elevator speech.com

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In the news, put away the laptop to prepare for presentations.

Investor’s Business Daily | Dave and Andy

You Sound Smarter on Weekends

Buisnessweek | Dave and Andy

4 Ways To Never, Ever Use Jargon Again

Fast Company | Dave and Andy

Do You Know What Your Company Does. Can You Explain It in 30 Seconds?

Inc. Magazine | Dave

You Sound Smarter on Weekends: PR Must Reject “Corporate Clingon” and Embrace “Sticky” Stories

Bulldog Reporter | Andy

Slide Tips: Dodging Bullet Points in Powerpoint Presentations

Slideshare | Dave

Why Some Presentations “Um-Ah”Stink

ChiefExecutive.net | Andy

Weekend Language

Think about it: on weekends, we’re all great communicators because our default is storytelling. When we go to a party on Saturday night, we don’t talk about how we optimized our calendar last Wednesday to monetize our mission-critical, best-of-breed, seamless-solution-provider business. (If you do, that’s probably why you haven’t been invited back to many parties).

No, on the weekends our speech is conversational, simple, clear, and interesting. We speak in examples, anecdotes, and analogies. But then Monday morning hits. We step into the office and suddenly we’re full of feature lists and ten-point plans, “high level” terms and nonsense. As if that wasn’t bad enough, we beat the snot out of our audiences with 118-slide PowerPoint presentations chock-full of text.

Audience members typically don’t remember anything from those types of presentations. But they do remember stories. The approach and techniques found in this book are designed to help you replicate your existing strengths as a weekend storyteller so you can drag them into your weekday presentations to and conversations with customers, partners, employees, and investors.

That way, you can be a great communicator every day of the week.

Please tell us a little about yourself and we'll contact you when the full book is available for purchase.

Founders & Principals

Andy teaches executives to talk more on the weekdays like they do on the weekends – when they are at their best as storytellers. As a coach, he puts executives on camera and uses the video to help develop story-based presentation narratives that are meaningful in the moment and memorable after the session.

He has coached CEOs, executives, engineers and sale professionals at some most successful technology, insurance, manufacturing and healthcare companies in the world. He is co-author of the book, Weekend Language: Presenting with More Stories & Less PowerPoint . He presents regularly about the power and importance of storytelling in corporate presentations, elevator speeches and media interviews. Over the course of his 20+ year career, the Public Relations Society of America has recognized his work with three Silver Anvil Awards.

Andy lives in Austin, Texas.

E-mail Andy

Dave yewman.

A friend of Dave’s 11-year-old son Aaron asked, “What does your Dad do?” Aaron thought for a minute, then said, “He teaches people how not to say ‘um.'” That’s a pretty good elevator speech for a presentation coach. Dave likes to think there’s a bit more to presentation coaching than that — but it’s a great place to start. In the past 10+ years Dave’s coached CEOs, professional athletes, tech startup founders, engineers, creative designers and pretty much everyone in between.

Dave Yewman is a strategic communications expert with more than 15 years of experience. A former newspaper reporter and columnist, he speaks regularly to groups about how to use clear, concise, compelling language as a strategic weapon when dealing with reporters, employees, sales prospects, shareholders, and consumers.

Dave lives near Portland, Oregon.

E-mail Dave

Jill bennett.

In her nearly 20 years as a business reporter and news anchor, Jill had some memorable interviews with CEOs, entrepreneurs, stock traders and rock stars. She best remembers the storytellers and the ones who could explain a complicated subject in a matter of seconds. That clear, conversational language is what Jill focuses on today when coaching executives for presentations and media interviews. It’s language that gets applause and gets quoted. Jill was the Managing Editor and Anchor of BusinessWeek TV, a program that aired nationally on ABC stations. She also reported live daily from the stock exchange for ABC. Jill lives outside of NYC.

An award-winning copywriter, Carl puts a premium on helping people find just the right words. Why? Because audiences love presenters who get to the point and don’t waste their time. Carl has coached CEOs, investment fund managers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, and even marine architects. He works with companies that sell everything from software to ski boots – as well as those that fund startups, treat patients, and manage billions in retirement funds. Yet no matter the industry, his approach is always the same: help people find what really needs to be said and to say only that. Carl lives in Seattle, Washington.

our clients.

