional. I can provide you leads that close 14 percent more often than outbound lead generation. Would you like your website to be seen as the solution to searchers’ pain points?”

Virtual Introduction Elevator Pitch Example

Virtual networking can be a terrific way to make connections and find opportunities, but it can also be intimidating. Prepare and practice a short pitch that communicates your background, your goals, and what you’re looking for in a connection. 

Here is an example of an elevator pitch for a networking event: “My name is Claire. I’m an assistant producer at a health insurance marketing company. I have some personal creative projects that I’ve recently received funding for, and I’m looking for some collaborators with experience in mixing and sound design.”

Tip: Even though you’re at home in front of your computer, dress as if you’re going to an in-person event. By looking polished and professional, you will not only send the right message, you will boost your confidence when delivering your pitch.

Sales Pitch Example

An effective sales pitch identifies pain points and offers unique solutions. In a sales pitch, the speaker should conduct ample research beforehand and ask lots of questions. Be sure to listen carefully to how your audience responds.

Here are two examples of sales elevator pitches:

• “I understand that you’re having trouble with your current CMS. That can be so frustrating, especially in a company that produces as much content as yours. We have a highly trained staff that can help transition you over to a new system with minimal interruption to your processes. Can you tell me what you’re most concerned about with switching solutions?”
• “Most contractors care about getting work done quickly and cheaply. That might be important for some projects, but I know your art gallery has other priorities. We can work with you and your schedule to make sure that every piece of art in this installation is treated with the care it deserves.”

Elevator Pitch for a Social Introduction

Social events can help expand your network and grow your business. Arrive at any event with an elevator pitch that communicates who you are, what you do, and how you’re unique. 

Jami Yazdani, Founder and Chief Consultant at Yazdani Consulting and Facilitation , uses the following pitch in social introductions during networking events: “I work in project management consulting, where I’m best known for helping my clients deliver more successful, collaborative, and impactful projects. I most often serve leaders and managers in mission-driven organizations, including nonprofits, educational institutions, and libraries. When they need help to better manage their own projects, I can offer training or project coaching. If they want more hands-on support to successfully deliver on project outcomes, I offer expert management at any or every phase of their project. I can also help leaders develop and implement processes and workflows to ensure continued success across projects.”

In this pitch, Yazdani clearly explains what she does while also communicating her passions and interests.

Entrepreneurs and Business Owners Elevator Pitch Example

Entrepreneurs and business owners need to be experts in elevator pitching. Whatever your business, you should be able to summarize what you do in one or two sentences. Once you’ve piqued the listener’s interest, you can elaborate.

Megan Tatge, Owner of Eastwood Professionals, LLC , shares her elevator pitch for her small business: “Hi. I’m Megan, a ninja of words and coordinator of chaos. With experience supporting businesses of all sizes, I have mastered the ability to multitask, shift priorities, and seize every opportunity for growth. Most recently I left the recruiting industry and plunged headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship. My company, Eastwood Professionals, LLC, is focused on taking the suck out of the job search process by providing affordable resume and job seeker services to individuals across all levels and all industries. Whether you are actively on the hunt for your next career or simply exploring, I would love to help.”

Tatge uses a fun, playful introduction, shares her background, and clearly communicates what her business does.

Mutual Connection Pitch Example

If you have a mutual connection with a potential client, employer, or investor, be sure to mention it early in your elevator pitch. Having friends, colleagues, or companies in common will implicitly increase trust and encourage connection. 

Here are some examples of mutual connections that you can use in an elevator pitch: 

• “An associate producer on your team is actually someone I played rugby with in college!”
• “I saw on LinkedIn that you also went to [UNIVERSITY]. I graduated a year after you!”
• “I heard you mention that you worked several years at [COMPANY]. That’s where I got my first job out of college.”
• “I’ve actually heard about you through my friend, [NAME]. She had nothing but good things to say about your firm.”

Tip: Make sure that you actually know and are in good standing with anyone you namedrop. Never exaggerate or mischaracterize your relationship. You don’t want to find yourself in an awkward situation down the road.

Personal Elevator Pitch Example

A personal elevator pitch is an opportunity to quickly share who you are, what you do, and your passion. Always be prepared with a personal elevator pitch for networking events, interviews, or chance encounters.

For example: “I am a husband, a parent, and a cancer survivor. I’ve learned from experience how important it is, especially in a crisis, to take the time to be compassionate with yourself and the people you love. I’ve dedicated my entire life and career to helping people through personal and family emergencies.”

Use these questions to help you brainstorm for your personal elevator pitch:

• What is your background?
• What experience do you have?
• What are you passionate about?
• What inspires you?
• What are your career goals?
• What have you achieved?
• What are your greatest strengths?
• What special skills do you have?

Student Elevator Pitch Example

Students might not have many — or any — professional experience to include in an elevator pitch. However, they can still craft a persuasive pitch. Students should focus on coursework, interests, extracurriculars, and career goals for the future. 

Wendy Toth, Founder of PowerSuiting and Co-Founder of Great Pet Care, provides two examples of elevator pitches. The first is a pitch she used during her career as a journalist, while the second is adjusted to show how it might look for a college student or recent graduate:

• Early Career: “I’m a writer and editor with over five years of experience producing content that’s razor-focused on the female head of the household. From consulting experts on ways that busy professionals can save time to researching the best summer sandals, my aim is to make life easier for women.”
• Student: “I’m a nonfiction writing major with two years of experience covering arts and leisure for my college newspaper. From interviewing visiting artists for our spring exhibition to reviewing our production of Cabaret , my aim is to make appreciation of the arts accessible through my writing.”

In Toth’s student elevator pitch example, she highlights a relevant extracurricular activity and communicates her interests and goals.

Tip: “As a career coach, I encourage my clients to break their elevator pitch into two sentences,” says Toth. “Sentence one covers who you are and your level of experience. Sentence two covers a specific example of something you have done that you're proud of and why you're proud of it.”

Example Elevator Pitch for Internship Example

In your elevator pitch for an internship, provide evidence that you will succeed in this role. It is important to be specific about your career goals and explain how this internship will help you meet them. Demonstrate that you are excited and eager to learn. 

Here is an example of an elevator pitch from someone with limited experience, who might be trying to land their first internship: “I’m a sophomore history and English double major at X University. I want to pursue a career in book publishing after I graduate. I have a strong academic record, and I’m looking to expand my experience into the professional world. I’ve always been an avid reader, and I’ve kept up with current publishing trends, but there’s still so much about the nuts and bolts of book publishing that is mysterious to me. I’d love an opportunity to intern at your imprint and learn as much as I can.”

Startup Business Idea Pitch Example

Every business starts as an idea. If you have a startup business idea, prepare an exciting, focused elevator pitch that you are ready to present to potential investors and collaborators. Introduce a problem and show how your idea is the best solution to address it. 

While a longer pitch is more appropriate for a formal meeting with investors, a quick elevator pitch might be what lands you that meeting in the first place. A surprising statistic or a thoughtful question are excellent tactics for a startup elevator pitch.

For example: “Did you know ridesharing apps have been responsible for an increase in traffic-related deaths? I can help bring that number back down by connecting drivers with the safety resources and technologies they need.”

Elevator Pitch Examples by Industry

The tone, content, and style of a successful elevator pitch differs among industries. For example, in IT or engineering, an elevator pitch should demonstrate technical expertise. In marketing or sales, it should showcase personality and a track record of success. 

On company websites, many About Us pages include descriptions that work well as elevator pitches. These pitches have to be concise and informative, while piquing enough interest in website visitors that they choose to visit more pages and seek their products or services. 

For example, on the Why Smartsheet page, you’ll find an elevator pitch that provides a compelling statistic and a brief overview of its services and clients:

General Business Elevator Pitch Examples

In a general business elevator pitch, communicate what your company does and how it stands out from your competitors. By the end of your pitch, the listener should feel that they understand exactly what you do and how you do it.

Here are two examples of general business elevator pitches:

• “Hi, my name is Lexi Freeman, and I’m the Founder and CEO of The Local Restaurant. It’s lovely to meet you! I saw that you are opening up a new fast casual restaurant. When so much care goes into crafting beautiful food and experiences, it can be hard to also make sure your business is profitable. That’s why we partner with local, family-owned restaurants to help them connect with community members, expand their reach, and stay in business longer. Can you tell me a little bit about the vision for this restaurant?”
• “I am fascinated by the research you’re doing at Marketexecs. You’ve been on the cutting edge of market research for almost a decade now. Have you considered partnering with a recruiting firm like ours to help connect you with the most sought-after talent in the industry? In the last year alone, we’ve developed partnerships with 12 leading research universities and have connected over 200 award-winning Ph.D. recipients with companies like yours.”

Elevator Pitch Examples Healthcare Examples

In the healthcare space, elevator pitches need to show that a company or individual is trustworthy and qualified. Healthcare providers should use their pitches to communicate their values as well as their expertise and experience. 

Headspace is a meditation app and digital health platform that brings at-home mindfulness practices to your digital devices. Headspace's About Us page includes a company description that follows a common format for elevator pitches. They establish who they are, what they do, and why they do it:

Another example comes from NYU Family Health Centers at NYU Langone . On their website, they provide a thorough organization description, which is also an excellent elevator pitch for their healthcare services: 

Just like an in-person elevator pitch, an online pitch should open up a conversation or spark new questions. Notice how they provide a link at the end of the description, so that website visitors can access more information if they wish. 

A third example comes from Edwards Lifesciences , a leading medical device company. Here is a company video featured on their site, which is an excellent elevator pitch that captures its history, ethos, and current projects:

Elevator Pitch for Consulting Example

In their elevator pitches, consultants should show how they will add value for their clients. They should foreground their professional experience and successes, and ask questions that help them identify a client’s specific needs. 

This is how Yazdani pitches her project management consulting company on the Our Story section of her company website:

Yazdani covers what she does and what she can bring to a company, before providing a link where users can access more information or contact her.

Accountant Elevator Pitch Example

Accountants need to communicate authority and experience in an elevator pitch. Components such as humor will be less persuasive. Focus instead on evidence of your success and trustworthiness, specific knowledge, and experience.

For example, on its website, the CPA firm Hunrath, Napolitano, Quigley and Taylor, LLC has crafted an excellent elevator pitch for attracting accounting clients:

Notice how this CPA firm lists specific services and areas of expertise, while also communicating its values and commitment to personalized services.

Elevator Pitch for Data Science Example

Many businesses rely on data science to stay organized and make good decisions. An elevator pitch for a data science company or service should highlight its qualifications, record of success, and technical expertise. 

Matt Hammel is the COO and Co-Founder of AirOps , a software company that helps organizations understand and manage their data. His pitch for AirOps highlights the value that the company can add: “AirOps uses artificial intelligence (AI) to instantly unlock value from your organization's data. Our software makes it so anyone in your organization can safely and easily find, understand, organize, and take action on high quality datasets. Now, your technical teams can spend their time working on the most complex projects and your business teams can quickly get what they need to make your business run fast.”

Elevator Pitch for Engineers Example 

When looking for or applying to engineering roles, technical expertise is key. Be specific in your elevator pitch about your skills, knowledge, and experience. Demonstrate that you know the lingo in your particular field of engineering. 

For example: “Right now, I’m a mechanical engineer at Microsoft, where I’ve worked for three years designing and testing hardware. I’ve been the technical lead for several multidisciplinary teams that deploy high-quality IT equipment. I’ve been really interested in the work your company is doing with robotics and saw that you are hiring a mechanical engineer. What kind of skills are you looking for in that role?”

Similarly, engineering companies should foreground their successes and capabilities. P2S Inc. is one of the top engineering firms in the United States. The elevator pitch featured on their website establishes credibility by citing their longevity, clearly stating their mission, and providing visitors with an option to explore more information with links:

Elevator Pitch for Human Resources Example

An elevator pitch for a human resources professional needs to convey reliability, attention to detail, and ability to work well with others. Incorporate strategies that show personality, values, and a record of consistency. 

Max Wesman, COO of GoodHire , uses the relatable-over-reliable strategy at the top of his pitch for GoodHire: “Tired of waiting weeks to hear back from a background check? So were we. GoodHire offers 90 percent of nationwide criminal checks in under a minute, and with an industry-leading rate of accuracy, so you never risk losing the dream candidate. All of this is contained within a mobile-optimized dashboard, ensuring that results and status updates are comprehensive, transparent, and visible to both yourself and the candidate.”

In this example, Wesman reminds listeners how frustrated they are with a problem he and his company can solve, which means his listeners will be more engaged as he goes into more detail.