No matter your market, the keys to presenting effectively are the same. that’s why our clients span high-tech giants and worldwide insurance companies to the biggest brands in sports apparel., here’s a partial list:, what we do..

Storytelling Workshops

Why do some ideas thrive while others die? Based on the bestselling book “Made to Stick” (and designed with its authors) these hands on workshops put up to 25 participants to work early and often and evaluates their progress as storytellers throughout the day.

Weekend Language Presentation Coaching

Whether it’s a 1:1 program for an executive or a group session for your team, we’ve helped 1,000s of executives get ready for big-stage presentations, sales pitches, IPO roadshows, customer events and internal meetings. These videotape-intensive sessions help executives craft compelling narratives and deliver them with impact.

Weekend Language Media Training

Get to the point, tell a good story, get quoted, handle tough questions — these are the essentials of dealing with reporters. And it takes a lot of work to get it right. That’s why we build our sessions around mock interviews that simulate the type of Q&A you’ll experience. We videotape these mock interviews for coaching and critique.

Weekend Language Messaging Workshops

Are you a “leading provider of mission-critical, seamless solutions that optimize and monetize robust businesses with actionable intelligence?” If so, no one really cares. Every day companies with great ideas and great products lose out because they can’t describe what they do in a way that’s meaningful. This workshop changes all that with a proven methodology for crafting messages: clear, concise, compelling, convincing.

our approach.

Okay, but how specifically do you develop a great presentation our simple methodology: s.t.o.r.y..

Suspend Powerpoint

Oh, unclench your butt cheeks, not forever — we said suspend, not quit. Slides should be the last part of your presentation development, not the first. No one enjoys presentations with 78 slides and no discernible point. No one.

Tell a Story

It sound simple because it is. Analogies, anecdotes and examples illustrate your main — if you craft them the right way.

Organize Your Narrative

The first two minutes of any presentation, interview or story is what one neurologist calls “cognitive hallowed ground.” And that ground isn’t about you, it’s about the audience — what’s in it for them? Get right to the point.

Remember Mehrabian

In the 1970s Dr. Albert Mehrabian conducted a famous study that found vocal inflection and non verbal communications comprise 93% of a message. What this means is that while your words are important, how you deliver them and how you manage your visuals are critical.

You Must Prepare

It’s not complicated. You prepare and practice, you get better. You don’t and you won’t. Any master communicator practices obsessively you just don’t see it because it happens behind the scenes/ before the big speech or important interview. But if you practice, you can nail it.

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.

Hybrid Images / Cultura / Getty Images

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.

23 Elevator Pitch Examples to Inspire Your Own [+Templates & Expert Tips]

Published: May 06, 2024

Whether you're introducing yourself at a networking event, telling new colleagues about your business, or pitching to another professional — you want to capture attention and get it fast. In situations like these, you need a short and easy-to-grasp explanation of your company and its products, like an elevator pitch.

salesperson using an elevator pitch or speech

In this post, we'll discuss what an elevator pitch is, review some helpful examples, see some elevator pitch templates you can reference, go over some elevator pitch best practices, and cover some key mistakes you need to avoid when delivering one of these speeches.

Let's dive in.

Table of Contents

What is an elevator pitch?

Elevator speech example, how to write an elevator pitch, elevator pitch templates, 30-second elevator pitch examples, elevator pitches from real sales leaders, elevator speech best practices, what not to do in an elevator pitch.

An elevator pitch — also known as an elevator speech — is a short, memorable description of what you do and/or what you sell. The goal is to earn a second conversation, not to convince the person you're talking to that they should hire you or buy your solution.

An elevator pitch is never an opportunity to close a deal. It‘s an opportunity to close more of your prospect’s attention and time. It's a quick introduction to you, your company, and how you can help your prospect.

Hi, I‘m an account manager with Vacation Locator. We help travelers across the world plan their perfect holiday based on their interests, budget, and location preferences. With travel experts assigned to each account, we find the best deals and most unique experiences for each client, so they can enjoy their vacation, instead of stressing out about planning it. On average, we’re able to save travelers up to 30% on expenses such as hotel and airfare.

When to use an elevator pitch?

You can pull your elevator pitch out at functions like networking events or conferences, over interactions like warm calls, and even in job interviews or at career fairs. Keep your elevator pitch goal-oriented — for instance, "I help companies like yours increase production by up to 30% without additional cost . " — and always end with a business card or request to connect on LinkedIn.

If you‘re curious about what an elevator pitch should look like, or simply ready to jumpstart the pitch creation process, download the templates below. We’ve compiled several types of templates — from sales pitches to funding requests.

No matter which type of pitch you‘re delivering, keeping things concise is key. You don’t want to waste your prospect‘s, investor’s, or fellow professional‘s time. With that in mind, let’s take a look at how much time should you spend on an elevator pitch?

Download Now: Free Elevator Pitch Templates

E-pitch templates to better sell your product, fund your business, or network.

4 Fundraising Pitch Templates
2 Networking Pitch Templates
2 Sales Pitch Templates

You're all set!

Click this link to access this resource at any time.

How long should an elevator pitch be?

An effective elevator pitch is meant to be no more than 30 seconds, just like the length of time you ride in an elevator. You want to keep your words easily digestible, so avoid trying to get too deep into specifics as it can drag on the conversation — and lose your prospect's attention.

You should have an effective elevator pitch prepared before you need it since you have such a short window to deliver it. Your pitch needs purpose, flow, and a hook to reel in attention if you want to get the kind of mileage you need out of it in 30-ish seconds.

Let's take a closer look at how to put one of these pitches together.

1. Use elevator pitch templates .

Download Free E-Pitch Templates

Use these templates to help structure pitches for three key audiences: prospects, investors, and potential network connection — making the elevator pitch creation process easier, freeing you up to focus on selling, crushing quota, and living your best life.

Let's dive into the ins and outs of fleshing out an elevator pitch of your own.

2. Introduce yourself.

The value of a personal introduction in an elevator pitch is multifaceted. For one, it gives your prospect some pretty mission-critical context — you won‘t get too much mileage out of an elevator pitch if they have no idea who you are or who you’re with.

Second, it can make the whole experience a bit more approachable. You don't want things to be too rigid or imposing when you pitch — a friendly introduction helps set the stage for a more natural engagement.

Bear in mind — you need to know what your prospect needs to know . What I mean is that you have to be mindful of how much information you‘re sharing as part of your introduction. You don’t want to get lost, ramble, and share more information than your prospect needs to know. Get it?

Effective elevator pitches are delivered in a tight window — you don‘t want to waste time rattling off details like how long you’ve worked at your company, what job you had before, or how much you like working for your employer.

Stick to the essentials, be friendly, and get on with the pitch.

3. State your company's mission.

Want me to let you in on some next-level, mind-blowing insight? Ready? Here we go — you need to know what your business does if you're going to pitch it effectively. Revolutionary stuff, right?

Seriously though, you want to include some insight about your business — and a lot of the time, that means briefly speaking to its mission and goals. Including a section where you give a thoughtfully tailored reference to your company identity can give a prospect valuable context and develop a little trust on a dime.

You don‘t have to give a comprehensive rundown of every project you’re working on or fondly reminisce about the team retreat where you picked up trash on the local beach. It can be as simple as something like, “I'm a sales rep at Better Than the Rest Cable. We help hotels across the U.S. pair with the perfect cable provider and plan for their region and needs.”

That description is both succinct and sufficient. It covers the necessary bases without getting too deep into the weeds. If you were to be cut off after these two sentences, the prospect would still know exactly who you are and what your company does. You know — the stuff your prospect needs to know.

4. Explain the company value proposition.

This might be the most important base to cover. A prospect isn‘t going to be interested in a solution that they can’t see the value in, so naturally, you need to be able to articulate a compelling value proposition in your pitch.

Unless you're at the forefront of some sort of technological revolution, your product or service exists in a competitive landscape — so your prospect is bound to have some options. Why should they choose you?