Elevator Pitch for Recruiters Example

In a competitive, global job market, recruiters are key. An elevator pitch for a recruiter or recruitment company needs to show how they are uniquely positioned to face the challenges of that market for their clients.

Aquent Talent is a leading creative staffing company. Aquent Talent's About page includes a friendly, accessible elevator pitch:

Elevator Pitch for a Business Analyst Example

In their elevator pitches, business analysts should showcase their skills and experience. Highlight past successes, areas of expertise, and qualifications. Share what you’ve accomplished, how you did it, and why you’re confident you can do it again. 

For example: “I stay up to date on modern methods of business analysis so that you can get and stay ahead of competitors in a quickly evolving market. In five years, I’ve saved businesses like yours $6.5 million with my innovative approach to process audits.”

Elevator Pitch for Teachers Example

All parents want to know that their children are getting the best education possible. Teachers and other education professionals should use their elevator pitches to communicate their values, reliability, and previous successes.

Troy Portillo, Director of Operations of Studypool , uses this pitch to advertise the company’s tutoring services: “How many times, when you were a student, have you sat in front of your homework and not had the faintest idea where to start? School is challenging, and for some people who need additional help and resources, school can be debilitating. Enter Studypool, an online resource that partners dedicated tutors and educators with students who need their assistance. The commitment is flexible, and the rewards are high. For the child in your life who could benefit exceedingly from additional schoolwork help, try Studypool today!”

Portillo makes the smart move of ensuring his pitch is relatable and sympathizing with potential clients. His elevator pitch makes the listener feel secure.

Elevator Pitch for Information Technology (IT) Examples

IT professionals, such as software developers, IT project managers, or computer systems analysts, should highlight their technical skills in their elevator pitches. IT companies should show that they are mission-driven and have a record of success. 

The tech startup, People.ai, is a company that leverages AI in order to support sales, marketing, and customer service teams. Since its founding in 2016, People.ai has quickly grown to be one of the most influential IT companies. Here is the brief overview offered on the page, which functions well as a quick, effective elevator pitch for the company:

Another example of a good IT elevator pitch is from Arthena , a fintech company that helps clients make informed, strategic art investments. Here is the elevator pitch the company features on its landing page: 

This example also includes a Reach Out button, which encourages visitors to continue the conversation and find more information.

Elevator Pitch for Project Management Example

Project managers need to be organized collaborators with great critical-thinking and problem-solving skills. Elevator pitches for project managers should show how one’s experience reflects those requirements. 

Ilam Padmanabhan, an experienced program manager and the Founder of ilampadman.com , shares an example of a sample project pitch that a project manager might use: “I believe this project could offer great value for our organization for three reasons: 1) The business case is sound, if we execute well. We'll gain the promised benefits. 2) The investments will be paid X times over in Y time even in the worst-case scenario. 3) We have the ability and interest to execute as a team, and we can get started right away. The market context needs us to execute this change right now, we don't want to be left behind. The window of opportunity in the market is right now — a delayed start will diminish the returns.”

Elevator Pitch for Marketing Example

Marketing is about more than hard skills or experience; it’s also about personality, charisma, and the ability to connect with an audience. Elevator pitches for marketing should showcase creativity, as well as experience and professionalism. 

Paige Arnof-Fenn, Founder and CEO of Mavens & Moguls , uses this simple, clear, and effective pitch for her company: “Are you looking to find more customers and accelerate your sales cycle? We love helping organizations find the right words and pictures to get their story out there both online and offline as a virtual marketing department that acts as an extension of your team.”

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Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Elevator Speech [Outline + 13 Examples]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Capturing your background, skills, and objectives into a short and clever elevator speech can be difficult. How do you know what to keep and what to leave out? How do you make an impression in such a short time?

Standing out with your elevator speech doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little practice, you’ll gain confidence in introducing yourself at a job interview, career fair, and, of course, on an elevator ride! Here’s a quick guide to help you craft the perfect pitch along with several elevator speech examples.

In this article:

Tips for Creating a Good Elevator Speech

A sample elevator speech outline, checklist for fine-tuning, elevator speech examples.

The elements that make up a great elevator speech outline are pretty straightforward. You need to describe who you are, what you do, and what your goal is. While the elevator speech template stays the same whether you’re speaking with a potential employer or a sales prospect, you might add other elements to match your unique situation.

Here are a few tips for crafting your personal elevator pitch:

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• Keep it 30 to 60 seconds long.
• Use persuasive speech to spark your listener’s interest.
• Showcase your qualifications or skills.
• For a sales pitch, try starting with an open-ended question.
• Describe who you help and what problem you aim to help them solve.
• Be ready to customize your speech to fit your target audience.

Whether you’re a business owner preparing for a networking event or a job seeker attending a job fair, you can benefit from perfecting a succinct and effective elevator pitch. A go-to elevator speech comes in handy when you’re introducing yourself to new people in general. Have a business card on hand and ready to deliver as well.

Your elevator speech can also provide the right content for social media bios or a resume objective statement. This statement represents your personal brand, so keep it consistent across all social media channels.

Be sure to practice your elevator statement over and over so that you’re able to deliver it naturally, even in a moment’s notice. If you’re stumped for ideas, draw from the elevator speech examples listed below.

This model suggestion plan assists you to avoid creating a sales pitch. It must be  from  your mouth and supporting body language gestures, and  about  your skills and abilities. Use each idea to write one short powerful sentence.

The 10 speech topics I will explicate right now in the next paragraphs are primers to write a carefully planned and prepared presentation that grabs attention and says a lot in a few words.

Remember: tweak till it fits your personality and decisive nature.

ABOUT YOU 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.

WHAT DO YOU OFFER 4. Tell what problems have solved or contributions you have made. 5. Offer a vivid example. 6. Tell why you are interested in your listener.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS 7. Tell what very special service, product or solutions you can offer him or her. 8. What are the advantages of working with you? In what do you differ from competative companies?

HOW DO YOU DO IT 9. Give a concrete example or tell a short story, show your uniqueness and provide illustrations on how you work.

CALL FOR ACTION 10. What is the most wanted response? Do you want a business card, a referral or an  corporate appointment for a presentation after your elevator speech ?

OTHER BUSINESS QUESTIONS

These are other points, questions and business subjects you could ask:

• Who is your target?
• How large is your market volume?
• How do you make profits?
• What are the background, major milestones and achievements of your team?
• Who are your competitors, how do they solve a problem? What is your strength and advantage compared to them? What is your Unique Selling Proposition?
• Are there special patents or technology? Do you have a special approach in client management? And so on.

STEP 1: First write down all that comes up in your mind.

STEP 2: Then cut the jargon and details. Make strong short and powerful sentences. Eliminate unnecessary words.

STEP 3: Connect phrases to each other. Your elevator speech address has to flow natural and smoothly. Do not rush, keep eye contact all the time and work steady to the grande finale: the call to action.

STEP 4: Memorize key points and practice out loud – test it with a close relative in the safe environment of your home.

STEP 5: Have you really answered  the  key question of your listener:  What’s In It For Me?

STEP 6: Create different versions for different business situations of your elevator speech. Note them on professional business cards:

Perfect your own elevator presentation by learning from others. Here are a few effective elevator pitch examples to help you craft your own:

1. Job Seeker Elevator Pitch Example

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH0Thez9gvA

You run into all kinds of people at the elevator, even a hiring manager. This sample elevator speech is a good example for those looking for a job interview. It shows how you can highlight your skills and experience even when you’re caught off guard. Notice how she also has a business card ready?

“I’m excited to hear back because the position helps me to use my brand management and social media skills…”

2. Recent Graduate Great Elevator Pitch

This is an excellent example for those who recently graduated with a bachelor degree in business. Notice that she states exactly what she’s looking for – an internship or job opportunity. In just 41 seconds, she states her experience, skills, and some good details about her personality that make her the perfect job candidate.

“I hope to incorporate my business knowledge into consumer trend analysis and strengthening relationships among consumers…”

3. College Student Personal Elevator Speech

This college freshman opens with her interest in the company. She states her major and reflects on high school experiences, also sharing relevant awards she has won for her skills.

“I’ve gotten awards for my leadership skills and I’m very involved with my college…”

4. Personal Brand Elevator Pitch Template

This college graduate pitches his personal brand through stating the skills he acquired in his education, the type of job he is looking for, and why he wants to work in that type of job. He offers a good mix of talking about his own experience while also focusing on how he’ll help clients. He ends his speech with the call to action of directing his audience to his website.

“I strive to lead a team on various projects one day.”

5. Personal Brand Pitch with a Personal Touch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_paOrg5Zpg

Video pitches are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to connect with brands online. This college student’s personal brand sales pitch stands out because it opens and closes with inspirational music. She explains her personal promise and future plans to receive her master degree.

“I promise to always bring positivity to the table and to remain hard working and dedicated no matter what the task.”

6. Business Plan Effective Elevator Speech

This example is perfect for a small business owner looking to pitch a product. The speaker opens with a compelling situation that appeals to his target market, offers his solution and details the features and benefits, announces his promise, and states his objective – all in 51 seconds.

“Don’t let frost bite your buns. Get the hot seat!”

7. Small Business Elevator Speech Sample

Opening with an interesting fact of how much Americans spend on fishing each year, the speaker follows up with an open-ended question to immediately grab audience attention from her target market. This is a great example of a sales pitch to investors, as the speaker outlines her plan for marketing her product and making their ROI (Return on Investment).

“Our goal is to revolutionize the economics of fishing in favor of the customer.”

8. Financial Advisor Elevator Speech

Ron Coleman explains who he is as a financial advisor, who he works for, and what exactly he helps his clients do. Additionally, he explains the type of people who benefit from his services.

“I’m confident that if given the opportunity I can provide you with the service and the coverage you need in order to protect your business, you, and your family from a variety of different risks.”

9. The Career Fair Elevator Pitch

This funny elevator speech example is the perfect model for a job seeker attending a job fair. The speaker highlights the importance of expressing interest in the company by acknowledging their work and asking a related open-ended question. Of course, lead with your own experience and skills that are relevant to the company representative whom you’re speaking with.

“I read on your website that you are the only company that has increased efficiency by employing mannequins. Can you tell me a bit more about that process?”

10. Good Elevator Speech for Speed Networking

This example from a holistic marketing mentor shows how you can sum up who you are, what you do, and the people you can help in one quick and savvy sentence.

“I help wellness professionals find additional revenue streams so that they can help more people and live a life of ease and grace.”

11. Extreme Sale Pitch Example with Iron Man Jericho Missile Test Scene

Sure, you might not ever get the opportunity to pitch a missile system, but you can take away a lot from Robert Downey Jr.’s confidence as Iron Man. Notice how he opens with a thought-provoking question, offers his guarantee, and humbly ends with a bonus.

“That’s how Dad did it, that’s how America did it, and it’s worked out pretty well so far.”

12. Don Draper’s Funny but Effective Sales Pitch

This funny elevator speech example shows the importance of using a tagline for your personal brand.

“From a basket of kisses she picks one. It makes her unique. It colors her kiss. And her kiss, well, it colors her man. Mark your man.”

13. Real Estate Elevator Speech Example

This is the perfect elevator pitch example for real estate agents. Stacy talks about what she specializes in and highlights her experience in the real estate industry.

“If you know of someone who is looking for a real estate agent in the metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri area that is professional, knowledgeable, and technologically savvy, that’s me!”

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How to Create an Elevator Pitch (With Examples)

Examples of the Best Elevator Pitches

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.

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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.

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The Best Elevator Pitch: Samples and Template

In this article, we'll cover: 

What is an Elevator Pitch

How to write an elevator pitch, tips for delivering an elevator pitch, elevator pitch examples, elevator pitch template.

There are a number of situations in which you can use an elevator pitch. It’s a great way to network, and it functions as a self-introduction when you meet someone.

You might also use an elevator pitch for an interview, when you’re asked the question “tell me about yourself.” You could use a business elevator pitch to promote your service or product. 

An elevator pitch is an important networking tool. Having a perfected elevator speech ready can help you deliver your introduction more smoothly, or help you sound more polished when you come across a professional contact.

Practicing your pitching speech can also help you with your interview skills, and it takes some of the stress away from meeting new people.  

Preparing an elevator pitch for the first time can be intimidating, but thankfully there are many tips and tricks to creating the best elevator pitch. 

The meaning of an elevator pitch can seem ambiguous. An elevator pitch is a short introduction or sales pitch that is meant to introduce yourself, your business, or your product. 

It’s called an elevator pitch because the speech can be delivered within the duration of an elevator ride, or under a minute. An elevator pitch is sometimes also called an elevator speech, a 30-second introduction, or an elevator statement.

There are many situations where an elevator pitch is useful. 

• When you are promoting a product or service : you can use a business elevator pitch if you have a brand, product, or service to offer.
• When you are looking for a job : An elevator pitch for an interview can answer the common question “Tell me about yourself.” You could also use an elevator pitch for a job application when you meet people who are professional contacts.
• When you are at a networking event: it’s good practice to have an elevator pitch about yourself ready for a networking event. An event could generate future jobs or leads for your business or product, and you can use your elevator pitch to easily connect with people and exchange information. 

The perfect elevator pitch starts with some preparation. Writing an elevator pitch is a good way to get your ideas down and make some adjustments. Here are a few tips for writing a great elevator pitch. 

🎯 Identify your goal. 

Your elevator pitch should be customized to your goals. Consider the situations for which you would need to pitch yourself.

If your goal is to sell a product, your elevator speech will be specific to that product. If your goal is to introduce yourself for job search reasons, then you will talk more about your experience and skills. 

🎯 Know your audience.

A good elevator pitcher will also be customized to the listener. After you’ve identified your goal, think about who you will pitch yourself to and do some research.

If the listener is a potential client, you must think about their needs and how you meet them. If your listener is a hiring manager, you can tailor your elevator pitch to the job you want. 

🎯 Emphasize your selling points.

Try to think about what makes you unique. When you pitch yourself, you should have something special to say about yourself, your product, business, or service.

It could be a special skill that you have, or a market need that you meet in a unique way. The best elevator pitch has a hook to help people remember you. 

🎯 Decide the action you want your audience to take. 

Do you want your listener to offer you a job or a contact? Do you want them to buy a product or invest in your business?

Think about what you want to happen after your elevator speech and consider the ideal response from the person you are pitching to.  

🎯 Include necessary information. 

Elevator pitches should be short and sweet. Avoid adding too many unnecessary details and make sure you get to the point quickly. When writing an elevator pitch, be direct and brief. 

Also, make sure they know how to reach out to you if they are interested in your pitch.

Preparing your elevator pitch can be nerve-wracking, but there are some easy ways to design a great pitch. These tips will get you well on your way to delivering an elevator pitch that meets your goals and catches attention. 

💡 Time it well. 

An elevator pitch should be short, ideally under a minute. The utility of an elevator pitch is that it can be delivered quickly and gives only pertinent information. When you are networking, a long elevator speech could result in your listener getting distracted or losing interest. 

💡 Don’t mumble. 

Speak clearly and enunciate. An elevator speech should be an engaging pitch about yourself or your product. Mumbling will give the impression that you lack confidence, and really doesn’t compel people to listen. 

💡 Be conversational. 

You might have issues if your elevator pitch is too formal, or too pushy. Try to make it sound natural and not stiff or rehearsed. The best elevator pitch will go with the flow of conversation and not sound too much like a script.  

A warm friendly smile and open body language will help people respond positively to your elevator speech and listen to your message. 

💡 Rehearse. 

The only way to perfect the best elevator pitch is to practice. Repeat your elevator pitch enough times that it feels fluid. Try doing it in front of a mirror or recording yourself to see where you can improve. 

Here are some strong elevator speech examples that work for different situations. 

Elevator pitch example for students with no experience 

This example elevator pitch emphasizes studies, academic history, or extracurricular activities: 

Hi, my name is Neil, it’s nice to meet you. I’m a statistics major currently in my last year at Great University. My field of interest is the analysis of variance, and my background makes me a good fit for this company. Apart from my studies, I frequently volunteer as a tutor for first-year undergraduates. 

Your internship intrigues me because it would be an opportunity to use the skills I’ve learned in my program. I’m happy to give you more detail, how can we stay in touch? 

An elevator pitch example for job seekers

This elevator pitch example is useful when you are looking for work and might be at a networking event or speaking to a professional contact: 

Hi, I’m Neil and I have a background in statistical analysis. In addition to my degree in statistics, I’ve spent the last three years doing an analysis of variance for a major government stats program. 

I’m looking for an opportunity to use the skills I’ve learned as a statistician. I’ve spearheaded a few government-funded projects and I think my leadership and organization skills make me a good fit for your company. Would you mind if I arranged a time to call and talk about your current opportunities? 

Business elevator pitch example

This business pitch example can be used to promote your company across a variety of situations:

Hello, I’m Neil and I have a background in statistical analysis. I’ve been working as a statistician at Better Stats for the last couple of years, and its founders were inspired by the idea of demystifying market research. My job is to help our clients with their market goals and increase their profits. 

I understand you are looking to expand your share of the telecommunications market, have you given any thought to how you will perform your market research?

Entrepreneur elevator pitch example

You can use this sample elevator pitch to sell a product or service:

Hi, it’s nice to meet you. I understand you are interested in increasing your share of the telecommunications market. There’s a lot of consumer research out there, do you find it challenging to get through the noise?

I’m a statistician and I started a company called Better Stats after I identified some gaps in the market. My experience with statistical analysis has allowed me to help over 160 companies perform more accurate market research, which has increased their profit margins by an average of 16%. How can I help you save time and improve revenue?

Elevator pitch example for networking events

This 30-second elevator pitch example can be used to make connections at conferences, social events, and trade or career fairs:

Hi, my name is Neil. I have a background in statistical analysis, and I’ve been doing analysis of variance for a market research company for the last few years. I’ve been able to use my quantitative skills to help several major brands improve their market share. 

Outside of work, I sit on a statistics advisory board and in my spare time I volunteer tutoring high school students in math. It's great to meet you, what’s the best way to stay in touch? 

Use this template to guide your elevator speech structure and help you design a strong and compelling pitch. 

Hi, my name is [name] , it’s nice to meet you. 

I have a background in [career or education history] and I graduated with [diploma or degree] from [school name] . 

In my previous job, I was responsible for [responsibilities or tasks] at [place of work] . I used the skills I learned in my [diploma or degree] to [an accomplishment at work] at my company. 

I understand you have an opportunity opening in [department that is hiring] . I believe my skills in [skills] will be an asset to your organization.

Would it be possible to send you my resume?

🔑 Key Takeaway:

An elevator pitch can be useful in a variety of situations, from promoting a business to making a sale. Having a well-designed elevator pitch will help you prepare for interviews but can also be used as a networking tool when you meet new people.

When writing an elevator pitch, think about your goals but also consider your audience and take some time to prepare what you will say. A brief, strong elevator speech will grab attention and help your listener remember you, and the best elevator pitch can create new opportunities from a brief encounter. 

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How to Create an Elevator Pitch with Examples

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How to Write a Perfect Elevator Speech

“What’s 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 and experience. The reason it’s called an elevator pitch is that 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).

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.”

Read the full article at thebalancecareers.com.

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!

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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 .

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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!

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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 Write An Awesome Elevator Pitch (With Examples)

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Summary. When writing your elevator pitch should answer who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for. You should first introduce yourself and write about what you do. You should make sure that you describe what you want out of the interaction with the listener. Be sure to thank the listener after the interaction. When you’re at a professional networking event, you’ll likely find yourself needing to explain who you are and what you do to a wide variety of people in a short amount of time. This is where having a polished elevator pitch will come in handy. We’re here to explain the key elements of an effective elevator pitch, walk you through the process of writing your own, and show you some examples of elevator pitches for different situations. Key Takeaways Your elevator pitch should be about 30 seconds long or about 75 words long . The goal of your elevator pitch is to convince someone that you’re interesting enough to have a longer conversation with. In your elevator pitch you should introduce yourself, talk about what you do, and describe what you’re looking for and what you offer. In This Article    Skip to section How to Write an Elevator Pitch Example of an Elevator Pitch What Is an Elevator Pitch? Where You’ll Use an Elevator Pitch Who You’re Writing an Elevator Pitch For How to Prepare to Give Your Elevator Pitch Tips for Writing an Elevator Pitch Common Elevator Pitch Mistakes Elevator Pitch FAQ References Sign Up For More Advice and Jobs Show More How to Write an Elevator Pitch

Your elevator pitch should answer three main questions:

Who are you?

What do you do?

What are you looking for?

With that in mind, let’s turn to the step-by-step process for writing and delivering an elevator pitch:

Introduce yourself. If you’re just meeting someone, smile, shake their hand, and say “it’s nice to meet you.” If you’re in a bigger group or you’re asked directly about yourself, you can skip this step and get right into talking about who you are.

Write about what you do. You can give a job title, but it’s far more interesting to describe what you do. If you’re a recent graduate , you’ll talk more about your time in school, whereas a seasoned professional would highlight their most interesting and important work experience or expertise.

When you start writing, don’t limit yourself — you’ll probably end up with too much at first, but that’s when you can begin to cut unnecessary stuff or leave room for alternate topics depending on your audience.

Think of those accomplishments on your resume that you’re most proud of when you’re writing this part. Just remember, your elevator pitch has to be a coherent narrative, so make sure one point flows into the next naturally.

Describe what you want. This is the “pitch” part of the equation. Whether you’re after a job, an internship , or just another valuable person to add to your network, there needs to be an “ask” in there somewhere.

You’ve already set the scene for who you are; now it’s time to turn the focus to your audience. Think of ways that you can benefit them or their company because if you have nothing to offer, they have no reason to engage you in conversation a second time.

Always be closing. Not really, but definitely finish with a strong call to action. Don’t be vague or confusing; clearly state what you’d like to happen next.

Whether that’s asking to be kept in mind for job opportunities or just asking if you can follow up with an email, make sure your listener knows what you want. It can be intimidating when you’ve just met a person, so keep your “ask” low-pressure and low-effort on their part.

Thank the listener. If they accept your request, thank them. Even if they don’t give you a concrete “yes,” thank them for taking the time to listen. It’s just good manners.

Example of an Elevator Pitch

To be marketable for any position, you have to be able to sell yourself. You may be an amazing candidate, but that doesn’t matter one bit if you can’t communicate that.

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you can use to spark interest in who you are and what you do. You can also use one to create interest in a project, idea, or product – and that includes yourself.

“Hello, I’m John Smith, nice to meet you. I’m a writer with five years of professional experience in the online content writing industry. My core skill sets are online content writing and social media engineering. I’m endlessly curious and all my colleagues and coworkers look to me for answers – they know that either I know it or I’ll find out. As I’ve always been exceptionally passionate about social issues, I’m looking to write for publications/websites focused on climate change so that I can create content and campaigns urging others to take action and ensure sustainable cacao production for future generations.”

Well done. That was masterful. You said who you were and described your experience. You inserted details that address your listener’s interests and needs.

Just remember, it is not, in the words of O’Rourke: “An opportunity to exploit, use, bore, or terrorize someone trapped in an elevator with you.”

What Is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a 30-second speech that gives a quick summary of your professional background. It can also be a brief speech about a product, service, or company.

The goal of an elevator pitch isn’t to immediately snag a job; it’s to generate enough interest to land a second, more thorough conversation. Elevator pitches are short, and if you’re writing yours down to practice, aim for around 75 words.

With an effective elevator pitch, you’ll have an easier time introducing yourself professionally and creating more connections within your field. Your elevator speech, while not necessarily life and death, is a crucial piece of your job-seeking toolkit.

Whether it’s bumping into a hiring manager on an elevator or just a former classmate in a Starbucks – being able to sell yourself quickly and succinctly is the difference between an awkward “see ya” and “Hey, so there’s this position at my company…”

This is how you sharpen that pitch. This is how you nail that introduction.

Where You’ll Use an Elevator Pitch

If you spend any time socializing with human beings, someone’s going to ask you about yourself.

You should be able to rap off your elevator pitch in the following situations:

Job interviews. An elevator pitch is basically the perfect answer to “ tell me about yourself .” It’s impactful, to the point, and sets the stage for follow-up questions. Consider cutting some elements, though, so you don’t cannibalize your answers for other common interview questions .

Social events. Elevator pitches aren’t just for the professional world. They’re also a great answer to the question “ what do you do ” that you’ll hear a lot at social events and when meeting people for the first time.

Obviously, you’ll tone down the “selling yourself” part of your pitch when it’s just casual conversation , but even chance encounters can lead to professional opportunities.

Career fairs. This is where you’ll be really happy you prepared an elevator pitch. You’ll deliver it countless times throughout the day, making career fairs a great place to practice and hone your elevator pitch. Just be sure to mix it up depending on the recruiter .

Resume summary statement. A resume summary statement is, more or less, an elevator pitch specifically tailored for the company you’re applying to. It just takes a few tweaks like shortening the introduction and removing the call to action entirely, and bam, you’ve got a winning resume summary statement.