You need to provide a sentence or two that covers why your product or service is worth it — why your current customers are so happy with you. Here's what that could look like:

“I'm a sales rep at Better Than the Rest Cable. We help hotels across the U.S. pair with the perfect cable provider and plan for their region and needs. With regional experts assigned to each account, we help hotels identify the most cost-effective and guest-delighting cable plan for them.”

In one sentence, you‘ve told the prospect what sets you apart and how you can bring them value. You’ve likely piqued their interest, but how can you really grab their attention? Keep reading.

5. Grab their attention with a hook.

You‘ve spent the pitch up to this point lining them up, now knock them down. Give them the bit that’s going to prompt that second conversation — hit them with the hook.

That can come in the form of an enthralling story about a customer, some exhilarating information about your company's founders, a fascinating statistic about your offering, or something else that's neat and engaging to round things out and keep them interested.

Let‘s finish up the pitch we’ve been running with with an attention-grabbing statistic.

“I‘m a sales rep at Better Than the Rest Cable. We help hotels across the U.S. pair with the perfect cable provider and plan for their region and needs. With regional experts assigned to each account, we help hotels identify the most cost-effective and guest-delighting cable plan for them. On average, we’re able to save hotels up to 25% on their annual cable bills.”

6. Make sure your pitch is more conversational and less “sales-y.”

According to Patrick Beltran , Marketing Director at Ardoz Digital , you want to "[a]void sounding too sales-y. In my experience, people often shy away from elevator pitches that feel like a typical sales pitch. Your elevator pitch should come across more like a casual chat than a sales pitch. The aim is to spark interest, making the listener curious to learn more, not to seal the deal immediately.

"To make your pitch sound conversational, use a relaxed tone and steer clear of jargon. For instance, rather than saying ‘We offer cutting-edge solutions,’ say ‘We provide innovative solutions.’

"And instead of aggressively promoting our brand, we suggest ‘We’re looking to work with companies to address some of their marketing challenges. Perhaps you’d be interested in exploring this opportunity?’ "

7. Keep it simple and focused.

Gauri Manglik , CEO and Cofounder of Instrumentl , says, "The most important tip I can offer for creating and delivering an effective elevator pitch is to keep it simple and focused. Have one clear message or key insight you want to convey and structure your pitch around that.

For example, if you have a new product, focus on articulating the core problem it solves and how it uniquely solves that problem. Say something like, ‘We’ve developed a new tool that helps sales teams reduce the time spent on administrative tasks by over 50% each week. By streamlining CRM data entry and reporting processes through an intuitive mobile interface, account managers can spend less time pushing paper and more time building key relationships.’

A simple, focused message like this, with one relevant example or proof point to bring it to life, is all you need for an initial elevator pitch. Resist the urge to cram in too many details or try to explain everything your business or product does.

You have 30 seconds; one clear message is enough to spark interest for follow-up. With practice, a simple pitch can become a compelling story that fuels a meaningful first conversation. Keep it short — make it count."

8. Read and edit the pitch.

Once you have everything written out, read it aloud to make sure it sounds natural. Overly rigid, borderline-robotic pitches are rarely compelling. If it seems too stiff and formal, go back to the drawing board — at least a little.

Ideally, this pitch will be a prelude to a professional conversation — so striking a balance between professional and conversational with your pitch is in your best interest.

Now that you know how to write an elevator pitch, download HubSpot's eight free elevator pitch templates to put your learnings into action. These templates can be used to make a sale, start networking, or jumpstart a deal for business capital.

Featured Resource: 8 Free Elevator Pitch Templates

8 elevator pitch templates to help you develop and deliver great elevator pitches

Our templates follow established best practices for elevator pitches. Each one includes:

A personal greeting: Start every pitch by establishing a human connection and making your prospect feel seen and heard.
A statement of your company's mission: Your mission can be blended with your value proposition and vice versa. But this piece of information is essential to get your prospect's buy-in, quickly.
A hook to get your audience's attention: The hook can be as simple as a probing question or a highly personalized statement that‘s been tailored to your prospect’s needs. Either way, the hook will often seal the deal.
A real example: See the template in action by reading a filled-out example, allowing you to visualize what your pitch may look like as you refine and edit it.