Professional profiles. LinkedIn also has a profile summary section, which should look very similar to a resume summary statement . The only difference is that you can’t tailor it for a specific audience. So if you can generalize your elevator pitch to the widest possible audience, you’ve finished that section of your LinkedIn profile .

Business conferences. Whether you’re there to learn, network , or just get a company-sponsored trip somewhere nice, you’ll meet a lot of people at business conferences.

If you’re not actively looking for anything (a job, new connections, a mentor , etc.), then you can simply drop the “pitch” part and elaborate more on your introduction.

Elevators. I mean, we had to include it, right?

As you can see, having an elevator pitch handy will help you be prepared for a number of situations.

Who You’re Writing an Elevator Pitch For

Pretty much anyone who will listen, but in particular it’s for people who can help you in some way. That sounds a little selfish, but that’s how it is.

To narrow it down, anyone who asks you the following gets your elevator pitch:

Can you tell me about yourself ?

What makes you…you?

How to Prepare to Give Your Elevator Pitch

In order to deliver a stellar elevator pitch, you need to do more than just write one. Here are some ways you can prepare to give your elevator pitch with confidence at a moment’s notice.

Practice in the mirror. This definitely sounds (and will probably feel) cheesy, but it’s a surprisingly good way to get used to delivering your elevator pitch. You get to hear yourself and check to make sure you aren’t making any weird facial expressions.

Practice with someone else. Then ask for feedback on your speed, tone, energy levels, and clarity.

Remind yourself to smile. It may sound weird, but remembering to smile before you begin speaking can help your voice and facial expressions to come across more positively.

Check your teeth. To help boost your confidence and remove any distractions, take a quick peek to make sure you don’t have anything stuck in your teeth if there’s a high likelihood you’re going to give your elevator pitch in the immediate future.

Tips for Writing an Elevator Pitch

Identify Your Goal and Explain What You Do

The first part begins with asking yourself a few questions about your goals and answering them.

This step of the process – focusing on yourself and determining your goals – is more difficult than it seems, but defining that will streamline everything from writing your resume summary statement to answering the most common interview questions .

“Hello, I’m [your name]. I’m a writer with five years of professional experience in the online content writing industry and I’m looking for opportunities in the San Francisco area with both online and print companies.”

That bit would take maybe ten seconds.

Get Your Selling Point Across

This doesn’t have to be complicated – just mention something about yourself that adds value to your description.

A phrase you might hear for this is your unique selling proposition – that’s just a fancy way of saying what makes you special and desirable.

“Hello, I’m [your name]. I’m a writer with five years of professional experience in the online content writing industry. My editors applaud my endless curiosity and ability to chase any lead – and always in time to make deadlines! I’m looking for opportunities in the San Francisco area with both online and print companies.”

That’s another five seconds.

Engage Your Listener

Since you’re selling yourself to your listener – and make no mistake, that’s what you’re doing – you need to tailor what you say to your market.

Elevator speeches are sometimes called elevator pitches because you’d use a similar format to pitch your product or company to the listener – another good reason to master the skill.

Think about the last time you heard a sales pitch. Did it sound rehearsed? Do you think the salesperson gave the same spiel to everyone?

It’s a turn off. So when you’re giving your speech, consider your audience and adjust accordingly:

How big is the company?

What differentiates it from other companies?

How would you fit in?

You can also ask them a question that requires a response. It shows them that you’re thinking about them. And since they’ve been wondering “what’s in it for me?” the whole time, that’s the right step.

“Hello, I’m [your name]. I’m a writer with five years of professional experience in the online content writing industry. I’m a bit of a jack-of-all-trades – my boss pretty much sends everything she doesn’t understand my way! Since this is such a fast-moving industry, I keep myself relevant by learning new skills. So many companies have needs for online content but don’t want to hire an agency, so I’m looking for a place that needs someone with my skillset in video marketing and Photoshop. I hear you manage your own practice, have you seen any success with video marketing?”

Oh, well done, you sly dog.

Common Elevator Pitch Mistakes

As you prepare your elevator pitch, there are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

Forget the listener’s needs. An elevator pitch is mostly about you, but not entirely. A common mistake people make is simply listing their great achievements but forgetting to mention how they’re relevant for what the listener wants out of the interaction.

Being vague. You need to be specific about what you do, which, we understand is tough in about 75 words. The key is to pick a quick story that embodies what you do and why it’s so effective. Numbers and attention-grabbing facts will engage your listener more than broad statements.

Speaking too fast. You may have heard that 30-second goal and thought, “well, if I speed it up, I can fit more words in, right?” Wrong.

You want your listener to be able to process all the great information you’re saying, so calm those nerves and slow your speaking speed down. Confidence is key, and rapid speech is a sign of nervousness or a rehearsed script.

Sounding rehearsed. It’s great to write down your elevator pitch in full, but don’t memorize it and give the same spiel each and every time. For starters, your audience will impact what points you decide to emphasize.

More than that though, people don’t like listening to scripted pitches. You want to sound like a natural human being. To that end, we recommend writing bullet points once you’ve got a full elevator pitch written.

That way, you’ll always hit the most important points, but your speech patterns will change each time and sound more organic.

Rambling. Your goal is to interest the listener in learning more, not to tell your whole life story. It’s okay to be selfish about who you give the speech to; it’s not ok to be selfish about how much of their time you take.

Full of jargon. You need to make your pitch easy for anyone to understand, so avoid industry-specific words and a bunch of acronyms. The goal is to start a conversation , and too much jargon might leave your listener with no quality follow-up questions to ask you.

Elevator Pitch FAQ

What are three things your elevator pitch should include?

Your elevator pitch should include who you are, what you do, and what you are looking for. Answering those will help give the person you are giving your pitch to a better understanding of who you are. It’s important to not be vague and provide enough information to the listener so they know who you are.

What is a common mistake when doing an elevator pitch?

A common mistake when doing an elevator pitch is forgetting the listener’s needs. It’s important to let the listener know how you can benefit them. This will help them have a better understanding as to why you are doing an elevator pitch.

How long is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch should be a 30 second speech, or around 75 words. You should make it long enough that you could tell someone your pitch in enough time that it takes to ride the elevator. You will be able to use an elevator pitch at job interviews, career fairs, and as a resume summary statement.

Princeton University – What is an elevator pitch and why do I need one?

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David Luther was the Content Marketing Editor for the Zippia Advice blog. He developed partnerships with external reporting agencies in addition to generating original research and reporting for the Zippia Career Advice blog. David obtained his BA from UNC Chapel Hill.

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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.

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.

Understand Yourself Better:

Big 5 Personality Test

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.

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Top 7 Killer Elevator Pitch Examples

Make short, sharp, and on-the-spot presentations by modeling your presentations after these elevator pitch examples.

I’ve scoured the business management internet space to bring you the best, most-impressive elevator pitches. In the following paragraphs, I’ll show you how to model your communications on these winning archetypes. (Spoiler alert: some of these examples show what not to do, so read closely.)

What is an elevator pitch?

Think of your elevator pitch (or elevator speech) as a Twitter version of your business plan/proposal. You may use more than 140 characters to communicate your ideas during a 30-second elevator ride; however, don’t share more than three tweets’ worth of information in “ first contact ” situations.

Because the average English word has 4.5 characters (5.5 with spaces), a 140 character tweet equals roughly 25 words.

Most people speak 120-200 words per minute ; use a comprehensible 75 words (slightly slower than the average speaking speed) in your 30-second elevator pitch.

Speaking slowly (while still showing your passion for the subject) demonstrates confidence and competence.

Don’t just wing it and stumble your way through a rambling, improvised elevator speech the next time you get a chance to speak with an industry influencer.

Create and practice your elevator pitches right away–you never know when you’ll run into that next big opportunity.

Business networking means always having a business card in your hand and a smile on your face.

Give the same care and attention to the way you describe yourself (and your company) as you do to your professional attire, branding, and product design.

However, don’t spend too much time on this effort; track your time to ensure you spend an appropriate amount on this project without obsessing.

You can use an elevator pitch for everything from getting a job/promotion to landing a new client or investor. You’ll find these short, refined introduction speeches in all areas of business communication.

Staying ahead of the competition and managing industry rivalry means always presenting yourself in the best possible light. Later in this article, I’ll provide elevator speech examples for each of the popular variants. However, let’s use a basic elevator pitch template to get started.

Use a simple elevator speech template

You can find many outline variants and elevator pitch examples online; I’ll describe my favorites in this article. However, to keep things simple, I’ll start with a simple method used by the Harvard-MIT Division of Health Sciences and Technology:

• State the Problem
• Present Your Solution
• Explain Why People Should Trust You
• Describe Your Value Proposition
• Offer a CTA (Call to Action)

In the following fill-in-the-blank template, I use one sentence per point to clarify the structure of this system. Feel free to break this rule and create a natural-sounding elevator pitch. As you practice your speech out loud, keep tweaking your phrasing to sound personable and precise. Just remember to maintain a maximum of 75 words!

A simple Harvard-MIT elevator pitch template

• Problem: “[Customer Type] are often frustrated by the effort it takes to [Action].”
• Solution: “[Your New Solution] eliminates the need to [Customer’s Old Solution].”
• Why You: “For [Duration], [Customer Type] have trusted [Your Company] to provide the best solutions in [Customer’s Industry].”
• Value: “With [Your New Solution], you can [spend less/make more] [time/money] [Action].”
• CTA: “I’ll give you a call to learn more about your situation (Get Contact Info). Thanks for your time.”

Elevator pitch example #1: Nice and simple

“Ranchers are often frustrated by the effort it takes to hand-shear their angora alpacas. DroneClip eliminates the need to chase, restrain, and trim these beautiful beasts. For over 5 years, alpaca farmers have trusted DroneClip to provide the best solutions in alpaca ranching. With our safe and reliable drone aircraft, you can spend less time shearing and manage a larger herd. I’ll give you a call to learn more about your situation. Thanks for your time.”

Use a comprehensive speech outline template

When making an elevator pitch (or any other presentation, for that matter) you may want to follow a programmatic speech format like this one from UC Davis :

• Smile and make a “hooking” statement to capture your audience’s attention.
• Introduce yourself (and your company).
• Explain what you do and why you love it.
• Describe the contributions you’ve made, including the problems you’ve solved.
• Give a short, striking example of your value.
• Explain your interest in your listener(s).
• Describe your product/service/solution.
• List the ways people benefit from working with you (instead of your competitors).
• Provide a brief story about a satisfied customer.
• Ask for an appropriate response to this interaction (contact info, a referral, an appointment, etc.)

Even when working with this model, remember to keep it brief. A 75-word elevator pitch only includes 5-6 sentences. In fact, this detailed outline contains over 100 words.

Take a look at this example and learn how to sharpen your sentences into quick, powerful points. Some people like to use a lot of words to get your ideas out of their heads and onto paper.

If you’re one of these types, write a verbose first draft of your elevator speech just to get your thoughts in order.

Then, review the document a few times and find ways to make each sentence do its job with slightly fewer words than before.

To make this outline work, you’ll need to include many points per sentence, as I have below:

Elevator pitch example #2: Follow a comprehensive outline template

“Do you hate shearing stubborn alpacas by hand? I’m Joe Neely from DroneClip. I enjoy connecting animal lovers to technologies like our DroneScoop waste solution. I’m here at the Alpaca Festival to learn from you, the experts. Our hands-free DroneClip shearing system outperforms hand-shears so you can limit your employee hours. We saved one rancher, Bob Mikabob, over 40 weekly work-hours. When can I visit your farm, demonstrate our product, and meet your neighbors?”

Construct an elevator pitch for any purpose: example of custom writing

A simple format like Monroe’s Motivate Sequence may help you create the best elevator pitch for your purposes. This flexible structure can be adapted for everything from job interviews to investor meetings–and beyond:

• Get Attention
• Establish a Need
• Satisfy This Need
• Visualize Consequences
• Present a CTA

Say you want a promotion from Assistant Alpaca Wrangler to Chief Wool-Gatherer. Tailor Monroe’s Motivate Sequence to your needs and make a quick, 30-second presentation (to anyone who will listen). Let your colleagues, supervisors, and managers know why you deserve this lofty position.

Elevator pitch example #3: Adapt this format to your needs

“Yuck–I can’t believe how much loose alpaca hair floats around in our barn. I just got some in my mouth! Wouldn’t it be great if someone kept this place hair-free? I’d be glad to go around and scoop it all up. If we added a Chief Wool-Gatherer position, it would surely pay for itself by reducing waste and increasing profits. Tell the boss you want me to start, right away!”

No matter your desired outcome, it always pays to present your plans in a coherent, logical fashion. Make your speeches short and to the point, only mentioning the most relevant facts and opportunities.