Using these templates allows you to save precious time and focus on the essence of the pitch instead of minute details, such as how to start it off or how to organize it. Your prospect's time is valuable, and so is yours.

If you're looking for some inspiration, look no further. The following elevator pitch examples illustrate different ways to describe what you can offer in 30 seconds or less.

1. An Attention-Grabbing Question

And like the previous one, it speaks to a “common but specific” pain point for the prospect on the other side of the pitch, covering an issue that many (if not most) marketers deal with consistently — and the “look at how many of your peers I talk to every month” element supports that.

And finally, it ends with an accessible but vivid metaphor about how efficient the resource is. I‘ll go out on a limb and assume that most prospects have poured a cup of coffee in their lives. It’s a frame of reference that's equal parts relatable and engaging — in short, it works.

3. The Surprise Ending

You want to know how many leads from your webinar campaign became customers versus leads from your trade show booth. But only customers who bought two products — and weren't already in your database.

How long would it take you to create that report?

If you had AnswerASAP, a data and reporting tool, you'd already know. It creates reports in a matter of seconds.

Holy heck! My goodness! What a twist! Bet you didn't see that ending coming — and neither will your prospects!

Okay, that might be overkill, but still, this kind of pitch works — for a few reasons. For one, it starts with a relatable approach. It runs through a “common but specific” scenario that businesses in the prospect‘s industry likely deal with. That shows that you’re familiar with a prospect's space, giving you some instant credibility.

From there, it offers an engaging, cheeky way to plug your solution. You raise a pressing pain point and immediately position your offering as the best way to solve it. It's slick, creative, and fun — taken together, those elements give you some serious staying power.

4. An Outlandish Stat

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.

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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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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.

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15 creative elevator pitch examples for every scenario

A good elevator pitch can be the difference between landing your next big opportunity or falling short of the competition. But the reality is, people want to have meaningful conversations without the forced sales pitch. So how do you pitch yourself during a job interview or client meeting with authenticity?

First things first: What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch, also known as an elevator speech, is an opportunity to share a quick summary of yourself and your product offerings. But a pitch can also be your chance at making a real connection that you can use later down the road. It’s not always an immediate benefit, but you should be prepared for any scenario in which you could be giving an elevator pitch.

In reality, most people have given an elevator pitch whether they realize it or not. That’s because there are many different types of pitches—from interviews to new business opportunities. That makes preparing for your next pitch an important step in marketing both yourself and your company.

When it comes to figuring out who to deliver your pitch to, you should aim for the best point of contact, not just the highest point of contact. Choosing connections that are related to or interested in what you’re offering will give you a better chance at making your sale.

How long should an elevator pitch be?

One of the biggest unknowns about creating sample elevator pitches is how long they should be. In most cases, it will depend on what it’s about and who you’re pitching. A good rule of business etiquette is to make it as short as possible by carefully selecting the most important points.

A study conducted by Microsoft found that the average person has an attention span of around eight seconds, meaning you’ll have to fight for that undivided attention. That’s no small task. So when it comes to a great elevator pitch, aim to keep it around 30 seconds—though the exact length can vary depending on your industry and what you’re pitching.

When looking at pitch length based on industry, each one differs to some degree. Let’s take marketing for example. Your pitch opportunities will likely be to customers that come across your brand. And in that case, you have very little time to get your message across—whether it’s text, video, or imagery. But when it comes to sales, you may get the opportunity to expand your elevator pitch past 30 seconds. You will likely have plenty of networking opportunities where people are more than willing to listen to what you have to say. It really just depends on your medium and the audience’s eagerness to listen.

But what if you can’t cut your elevator pitch down to 30 seconds? It may seem like your brand is too complicated to distill down to such a short timeframe, but if you’re pitching to the right audience you shouldn’t have that problem. Make sure you pitch to people related to your industry or a tangential audience that will be able to interpret your offerings.

How to write an elevator pitch

When it comes to writing an elevator pitch, it can be hard to decipher important facts from unimportant ones—this is why knowing how to effectively communicate in the workplace is important in the first place. For example, while it’s good to personalize your communication tactics wherever possible, it’s not necessary to give prospects an entire history lesson on your business. Only the most recent and relevant details should be included. To get started creating your own pitch, you first need to understand the basic components that make up any good elevator pitch.