The elevator pitch writing process

Sometimes it helps to see the process itself. You can adjust your speechwriting efforts according to the following brief, step-by-step elevator pitch example. To keep this section readable, I’ll create a short 30-word blurb, not an entire 75-word elevator pitch.

Elevator pitch example #4: Working with words

1) Write down all your ideas, regardless of word count.

“I’m Joe Neely and I want alpaca lovers to buy my T-shirts. I want people to feel proud of their animals and spread the word about our brand. Our brand is called DroneClip. We offer hands-free alpaca shearing solutions like FAA-approved UAV/UAS quad-copters for ranchers who want to save time and money and have more resources to invest in other aspects of their operations.”

2) Get rid of unnecessary details. The 64-word paragraph I created in Step 1 is a good start, but I can do better. First, I can cut the redundancies in my extremely-long final sentence:

“I’m Joe Neely and I want alpaca lovers to buy my T-shirts. I want people to feel proud of their animals and spread the word about our brand. Our brand is called DroneClip. We offer hands-free alpaca shearing solutions like FAA-approved UAV/UAS quad-copters for ranchers who want to save time and money.”

3) Remove any confusing or unfamiliar industry jargon. Now I’m down to 53 words. I must remove the drone-specific language in the last sentence to avoid confusing listeners. (I can always provide educational materials defining these terms in later interactions with my customers.)

“I’m Joe Neely and I want alpaca lovers to buy my T-shirts. I want people to feel proud of their animals and spread the word about our brand. Our brand is called DroneClip. We offer hands-free alpaca shearing solutions for ranchers who want to save time and money.”

4) Shorten and connect your sentences. You can communicate your entire unique selling proposition quickly if you limit your use of “ stop words .” These little connectors help sentences flow, but you don’t need as many if you combine 2-3 statements.

“I’m Joe Neely–Alpaca lovers buy my T-shirts to share their love of Alpacas and DroneClip. We offer hands-free alpaca shearing solutions for ranchers who want to save time and money.”

5) Review and ask, “What’s in it for the listener?” I’ve pared down my key points to a reasonable length (31 words). Before I polish up my final product, I need to make sure I’ve addressed the benefits customers can expect from my product. Sure, I’ve told people what the product does, but I’m selling T-shirts, not drones, in this example.

“I’m Joe Neely from DroneClip. Get our T-shirts to share your love of Alpacas and impress people by promoting the latest technology. We offer hands-free alpaca shearing solutions for ranchers who want to save time and money.”

6) Polish your speech and hit your target word count. This little blurb says everything I need it to say. I present both my T-shirt enticement product (which would also work well as a freebie) and my big sell (DroneClip drone systems).

Now, I just need to combine my introduction with my final sentence and add a few tweaks (for example, “time and money” became “resources” and then simply “frugal”).

“I’m DroneClip’s Joe Neely. We offer hands-free shears for frugal ranchers. Buy a T-shirt, show you love Alpacas, and impress people with this fun new technology.”

I’ve narrowed down my word count, added an idea, and refined my language. With similar efforts on your longer, 75-word elevator speech, you can maximize your potency. Make the most of your limited time and say the most you can in fewer words!

Sample elevator pitches you do not want to emulate

Elevator pitch example #5: avoid truisms, buzzwords, and hyperbole.

“Hi, I’m Joe Neely–I’m here to tell you all about the best drones ever constructed. The U.S. military has nothing on our sUAS and UAV options. With DroneClip, the world’s greatest corporation, you’ll be flying over the sky in your own battle robot–which also clips alpaca hair! If you’re flying, you’re flying with DroneClip–and winning the battle against hand-shears!”

In this elevator pitch example , I didn’t hold back and spoke as I would to a drone enthusiast. Not only are many of the claims in this blurb highly-exaggerated (hyperbole), I’ve also used unfamiliar buzzwords/industry terms.

Instead of providing clear and concise content , I’ve fluffed-up this elevator pitch so much with useless and obvious statements (truisms) that I didn’t have room for a CTA.

Elevator pitch example #6: Weed out fillers and annoyances

“Do you hate alpaca hair? Do wish you’d bought yaks instead? No? Do you love alpacas and say, ‘leave the yaks to the hacks?’ Well, I’m Joe Neely–come one, come all to the DroneClip side of the street. You can’t go wrong with this system –it’s the best in the business. Do you want the finest alpaca hair machine money can buy? Well, step right up and buy one today!”

If you include too many fillers like leading questions and side tangents, you’ll only annoy your customers. Don’t come off like a carnival barker ; you want people to view you as a professional who knows when not to come on too strong.

Don’t insult your audience’s attention by filling their ears with unfounded claims. Be sure to describe a valid consumer need–and how your product/service meets it.

Elevator pitch example #7: Don’t change the subject and ask too much of people

“Hi–I’m Joe Neely and I want you to–I mean, if you want to, you can… Buy the DroneClip right now, my friend. You don’t need to see how it works – trust me when I say it solves all your problems, champ. I hope you like this product, sweetie, because I don’t know if… I meant to say DroneClip is the best alpaca hair solution and you’ll save a lot with it. Just ask your neighbors–in fact, my man, buy one for each of them!”

Let’s face it. No one will buy a major piece of farm equipment unseen and untested. They certainly won’t buy one for their neighbors/competitors. Ask your customers for too much too soon, and you’ll look silly. Also, changing the tone from indecisive to enthusiastic makes people uncomfortable. Calling people by inappropriate and unprofessional nicknames and trailing off mid-sentence makes you sound completely insincere–as if it were your first day on the job (or the planet).

The bottom line

Stick with the elevator pitch examples and outlines I’ve offered earlier in this article, and you’ll present yourself with class and style. Take the necessary time to sculpt, polish, and practice your speech.

An award-winning elevator pitch can’t sell by itself; you must devote time and effort to making it sound natural in your best speaking voice.

Once you have a good speech prepared, you need to try it out in real-life situations. Whether you sell big or flop the first time, you’ll gain the experience you need to keep improving.

You’ll keep improving your sales skills throughout your career; just get out there and start talking to people–today!

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How to Create an Elevator Pitch With Examples

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BY   ALISON DOYLE  | Updated January 27, 2021 | 6-minute read Source:  The Balance Careers

What’s 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 and experience. The reason it’s called an elevator pitch is that 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).

💡  Tip:  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.

When and How to Use an Elevator Speech

If you’re job searching, you can use your elevator pitch at job fairs and career expos, and online in your LinkedIn summary or Twitter bio, for example. 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 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.

What to Say

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.

You need to 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 when you’re at a career networking event or job interview.

💡  Tip:  Practice giving your speech to a friend or recording it. This will help you know whether you’re keeping within the time limit and giving 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 needn’t volunteer that information right off the bat.) 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, “a role in accounting” or “an opportunity to apply my sales skills to a new market” or “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, who 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.

What Not to Say and Do During Your Elevator Speech

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, or 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 carrying yourself. Keep your energy level high, confident, and enthusiastic.

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

Don’t restrict 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.

Elevator Pitch Examples

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, not an automated system.

🔎Key Takeaways

KEEP IT SHORT AND SWEET:  Your elevator speech is a sales pitch. Be sure you can deliver your message in 60 seconds or less.

FOCUS ON THE ESSENTIALS:  Say who you are, what you do, and what you want to achieve.

BE POSITIVE AND PERSUASIVE:  Your time is limited. Focus on what you want to do, not what you don’t want to do. Be upbeat and flexible.

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE:  Deliver your speech to a friend or record it, so that you can be sure that your message is clear.

Elevator Pitch

Ai generator.

An elevator pitch is a critical tool in the world of communication and professional networking. It serves as a brief, impactful statement that can captivate an audience’s attention in a short period, typically the duration of an elevator ride. This pitch is designed to succinctly convey the essence of a product, idea, or personal brand, making it an invaluable asset for entrepreneurs, job seekers, and sales professionals aiming to leave a lasting impression and open the door to further dialogue and opportunities.

What is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a concise, persuasive speech designed to spark interest in a product, idea, or person within 30-60 seconds. It highlights a unique value proposition and is ideal for networking, job interviews, and sales opportunities, aiming to make a strong, memorable impression quickly and effectively.

Elevator Pitch Format

Creating an effective elevator pitch involves a structured format that ensures clarity and impact. Here’s a simple and powerful format to follow:

1. Introduction

• Greeting: Start with a polite greeting and a quick introduction of yourself.
• Hook: Use a captivating opening statement to grab attention.

2. Objective

• Purpose: Clearly state the purpose of your pitch. This could be introducing a product, seeking a job opportunity, or presenting an idea.
• Value Proposition: Highlight what makes your product, idea, or skills unique and valuable.

3. Key Points

• Problem/Solution: Identify a problem and briefly explain how your offering provides a solution.
• Benefits: Outline the main benefits and advantages.

4. Call to Action

• Engagement: Invite further discussion or action. This could be setting up a meeting, requesting feedback, or asking for a business card .

5. Conclusion

• Closing Statement: End with a strong, memorable closing line.
• Thank You: Politely thank the listener for their time and consideration.

Example Elevator Pitch

“Hello, my name is Jane Doe. I specialize in digital marketing strategies that boost small business growth. Did you know that 60% of small businesses struggle with online visibility? I developed a comprehensive marketing plan that increased my last client’s web traffic by 50% in just three months. I’d love to discuss how I can help your business achieve similar results. Can we schedule a meeting next week?”

Elevator Pitch Examples:

Elevator pitch examples for students, aspiring graphic designer.

“Hi, I’m Alex Martinez, a junior at XYZ University majoring in Graphic Design. I’m passionate about creating visually compelling designs and have honed my skills through various freelance projects and internships. Last summer, I redesigned a local business’s branding, resulting in a 30% increase in customer engagement. I’m excited to bring my creativity and expertise to a dynamic team like yours. Could we discuss potential internship opportunities?”

Marketing Student Seeking Internship

“Hello, my name is Sarah Johnson. I’m a senior at ABC University majoring in Marketing. Recently, I led a project that increased our campus event attendance by 40% through targeted social media campaigns. I’m eager to apply my skills in digital marketing and analytics in a professional setting . Can we set up a time to talk about how I could contribute to your marketing team?”

Computer Science Student with App Development Experience

“Hi, I’m John Doe, a sophomore studying Computer Science at DEF University. I’ve developed a mobile app that helps students manage their time more effectively, which has been downloaded over 10,000 times. I have strong programming skills in Java and Python and am looking for opportunities to apply my technical abilities in a challenging environment. Could we chat about internship possibilities at your company?”

Business Student Interested in Finance

“Hello, my name is Emily White, and I’m a junior at GHI University majoring in Business with a focus on Finance . I recently completed an internship at a local bank, where I assisted in analyzing financial statements and developing investment strategies. My work helped clients achieve a 15% increase in portfolio performance. I’m eager to bring my analytical skills to your firm. Can we discuss potential roles in your finance department?”

Environmental Science Student

“Hi, I’m Michael Green, a senior at JKL University majoring in Environmental Science. I’ve been actively involved in research projects focused on sustainable agriculture and have presented my findings at several conferences. My recent project on soil health improvement was published in a leading journal. I’m passionate about environmental conservation and looking for opportunities to contribute to sustainability initiatives. Can we discuss how I might fit into your team?”

Communications Student with Event Planning Experience

“Hello, my name is Rachel Brown, and I’m a senior at MNO University majoring in Communications. I have extensive experience in event planning, having organized several successful campus events, including a charity fundraiser that raised $10,000. My strengths lie in project management and public relations. I’m excited to bring my skills to a larger organization. Could we talk about potential roles in your event planning department?”

Elevator Pitch Examples for Job Seekers

Marketing professional.

“Hello, my name is Amanda Lee. I have over five years of experience in digital marketing , specializing in social media strategy and content creation. At my previous job, I increased our social media engagement by 45% and led a campaign that generated $200,000 in revenue. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise to your team and help drive your digital marketing efforts. Can we discuss how I can contribute to your company?”

Software Developer

“Hi, I’m Mark Johnson, a software developer with a strong background in full-stack development. I recently completed a project where I developed a web application that improved the efficiency of our internal processes by 30%. My skills in JavaScript, Python, and React have allowed me to create innovative solutions that meet user needs. I’m looking forward to applying my technical skills at your company. Can we set up a time to talk about open positions?”

Human Resources Specialist

“Hello, my name is Lisa Brown. With over six years in human resources, I’ve developed expertise in talent acquisition and employee relations. At my last job, I implemented a new recruitment strategy that reduced hiring time by 20% and improved employee retention rates. I’m passionate about fostering positive workplace cultures and am excited about the opportunity to contribute to your HR team. Can we discuss potential roles available in your department?”