Introduce yourself

All good pitches start with a short introduction. It could be as simple as stating your name and who you work for if those details apply. But the more personal you can make it, the more natural your elevator pitch will seem. Body language is also an important part of a solid introduction, as is eye contact. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when introducing yourself to a new prospect.

Greet your audience in a way that’s appropriate for the occasion. Go formal for a business pitch or more casual for a fun event. With business meetings and networking events being held virtually, you’ll need to get creative with your introductions over video chat. You could even start with a lighthearted joke to break the ice. But whatever you do, make sure it’s relevant to your audience.

Present the problem

All solutions start with a problem. Whatever you or your business is trying to solve, it’s important to get the point across early on in your elevator pitch to set the theme for the rest of your speech. An example problem: coordinating work between teams is chaotic.

If possible, relate the problem back to your audience by using real-world examples. This will help make the problem more relevant and, hopefully, grab your audience’s attention. If your problem isn’t easy to explain, try using more than one example or a visual to really paint a picture for your audience.

Offer the solution

If the problem is what draws the audience in, then the solution is what hooks them. This is your time to show them why they need your help. Here’s an example solution: Asana gives teams a system to organize and manage work so they know what to do, why it matters, and how to get it done.

The solution is arguably the most important part of an elevator pitch, so spend time perfecting it. If you’re pitching for a business, it’s likely the quick solution pitch has already been created. But again, it’s always better to personalize your pitch. So don’t be afraid to tweak it to fit your audience. If pitching for yourself, talk about the unique skills you’ve developed and why they would be beneficial to your prospect.

Explain your value proposition

Now that you’ve piqued your audience’s attention, it’s time to seal the deal by explaining why your solution is better than anyone else's. An example value proposition is: Asana is the only platform that connects goals with the work needed to achieve them.

The value proposition differs from the solution by focusing on why your audience should use your solution over a competitor’s. If you don’t have that answer just yet, perform a competitive analysis to compare your offerings or look to your executive summary.

If your market is extremely niche and you don’t have a clear differentiator or significant competition, look to communication and interface capabilities. Consider why your idea or solution is original enough that someone would want to use it.

Engage the audience

While most of the hard work is done, it’s important to engage your audience with a compliment or question before you part ways. Always err on the side of being genuine rather than delivering a scripted goodbye.

There is no right or wrong way to engage your audience. While ending with a question can create a dialogue between you and your audience, a genuine compliment can go a long way. Think about what made you want to pitch them in the first place and use that to end the conversation. Lastly, don’t forget to swap contact information, such as a business card, if you don’t already have it.

A foolproof elevator pitch template

Now that you know the basic components of a pitch, the next step is creating your very own elevator pitch. This template can work for just about any situation, from a job interview to pitching a small business or startup. That’s because we analyzed some of the most famous templates from industry experts—from Harvard research to Guy Kawasaki’s art of pitching—to create a foolproof template that will work in any situation.

Plug your information into our elevator pitch template to draft a quick speech. While you won’t necessarily recite it word for word, it’s a great model to keep in mind in case you find yourself in a position where you’re not prepared with a personalized pitch.

Whether you’re looking for a pitch template for a job interview or for pitching your business, this template is a foolproof example for any situation you might find yourself in.

General elevator pitch template

Use our elevator pitch template to start constructing your speech by adding statistics and personalized greetings where needed. This template incorporates the four parts explained above to hit all of the important details of a good elevator pitch.

Introduction : “Hi I’m [name], a [position title] at [company name]. It’s great to meet you!”

Problem : “Since you work with [company name or industry] I figured you’d be interested to know that [problem + interesting statistic].”

Solution : “The great part about working at [your company’s name] is that we’ve been able to fix just that problem by [solution].”

Value proposition : “In fact, we’re the only company that offers [value proposition].”

CTA : “I think our solution could really help you. Are you available this week to speak further on this?”

Don’t be afraid to change up your pitch template based on your personality and professional expertise. We’ve also included personalized 30-second elevator pitch examples below to inspire personal facts you can add to create a more engaging speech .