Sales Manager

“Hi, I’m James Wilson, an experienced sales manager with a track record of exceeding sales targets and driving revenue growth. In my previous role, I led a team that achieved a 25% increase in sales within six months by implementing strategic sales initiatives and training programs. I’m eager to bring my leadership and sales expertise to your company to help achieve your business goals. Can we talk about the opportunities available in your sales department?”

Financial Analyst

“Hello, my name is Emily Davis. I have four years of experience as a financial analyst, specializing in financial modeling and data analysis . At my current position, I developed a financial model that identified cost-saving opportunities, leading to a 15% reduction in operating expenses. I’m excited about the chance to bring my analytical skills to your team and support your financial planning and analysis efforts. Can we schedule a meeting to discuss how I can contribute to your company’s success?”

Elevator Pitch Examples for Interview

Project manager.

“Hello, I’m Karen Smith. With over seven years of experience in project management, I have successfully led multiple cross-functional teams to deliver projects on time and within budget. At my previous company, I managed a project that improved operational efficiency by 20% and saved $150,000 annually. I’m excited about the opportunity to bring my expertise in strategic planning and team leadership to your organization.”

Data Scientist

“Hi, I’m Michael Adams, a data scientist with a strong background in machine learning and statistical analysis. In my recent role, I developed a predictive model that increased forecast accuracy by 30%, directly impacting business decision-making processes. My passion lies in uncovering actionable insights from complex data sets, and I’m eager to contribute my analytical skills to your data science team.”

Product Manager

“Hello, I’m Jessica Turner. As a product manager with over five years of experience, I’ve successfully launched several products from concept to market. My latest project resulted in a 50% increase in user adoption and generated $500,000 in revenue within the first six months. I’m passionate about developing innovative solutions that meet customer needs and am excited to bring my product management skills to your company.”

UX Designer

“Hi, I’m Robert Chen, a UX designer with a strong focus on user-centered design principles. I recently redesigned the user interface for a mobile app, which led to a 40% increase in user satisfaction and a 25% boost in retention rates. My goal is to create intuitive and engaging user experiences, and I’m thrilled about the opportunity to apply my design expertise to your team.”

Supply Chain Analyst

“Hello, I’m Laura Perez, a supply chain analyst with four years of experience in optimizing supply chain operations. In my last role, I identified process improvements that reduced delivery times by 15% and lowered costs by 10%. My analytical and problem-solving skills are key strengths, and I’m looking forward to bringing them to your organization to help streamline your supply chain processes.”

Elevator Pitch Examples for Entrepreneurs

Tech startup founder.

“Hello, I’m John Smith, the founder of Tech Innovators. We develop AI-driven software that automates tedious administrative tasks, allowing businesses to save up to 30% on operational costs. Our latest product has already secured partnerships with three major firms and has shown a 50% increase in productivity for our clients. I’m looking for investors to help us scale and bring our solutions to a broader market. Can we discuss how we might collaborate?”

Eco-Friendly Product Developer

“Hi, I’m Jane Doe, the CEO of Green Solutions. Our company creates biodegradable packaging materials that reduce environmental impact and meet growing consumer demand for sustainable products. Our innovative approach has led to a 40% reduction in plastic waste for our clients. We’re seeking funding to expand our manufacturing capabilities and enter new markets. Would you be interested in learning more about our mission and growth potential?”

Health and Wellness App Creator

“Hello, I’m Michael Johnson, co-founder of FitLife, a health and wellness app designed to help users achieve their fitness goals through personalized plans and real-time coaching. Since our launch, we’ve gained 20,000 active users and received positive feedback for our unique approach to fitness tracking. We’re looking for strategic partners to help us enhance our app’s features and reach a wider audience. Can we discuss how we can work together?”

EdTech Innovator

“Hi, I’m Emily Brown, founder of EduTech Labs. We provide interactive and engaging e-learning platforms for K-12 students, using gamification to enhance learning outcomes. Our platform has improved student engagement by 60% and is currently used in over 100 schools nationwide. We’re seeking investment to develop new content and expand our reach globally. Could we explore potential collaboration opportunities?”

Food and Beverage Entrepreneur

“Hello, I’m David Lee, the founder of Healthy Bites, a line of organic, nutritious snack foods. Our products cater to health-conscious consumers and have gained shelf space in major retail chains, leading to a 35% increase in sales last quarter. We’re looking for funding to expand our product line and distribution network. I’d love to discuss how your investment could help us grow and meet the rising demand for healthy snacks.”

Elevator Pitch Examples for Business

Consulting firm.

“Hello, I’m Sarah Miller, CEO of Miller Consulting Group. We specialize in helping small to mid-sized businesses optimize their operations and increase profitability. Recently, we helped a client streamline their processes, resulting in a 25% cost reduction and a 30% increase in revenue within six months. We’re passionate about driving business growth and would love to discuss how we can help your company achieve similar success.”

IT Services Company

“Hi, I’m James Carter, founder of Tech Solutions Inc. We provide comprehensive IT services, including cybersecurity, cloud computing, and network management, to ensure your business runs smoothly and securely. Our clients have reported a 50% reduction in downtime and a 40% increase in overall efficiency after partnering with us. I’m eager to explore how we can enhance your IT infrastructure. Can we set up a meeting?”

Real Estate Agency

“Hello, I’m Karen Davis, Managing Director of Davis Realty. We specialize in residential and commercial real estate, offering personalized services to help clients find their perfect property or investment opportunity. Last year, we closed over 100 deals and achieved a 95% client satisfaction rate. I’m confident we can assist you in navigating the real estate market effectively. Could we schedule a time to discuss your needs?”

Marketing Agency

“Hi, I’m Robert Wilson, co-founder of Creative Marketing Agency. We offer a full suite of marketing services, from digital advertising to brand development. Our latest campaign helped a client double their online sales in just three months. We’re passionate about creating innovative marketing strategies that drive results. I’d love to talk about how we can help elevate your brand and achieve your marketing goals.”

Manufacturing Company

“Hello, I’m Laura Thompson, CEO of Precision Manufacturing. We specialize in producing high-quality components for the automotive and aerospace industries. Our state-of-the-art facility and rigorous quality control have made us a trusted partner for top-tier companies. Recently, we reduced production costs for a major client by 20% while maintaining superior quality. I’m excited about the potential to collaborate on your next project. Can we discuss further?”

Elevator Pitch Examples for Freshers

Computer science graduate.

“Hello, I’m Alex Martinez, a recent Computer Science graduate from XYZ University. I have strong programming skills in Java and Python and completed a capstone project where I developed a mobile app to help students manage their schedules, which received positive feedback from users. I’m excited about applying my technical skills in a professional setting and contributing to your development team. Can we discuss any opportunities you have?”

Marketing Graduate

“Hi, I’m Emily Johnson, and I just graduated with a degree in Marketing from ABC University. During my studies, I interned at a digital marketing agency where I helped create social media campaigns that increased engagement by 20%. I’m passionate about digital marketing and eager to bring my fresh ideas and enthusiasm to your company. Can we set up a time to discuss how I can contribute to your team?”

Finance Graduate

“Hello, my name is Michael Green, and I recently graduated with a degree in Finance from DEF University. I completed an internship at a local bank where I assisted in analyzing financial statements and preparing investment reports. My attention to detail and analytical skills helped identify cost-saving opportunities. I’m excited to bring my skills to your firm and contribute to your financial planning team. Can we discuss potential roles?”

Business Administration Graduate

“Hi, I’m Jessica Brown, a recent graduate in Business Administration from GHI University. I have experience in project management and operations from an internship where I coordinated several successful events and streamlined office procedures. My organizational and leadership skills were key to improving efficiency. I’m eager to apply my knowledge in a dynamic company like yours. Can we talk about opportunities in your operations department?”

Communications Graduate

“Hello, I’m Robert Smith, and I just graduated with a degree in Communications from JKL University. I have experience in public relations and content creation from my internship at a PR firm, where I wrote press releases and managed social media accounts, increasing followers by 15%. I’m passionate about storytelling and media relations, and I’m excited to bring my skills to your communications team. Can we discuss any openings you have?”

Elevator Pitch Examples for Data Analyst

Entry-level data analyst.

“Hello, I’m David Johnson, a recent graduate with a degree in Data Science from XYZ University. During my studies, I completed an internship at ABC Corp where I worked on data cleaning and visualization projects, which helped the marketing team improve campaign effectiveness by 20%. I’m excited to bring my analytical skills and passion for data to your company. Can we discuss how I might contribute to your team?”

Experienced Data Analyst

“Hi, I’m Sarah Thompson, and I have three years of experience as a data analyst at DEF Inc. I specialize in data visualization and predictive modeling, and recently developed a model that increased sales forecasting accuracy by 25%. My ability to translate complex data into actionable insights has been a key asset. I’m eager to bring my expertise to your organization and help drive data-informed decision-making. Can we set up a time to discuss this further?”

Data Analyst with Industry Expertise

“Hello, I’m Michael Brown, a data analyst with five years of experience in the healthcare industry. At my current job, I analyzed patient data to identify trends that improved treatment outcomes by 15%. I excel at using data to solve problems and enhance operational efficiency. I’m passionate about leveraging my skills to support your healthcare initiatives. Could we discuss how I can add value to your data team?”

Data Analyst Transitioning from Another Field

“Hi, I’m Laura White. I recently transitioned from a role in business administration to data analysis, having completed a data science certification from GHI Institute. My background in business operations gives me a unique perspective on data’s impact on business processes. In my last project, I helped streamline inventory management, reducing costs by 10%. I’m excited to apply my combined skills to your team. Can we talk about potential opportunities?”

Freelance Data Analyst

“Hello, I’m Robert Lee, a freelance data analyst with extensive experience in handling diverse datasets across various industries. I recently worked on a project for a retail client that optimized their supply chain, resulting in a 20% reduction in logistics costs. I specialize in data visualization and statistical analysis, and I’m eager to bring my skills to a full-time role at your company. Could we discuss how I can contribute to your data analytics team?”

Elevator Pitch Examples for Engineering Students

Mechanical engineering student.

“Hello, I’m Alex Smith, a senior Mechanical Engineering student at XYZ University. I have hands-on experience in designing and testing mechanical systems through my internship at ABC Manufacturing, where I helped improve a product’s efficiency by 15%. I’m passionate about applying my problem-solving skills to innovative projects and am eager to contribute to your team. Can we discuss opportunities for an internship or entry-level position?”

Electrical Engineering Student

“Hi, I’m Emily Johnson, a junior studying Electrical Engineering at ABC University. During my recent internship at DEF Electronics, I worked on a team that developed a new circuit design, reducing power consumption by 20%. My strong foundation in circuit analysis and my enthusiasm for renewable energy solutions make me excited about opportunities at your company. Can we set up a time to discuss how I can contribute to your projects?”

Civil Engineering Student

“Hello, I’m Michael Brown, a Civil Engineering senior at GHI University. I recently completed an internship with JKL Construction, where I assisted in designing a sustainable urban drainage system, leading to a 25% increase in efficiency. I have a strong interest in sustainable infrastructure and am eager to bring my skills to a forward-thinking company like yours. Could we discuss potential roles in your civil engineering team?”

Computer Engineering Student

“Hi, I’m Laura Thompson, a Computer Engineering student at DEF University. I have experience in software development and hardware integration from my internship at MNO Tech, where I contributed to developing an embedded system that enhanced device performance by 30%. I’m passionate about working on innovative tech projects and am excited about the possibility of joining your team. Can we talk about internship opportunities?”

Chemical Engineering Student

“Hello, I’m Robert Lee, a Chemical Engineering senior at JKL University. My recent internship at PQR Chemicals involved optimizing a chemical process, resulting in a 10% reduction in waste. I have a strong background in process design and a keen interest in sustainable chemical engineering solutions. I’m eager to bring my expertise to your company. Can we discuss how I might fit into your engineering team?”

Elevator Pitch Examples About Yourself

Recent graduate.

“Hello, I’m Sarah Lee, a recent graduate from XYZ University with a degree in Business Administration. During my studies, I completed an internship at ABC Corp where I improved the efficiency of our project management system, resulting in a 15% reduction in project completion time. I’m passionate about operational efficiency and am excited about the opportunity to bring my skills to a dynamic team. Can we discuss how I might contribute to your organization?”

Mid-Career Professional

“Hi, I’m James Carter, a marketing professional with over seven years of experience in digital marketing and brand strategy. In my current role at DEF Marketing, I led a campaign that increased our client’s online engagement by 40% and drove a 20% rise in sales. I’m looking to leverage my expertise in a new and challenging environment. Can we talk about how my background can benefit your team?”