30-second elevator pitch examples

Let’s dive into the best 30-second elevator pitch examples to help you create a pitch that’s both engaging and informative. Our examples take inspiration from the four elements included in the template above, to demonstrate how you'd pitch project management software to increase productivity . Try a few or try them all to find one that best fits your personality and value proposition.

Example 1: Short and sweet

This example is one of the most common you’ll come across. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best, but it’s a great example of a quick and easy pitch that fits almost any situation. When working on this type of elevator pitch, be sure to keep it as short and to the point as possible. Try to stick closely to the 30 seconds or less rule since the point is to be brief and transparent.

The problem is that work is chaotic no matter what industry you’re in or how good you are at your job. But a good project management software can help improve productivity and communication. I haven’t missed a deadline in years. If you’re interested in how it can help your team, give me a call and I can take you through some numbers.

Example 2: Relatable over reliable

Sometimes the best way to grab your audience’s attention is to reel them in with a personal anecdote they’ll relate to. While it’s still important to drive home your solution, this approach puts more weight on making a personal connection rather than an immediate sale.

It’s so great to finally meet you. How is business going? I heard you’ve been struggling with communication issues. My team and I struggled with that too. It wasn’t until we added project management software into our routine that we really saw an improvement in teamwork and overall communication. I hope you find a solution that works for your team.

Example 3: Savvy with stats

Start your pitch off with a hook by dropping an attention-grabbing statistic. It’s important to have hard data to back up your statistics to ensure their accuracy before pitching. When it comes to a statistics pitch, it’s a good idea to come full circle at the end and connect how your solution can help solve that statistic.

Did you know that despite having more ways to connect remotely, 60% of workers’ time is spent on work coordination with just 26% spent on skilled work and 14% on strategy? No wonder teams need help with project management. Implementing project management tools can decrease time spent on work coordination and help increase skilled work.

Example 4: Question everything

This example uses questions to make your pitch easily comprehensible. It also forces the audience to join in on the conversation rather than just presenting them with a speech. Try starting and ending with a question that makes the audience think about your pitch long after you leave the room.

Do you ever feel like you spend too much time on work about work? I’ve talked to so many people who share the same frustrations. I used to work long hours every day just trying to catch up. But do you know what? Ever since we started using project management software, I've been able to get so much more work done. Have you tried anything similar in the past?

Example 5: Comedic twist

If your pitch isn’t about a serious topic, you can add comedic twists to engage the audience. This is especially useful if giving a presentation. Add a GIF or quick funny clip in between slides to lighten the mood. If using this example, be sure it fits the occasion and tone of your company.

Did you know that the average person can only pay attention for eight seconds? That’s not even long enough to place my coffee order in the morning. Maybe that’s why my barista always gets it wrong. But seriously, I think that’s why so many companies struggle to hit deadlines.

Example 6: Tell a story

Use customer testimonials or your own personal story to paint a picture for the audience. This can be especially helpful if your topic is hard to explain in 30 seconds or less. Telling a story is a great way to add a relatable twist.

We have a customer that transitioned to a fully remote workforce this year and needed help making sure deadlines were met. With our help, they were able to get up to 10% of their time back in their day and focus on more important things like strategic planning.

Example 7: Emotionally driven

While this type of pitch may be more difficult to create, you have a better chance of winning over your audience if you can make your pitch emotionally driven. It’s also more likely they’ll be willing to share the experience with someone else down the road. It’s important to keep the emotions on the lighter side to prevent the conversation from steering too dark. Here is an example to inspire your own speech.

It may seem like any other tool, but when you look closely it really is helping teams connect. And not just that, but it’s helping cultivate teams that actually enjoy working together on new projects. That’s something that’s hard to come by, but something everyone is looking for.

Example 8: Write it first

While most speeches start by writing a general outline, you can opt to write the entire pitch from start to finish. This tends to create a thought-provoking and poetic flow once you do present your pitch. You’ll have to memorize this pitch, so practicing is a key element to this strategy.