Career Changer

“Hello, I’m Emily Johnson. After a successful career in sales, I’m transitioning into data analysis, having recently completed a certification in Data Science from GHI Institute. My sales background gives me a unique perspective on analyzing customer data to drive business decisions. I recently helped a small business identify key trends that boosted their sales by 10%. I’m eager to apply my new skills in a data-focused role. Can we discuss opportunities in your data analysis team?”

Entrepreneur

“Hi, I’m Robert Brown, founder of a startup that developed a mobile app to help users manage their personal finances more effectively. We grew our user base to 50,000 within the first year and received excellent feedback for our user-friendly design and functionality. I’m looking for new challenges where I can bring my entrepreneurial spirit and product development experience to a larger organization. Could we explore potential collaborations?”

Experienced Professional

“Hello, I’m Laura Wilson, a project manager with over ten years of experience in the construction industry. I’ve successfully led teams on projects ranging from residential buildings to large commercial structures, ensuring they were completed on time and within budget. My latest project reduced construction time by 20% through improved scheduling and resource management. I’m excited about the possibility of bringing my leadership and organizational skills to your company. Can we discuss this further?”

More Elevator Pitch Samples & Templates:

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5. copy of elevator pitch guide.

6. Elevator Pitch Examples

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9. Sample Elevator Pitch Template

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11. Idea Elevator Pitch Template

12. Rotary International Elevator Speech Template

Why is an Elevator Pitch Important?

1. first impressions.

An elevator pitch allows you to make a strong first impression quickly. In professional settings, you often have limited time to capture someone’s attention and convey your value. A well-crafted elevator pitch ensures that you make the most of this brief interaction.

2. Clarity and Focus

Creating an elevator pitch helps you distill your message into a clear and concise format. This clarity allows you to communicate your goals, skills, or ideas effectively, ensuring that your audience understands your key points without getting lost in unnecessary details.

3. Networking

Networking events, conferences, and casual encounters often present opportunities to connect with potential employers, clients, or partners. An elevator pitch is a powerful tool for initiating these conversations and leaving a memorable impression that can lead to further discussions and opportunities.

4. Confidence

Having a prepared elevator pitch boosts your confidence. Knowing exactly what to say in various situations reduces anxiety and allows you to present yourself assertively and professionally, making you appear more competent and capable.

5. Versatility

An elevator pitch is versatile and can be used in a variety of settings beyond networking, such as job interviews, sales meetings, or social gatherings. It provides a consistent way to introduce yourself or your ideas, making it easier to adapt to different audiences and contexts.

6. Time Efficiency

In today’s fast-paced world, people appreciate brevity. An elevator pitch respects the listener’s time by delivering your message quickly and effectively, increasing the likelihood that they will be receptive to your ideas or interested in learning more.

7. Persuasiveness

An elevator pitch is designed to be persuasive, highlighting your unique value proposition. Whether you’re selling a product, pitching an idea, or introducing yourself, a compelling elevator pitch can influence the listener’s perception and encourage them to take the desired action.

8. Preparedness

Opportunities can arise unexpectedly, and being prepared with an elevator pitch ensures you are always ready to take advantage of them. Whether you bump into a potential employer in an elevator or meet a key investor at a conference, having your pitch ready allows you to seize the moment.

When We Should Use an Elevator Pitch?

1. networking events.

An elevator pitch is essential at networking events, conferences, or industry meetups. These events provide numerous opportunities to meet potential employers, clients, or partners, and a well-prepared pitch can help you make a memorable first impression.

2. Job Interviews

During job interviews, especially at the beginning when asked to “tell me about yourself,” an elevator pitch can succinctly summarize your background, skills, and what you bring to the role, setting a positive tone for the rest of the interview.

3. Career Fairs

At career fairs, you may have only a few minutes to speak with recruiters from various companies. An elevator pitch allows you to quickly highlight your qualifications and express your interest in specific roles or companies.

4. Business Meetings

In business meetings, especially those with potential clients or partners, an elevator pitch can introduce your business, product, or service clearly and compellingly, helping to initiate meaningful discussions.

5. Investor Meetings

When seeking funding or investment, an elevator pitch is critical for capturing investors’ attention and interest. It provides a concise overview of your business idea, its value proposition, and the potential for growth, leading to more detailed conversations.

6. Social Gatherings

Opportunities to network and promote yourself can arise unexpectedly at social gatherings or informal settings. Having an elevator pitch ready ensures you can take advantage of these moments to introduce yourself effectively.

7. Cold Calls and Emails

When making cold calls or sending introductory emails, an elevator pitch can be adapted to quickly convey who you are and what you offer, increasing the chances of engaging the recipient’s interest and securing a meeting or response.

8. Sales Opportunities

For sales professionals, an elevator pitch is vital when meeting potential customers. It allows you to quickly explain your product’s benefits and how it can solve the customer’s problems, potentially leading to a sale.

9. Professional Introductions

When meeting someone new in a professional setting, such as a new colleague, client, or partner, an elevator pitch can serve as a concise introduction that effectively communicates your role and expertise.

How to write and Deliver an Elevator Pitch

Writing Your Elevator Pitch

1. identify your goal.

Determine the purpose of your pitch. Are you introducing yourself, seeking a job, pitching a product, or looking for investment? Your goal will shape the content of your pitch.

2. Start with a Hook

Begin with a strong opening statement to capture attention. This could be an intriguing fact, a bold statement, or a compelling question.

3. Introduce Yourself

Briefly state your name, current role, and relevant background information. Keep it concise and relevant to your goal.

4. Explain What You Do

Summarize your key skills, experiences, or what your business/product does. Focus on what sets you apart and makes you unique.

5. Highlight Key Achievements

Mention specific accomplishments or experiences that demonstrate your value. Use quantifiable results when possible to add credibility.

6. Convey Your Value Proposition

Clearly articulate the benefits or value you bring to the table. This should address how you can solve a problem or meet a need for your audience.

7. Include a Call to Action

End with a clear call to action. This could be a request for a meeting, an invitation to discuss further, or an ask for contact information.

8. Keep It Concise

Aim for a pitch length of 30-60 seconds. Be brief and to the point, ensuring every word adds value.

Ways to Avoid Common Mistakes in your Elevator Pitch

Delivering Your Elevator Pitch

1. practice regularly.

Rehearse your pitch multiple times until you can deliver it naturally and confidently. Practice in front of a mirror, with friends, or record yourself to refine your delivery.

2. Use Positive Body Language

Maintain eye contact, smile, and use appropriate gestures to engage your audience. Positive body language can enhance your message and make you appear more confident and approachable.

3. Speak Clearly and Confidently

Ensure your voice is clear and audible. Speak at a moderate pace, and avoid filler words such as “um” and “like.” Confidence in your delivery will make a strong impression.

4. Be Adaptable

Be ready to adjust your pitch based on the audience and context. Tailor your message to the specific interests and needs of the person you are speaking to.

5. Engage Your Audience

Pay attention to the listener’s reactions and be prepared to answer any questions or expand on certain points. Engaging with your audience shows you are interested in their perspective.

6. Follow Up

If appropriate, follow up with a thank you email or LinkedIn message, reiterating your interest and the main points of your pitch. This can help reinforce your message and keep the conversation going.

How to do an Elevator Pitch

Your elevator speech will serve a variety of functions, some more important than others. We can help you with whatever goal you have in mind. Here are some tips on how to write an elevator pitch.

Step 1: Introduction

Open your elevator speech with something captivating and relatable. For instance, identify a common industry pain point they’ll be familiar with to spark . From here you can start explaining what you do.

Step 2: Write a powerful Elevator Pitch

Start with your name. Write about what you do and how you do it. Explain your results and your uniqueness.

Sep 3: Make corrections

Modify what you’ve written. Cut out unnecessary words and muddled phrases. Get rid of the ones that mimic your speech pattern.

Step 4: Practice more often

Make a recording of your sales presentation. Verify that you haven’t used any unnecessary words and that your phrases don’t seem as forced as those on  promotional flyers . Make sure you don’t speak too quickly and remain within the allotted 30 seconds.

What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech to spark interest in a product, idea, or person, typically lasting 30-60 seconds.

Why is an elevator pitch important?

It helps make a strong first impression, conveys key information quickly, and opens doors to further conversation or opportunities.

How long should an elevator pitch be?

Ideally, an elevator pitch should be between 30 to 60 seconds.

What should an elevator pitch include?

It should include an introduction, your objective, key achievements, value proposition, and a call to action.

How do I start an elevator pitch?

Begin with a strong hook or opening statement, followed by your name and a brief introduction.

What is the goal of an elevator pitch?

The goal is to capture interest, communicate your value, and prompt further engagement or action.

How can I make my elevator pitch memorable?

Use a compelling hook, be clear and concise, highlight unique achievements, and deliver it confidently.

When should I use an elevator pitch?

Use it at networking events, job interviews, career fairs, business meetings, and any opportunity where quick, impactful communication is needed.

How do I practice my elevator pitch?

Rehearse regularly, get feedback from friends or colleagues, and practice in front of a mirror or record yourself.

Can an elevator pitch be customized?

Yes, tailor your pitch to suit different audiences and contexts, emphasizing relevant skills and experiences.

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

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How To Create A Standout Personal Elevator Pitch

How to Create a Standout Personal Elevator Pitch

You never know when a chance to make a great impression or pitch your ideas could come your way, so it's crucial to always stay ready! One way to go about this is by crafting a snappy elevator pitch. People form opinions about your character in a matter of milliseconds , so if you want to stand out, make sure you've got a killer pitch.

The concept behind the term "elevator pitch" is that it should be brief enough to deliver during a quick elevator ride. Typically lasting around 30 to 60 seconds or about 75 words, it is a concise yet impactful summary that packs a punch.

An effective elevator pitch does the heavy lifting of sparking people's interest in what you're offering — whether it's a service, product, or idea. When done right, your listener will feel curious about who you are and inspired to contact you in the future. Here’s how to create an impressive elevator pitch that grabs attention and sets you up for success.

Kick Off with a Clear Introduction

When meeting a new connection, start your pitch by introducing yourself. It’s common practice to start with your name, current title, background, and past experience, but I say leave the boring stuff behind! Your goal here is to make a splash, and you don’t do that by sticking to the status quo.

Instead of starting with your name and title, start off with a hook that sums up what you are building. An example could be: “Nice to meet you! I am building the world’s first hands-free toothbrush! My name is Sho, and I am the founder of FlyBrush.”

That right there is a ridiculous invention, but you get the idea! Keep your introduction short and sweet, and speak with high energy. Pay attention to your body language, so greet them with a smile, maintain eye contact, and offer a firm handshake.

Quickly Highlight Your Background

Now it's time to shine a brief spotlight on your background with a sharp summary, but don’t overdo it! Nothing kills the energy in the room more than a monologue about all your past accomplishments. This is a time to include your essentials such as a prestigious education background, unique mentors, or highly specialized skills. Trim away any unnecessary details, and then zero in on what your audience may find appealing. Here's a trick: think about what you want them to remember about you and emphasize those key points.

Then Share Your Objectives

The next step is to focus on them and how you can help each other. Clearly explain your goals without going into too much detail to avoid losing their attention. For example, you can mention that you are “aiming to expand my network in the industry" or "to explore funding opportunities for my startup." This way, your pitch will make sense and be useful to your new connection.

This is an excellent time to loop in the other person as well. You can say something like: “I noticed your team is an expert in branding through social media, and that’s one of the main reasons I wanted to connect with you. I loved your work with ABC Company and admired how your team stuck with it from the very beginning.”

You want to make this pitch about them as much as it is about you. If they can see an opportunity to work together, that is a win!

Wrap Up with a Call to Action

Finish your elevator pitch with an engaging call to action or a thought-provoking question to keep your new connection hooked. For example, you can suggest the listener visit your website or just give them your contact details (such as a business card) and tell them to keep in touch. If you really want to show that you care, you can offer to follow up with additional information or continue the discussion at a later time. Throughout, be mindful of their time and the context of your conversation. And, of course, thank them for their time and attention!

Bonus Tip: Practice!

No one gets good at anything without practice and refining your craft. Your elevator pitch won’t sound complete on the first try, and you’ll need to work on it to get it to where you are proud of it. After writing out your pitch, read it aloud while keeping track of the time. If it goes on for more than 60 seconds, you run the danger of boring the other person or taking over the discussion. Consider cutting out unnecessary details to make your pitch compelling. Remember, a concise pitch is key, so aim for brevity!

Maximize the impact of your pitch by tailoring it to each listener. This approach not only builds rapport but also shows that you value their time and aren't just reciting a one-size-fits-all script. By understanding who they are, what they care about, and how you can align with their goals, you show that you've done your homework.

When you put in the work to craft and refine a standout elevator pitch, you're not only preparing for that one interaction but also laying the groundwork for future opportunities as well. Great pitches aren't merely about the substance; they also consider the audience, delivery, and ability to make an impression that lasts long after the discussion has ended. So, stay on your toes, be prepared, and see how those quick conversations blossom into long-term connections that advance your career. Rooting for you!

Words at Ease

10 Elevator Speech Examples for Students

Do you have a big interview soon?

Maybe you’re attending a networking event where you’ll need to introduce yourself quickly and effectively.

Whatever the situation, having a solid elevator speech ready can make a significant difference.

Elevator Speech Examples for Students

An elevator speech is a brief, persuasive pitch that you can deliver in the time it takes to ride an elevator.

It’s your opportunity to generate interest, make a connection, and create a lasting impression.

Want to improve your introduction skills?

Check out these excellent elevator speech examples that will help you stand out.

1. The Quick Intro

Hi, I’m Sarah Chen, a junior at State University majoring in Environmental Science. I’m passionate about developing sustainable solutions for urban waste management. Last summer, I interned at GreenCity Solutions, where I helped implement a new recycling program that increased recycling rates by 30% in just three months. I’m always looking for opportunities to apply my skills and make a real impact in environmental sustainability.

— END OF SPEECH —

Commentary: This speech provides a concise yet impactful introduction, highlighting the speaker’s academic background, passion, and key achievement. It’s suitable for quick introductions at career fairs, networking events, or brief encounters with potential employers.

2. The Career-Focused Pitch

Hello, my name is Marcus Johnson, and I’m a senior Computer Science student at Tech Institute. I specialize in artificial intelligence and machine learning, with a particular focus on natural language processing. During my studies, I’ve developed several AI-powered chatbots, including one that helps students access campus resources more efficiently. This project not only improved student satisfaction but also reduced the workload on administrative staff.

I’m excited about AI’s potential to solve real-world problems and am looking to join a forward-thinking tech company where I can contribute my skills and continue learning. I’ve been following your company’s innovative work in AI-driven customer service solutions, and I’d love to discuss how my experience aligns with your team’s goals.

Commentary: This speech effectively combines the speaker’s academic background with practical experience and future aspirations. It’s well-suited for job fairs, interviews, or networking events in the tech industry.

3. The Research-Oriented Introduction

Greetings, I’m Dr. Amelia Rodriguez, a postdoctoral researcher in Neuroscience at Central University. My work focuses on understanding the neural mechanisms underlying memory formation and recall, particularly in aging populations. I’ve recently published a paper in the Journal of Cognitive Neuroscience on the effects of mindfulness meditation on hippocampal plasticity in older adults.

Currently, I’m leading a study that investigates the potential of non-invasive brain stimulation techniques to enhance memory function in early-stage Alzheimer’s patients. This research could significantly change our approach to cognitive decline and improve the quality of life for millions of people globally.

I’m always eager to collaborate with other researchers and clinicians in the field of neurodegenerative diseases. My interdisciplinary background in biology, psychology, and data analysis allows me to bring a unique viewpoint to complex neurological problems. I’m particularly interested in exploring innovative approaches that combine traditional neuroscience methods with advanced AI and machine learning techniques.

Commentary: This speech effectively showcases the speaker’s expertise, current research, and potential for collaboration. It’s ideal for academic conferences, research symposiums, or when networking with potential collaborators in the scientific community.

4. The Entrepreneurial Pitch

Hi there, I’m Alex Patel, a final-year Business and Computer Science student at Entrepreneurship University. I’m the founder of StudyBuddy, an AI-powered mobile app that helps students create personalized study plans and tracks their progress in real time. We launched six months ago and have already gained 50,000 active users across 20 universities.

Our app uses machine learning algorithms to analyze each student’s learning style, course load, and study habits. It then generates tailored study schedules and recommends resources to optimize their learning. We’ve seen an average GPA increase of 0.5 points among our most active users.

I’m currently looking to expand our team and secure funding to scale our operations. Our goal is to reach 1 million users by the end of next year and integrate with major learning management systems used by universities worldwide. We’re not just helping students ace their exams; we’re changing the way people approach learning in the digital age.

Commentary: This speech effectively communicates the speaker’s entrepreneurial venture, its success, and future goals. It’s perfect for startup pitch competitions, investor meetings, or networking events in the tech and education sectors.

5. The Social Impact Advocate

Good afternoon, I’m Taylor Williams, a Social Work graduate student at Community College. I’m deeply committed to addressing the issue of youth homelessness in our city. Through my internship at the Downtown Youth Shelter, I’ve seen firsthand the challenges faced by homeless youth and the gaps in our current support systems.

This experience inspired me to start “Home Base,” a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive support to homeless youth aged 18-25. We offer not just temporary housing, but also job training, mental health counseling, and educational support. In our first year, we’ve helped 50 young people transition off the streets and into stable housing and employment.

Our approach is unique because we focus on long-term solutions rather than just immediate relief. We partner with local businesses to provide apprenticeships and job placement services, giving our clients the skills and opportunities they need to build sustainable futures. We also work closely with schools and colleges to ensure our clients can continue their education.

I’m always looking to connect with individuals and organizations who share our vision of ending youth homelessness. Whether it’s through volunteering, partnerships, or funding opportunities, every contribution helps us make a real difference in young people’s lives.

Commentary: This speech effectively communicates the speaker’s passion for social impact, their hands-on experience, and the innovative approach of their organization. It’s well-suited for social impact conferences, fundraising events, or when networking with potential partners or donors in the nonprofit sector.

6. The Creative Professional

Hello, I’m Jordan Lee, a Digital Media Arts student at Creative Institute. I’m a visual storyteller who blends traditional animation techniques with cutting-edge digital tools to create immersive, thought-provoking experiences. My work often explores themes of cultural identity, environmental conservation, and the intersection of technology and humanity.

Last year, my animated short film, “Pixel Memories,” won the Best Student Film award at the International Animation Festival. The film uses a unique blend of 2D hand-drawn animation and 3D computer graphics to tell the story of an elderly woman reconnecting with her past through a malfunctioning AI assistant. It’s been screened at over 20 film festivals worldwide and has sparked important discussions about the role of AI in preserving personal and cultural memories.

Currently, I’m working on an interactive virtual reality experience that allows users to explore endangered ecosystems from around the world. This project combines my passion for environmental conservation with my skills in 3D modeling, animation, and VR development. I’m collaborating with marine biologists and climate scientists to ensure the accuracy of the environment and to incorporate educational elements about climate change and conservation efforts.

I’m always looking for opportunities to push the boundaries of digital storytelling. Whether it’s through animation, VR, or emerging technologies like augmented reality, I believe in the power of visual media to educate, inspire, and drive positive change. I’m particularly interested in projects that use technology to make complex scientific or social issues more accessible and engaging to the general public.

Commentary: This speech effectively showcases the speaker’s creative skills, notable achievements, and ongoing projects. It’s ideal for creative industry networking events, film festivals, or when pitching to potential clients or collaborators in the digital media and entertainment sectors.

7. The International Student

Hello, I’m Yuki Tanaka, an international student from Japan studying International Relations at Global University. I’m passionate about fostering cross-cultural understanding and promoting peace through diplomacy. During my time here, I’ve been actively involved in the Model United Nations club, where I’ve represented various countries in simulated UN sessions.

Last semester, I organized a cultural exchange program that brought together students from 15 different countries. The event featured workshops on global issues, cultural performances, and a shared meal with dishes from around the world. It was a huge success, attracting over 300 participants and receiving coverage in the local media.

I’m currently interning at the International Peace Institute, where I’m assisting with research on conflict resolution strategies in Southeast Asia. This experience has deepened my understanding of the complexities of international relations and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a career in diplomacy.

I’m looking for opportunities to further expand my knowledge and skills in international affairs, particularly in the areas of conflict resolution and sustainable development. I’d love to connect with professionals in the field and learn more about potential career paths in global diplomacy.

Commentary: This speech effectively highlights the speaker’s international background, academic focus, and relevant experiences. It’s well-suited for networking events in the field of international relations, career fairs focused on global organizations, or when meeting with potential mentors in diplomacy and international affairs.

8. The Student-Athlete

Hi, I’m Chris Thompson, a senior at Sports University majoring in Sports Management with a minor in Business Administration. I’m also the captain of the university’s basketball team, where I’ve learned valuable lessons about leadership, teamwork, and performing under pressure.

On the court, I’ve led our team to two conference championships, and I was named MVP last season. Off the court, I’ve maintained a 3.8 GPA and completed internships with the local pro basketball team and a sports marketing agency.

My experience as a student-athlete has taught me how to balance multiple responsibilities, manage time effectively, and motivate others toward a common goal. I’ve also gained insight into the business side of sports, from marketing and sponsorships to event management and community outreach.

I’m particularly interested in the intersection of sports, business, and technology. For my senior project, I’m developing a mobile app that helps student-athletes track their academic and athletic performance, manage their schedules, and connect with mentors in their sport.

After graduation, I’m looking to apply my skills and experiences in a role that combines my passion for sports with my business acumen. I’d love to discuss any opportunities your organization might have in sports management, marketing, or technology.

Commentary: This speech effectively combines the speaker’s athletic achievements with academic accomplishments and professional experiences. It’s ideal for sports industry job fairs, networking events with sports management professionals, or when meeting with potential employers in the sports business sector.

9. The STEM Innovator

Greetings, I’m Aisha Patel, a Biomedical Engineering student at Tech University. I’m fascinated by the potential of combining engineering principles with medical science to create innovative healthcare solutions.

During my studies, I’ve been working on a groundbreaking project developing a low-cost, 3D-printed prosthetic hand controlled by muscle signals. This project aims to make advanced prosthetics more accessible to people in developing countries. We’ve successfully created a prototype that costs less than $100 to produce and can perform complex movements with high precision.

Last summer, I interned at a leading medical device company, where I contributed to the development of a miniature insulin pump for diabetics. This experience gave me valuable insights into the medical device industry and the regulatory processes involved in bringing new healthcare technologies to market.

I’m also the president of our university’s Women in STEM Society, where I organize workshops, mentoring programs, and networking events to support and inspire more women to pursue careers in science and technology.

Looking ahead, I’m excited about the rapid advancements in biomedical technology, particularly in areas like tissue engineering and personalized medicine. I’m seeking opportunities to contribute to cutting-edge research and development in the biomedical field, to create impactful healthcare solutions that improve people’s lives.

Commentary: This speech effectively showcases the speaker’s technical skills, innovative projects, and leadership experience in the STEM field. It’s well-suited for tech industry job fairs, biomedical engineering conferences, or when networking with professionals in the healthcare technology sector.

10. The Aspiring Educator

Hello, I’m Miguel Hernandez, a senior at Education University majoring in Elementary Education with a focus on STEM education. I’m passionate about inspiring the next generation of problem-solvers and innovators through engaging, hands-on learning experiences.

During my student teaching placements, I’ve developed and implemented several innovative STEM projects for elementary students. One of my most successful initiatives was a “Mini-Makers” program, where fourth-graders learned basic coding and engineering concepts by creating their simple robots. This project not only improved students’ technical skills but also boosted their confidence and creativity.

I’ve also been volunteering at a local after-school program, where I lead weekly STEM workshops for underserved youth. These workshops cover topics like renewable energy, environmental science, and space exploration, all taught through interactive experiments and projects.

My teaching philosophy centers on creating an inclusive, inquiry-based learning environment where students feel empowered to ask questions, take risks, and learn from their mistakes. I believe in leveraging technology and real-world connections to make learning relevant and exciting for students.

As I approach graduation, I’m seeking opportunities to join a forward-thinking school district or educational organization where I can continue to develop innovative teaching methods and inspire young learners. I’m particularly interested in schools that emphasize project-based learning and STEM integration across the curriculum.

Commentary: This speech effectively communicates the speaker’s passion for education, innovative teaching approaches, and commitment to STEM education. It’s ideal for education job fairs, school district hiring events, or when networking with administrators and fellow educators at educational conferences.

These elevator speech examples show how students can effectively introduce themselves and make a strong impression in various situations.

Whether you’re aiming for a quick introduction or a more detailed pitch, the key is to highlight your unique skills, experiences, and passions clearly and engagingly.

Keep in mind that your elevator speech should be tailored to your audience and the situation.

Practice your speech until it feels natural, but be ready to adjust it as needed.

With these examples as inspiration, you’re well-prepared to craft a compelling elevator speech that creates opportunities and opens doors.