Hi, my name is Kelly! It’s great to meet you. You work for Apollo Enterprises, right? I’ve heard a lot about them. I actually heard that you’re looking for project management help. In my experience, any organization—whether sales or suppliers—needs help coordinating work and team communication. Work can be rather chaotic, especially now, without it. That’s why we’ve created a software tool that helps both individuals and teams organize their projects and communications all in one place. Have you ever thought about using something similar?

Example 9: End with a one-liner

Making a grand exit doesn’t come easily, but if you can pull it off your audience is sure to be impressed. Stay away from cliche one-liners and make your closing authentic to you. The point here is to leave them with a thought that they’ll remember after the meeting is over. Consider sharing a surprising statistic or question relevant to their business.

Over one-quarter (26%) of all deadlines are missed each week because of a lack of clarity. But with the right project management tools, that number could be much lower. So the question is, can your business afford not to use project management software?

Elevator pitch examples by scenario

Now that we’ve covered the types of pitch examples, let’s dive into example elevator pitches for different scenarios. Whether you’re pitching for your business or yourself, you can use an elevator pitch to organize your thoughts and prepare for the real deal. Let’s look at key tips for any situation you may find yourself in.

Example 10: Networking event

A networking event is probably the most common scenario you’ll run into. And with the new virtual-first culture, it may be even more challenging to make meaningful connections over video chat. That’s why it’s so important to prepare an elevator pitch that’s compelling no matter where you’re pitching it from. While most salespeople pitch casually in this environment, you may get the opportunity to meet an important executive. In which case, you’ll want to be prepared with a versatile pitch template.

Great to meet you, I’m Kelly with Apollo Enterprises. We’ve been able to improve productivity and collaboration for teams all over the world. If you ever need help with project management, just reach out. I think we could make a huge impact on your company. I’ll make sure to keep your contact information handy as well.

Example 11: Job interview

Looking for a new job or have career fairs coming up? Most interviews—whether with human resources, a recruiter, or a hiring manager—start with some form of the phrase, “Tell me about yourself.” This is an opportunity for job seekers to briefly explain themselves and their professional experience using industry buzzwords and key skills. Having an elevator pitch ready can ensure that you’re prepared when the opportunity presents itself.

I’m Kelly, a specialist at Apollo Enterprises. I chose a career in project management because I had a passion for it, and now I can proudly say that I’ve been able to make a real difference in people’s lives. That’s why I’m looking to continue my career with an employer who shares those same values. I know my unique skills can make a big impact at your company because I’ve proven my results with a few key projects.

Example 12: Formal meeting

You’ve landed the meeting, congratulations! Now is the time to create a formal elevator pitch to really get them interested. When presenting a formal pitch, a presentation can be a great addition to traditional elevator speech examples. But whether or not you choose to create a presentation, this meeting is about selling your product in the most professional way possible. So dress the part and don’t forget your unique selling proposition.

I took a look at your current productivity figures and noticed an opportunity for improvement. With our project management software, you could get back up to 10% more of your workday. Not only would that mean more work getting done, but it would also have a positive impact on the overall success of your business. Not to mention, our tool is the only one in the industry that has goal capabilities to ensure teams stay on track.

Example 13: Sales pitch

Professionals often pitch traditional sales jargon, but the real key is creating a human connection while lightly sprinkling in what you’re selling. Start with a personal story or light-hearted introduction instead of the typical sales presentation. You can also prepare by creating sales team goal templates to ensure your team is on the same page.

Our team really struggled to transition to a remote workforce. Communication wasn’t organized and people struggled to find the correct information to complete projects. But, thankfully, we found a solution to our problem. Implementing project management tools not only improved productivity but also improved overall teamwork. Every company prefers different tools, but I can say without a doubt that our software was the best at connecting goals with the work needed to achieve them.

Example 14: Social introduction

Now, more than ever, professionals are choosing to meet virtually rather than face-to-face. Whether you’re chatting over LinkedIn or have a virtual meeting set up, it’s important to make your pitch personal and use clear visuals to help sell your point. Here’s a great example of a social media pitch.

Thanks for connecting! I noticed that your competitors are outperforming you when it comes to year-over-year growth. I took the liberty of doing a competitive analysis and didn’t find any outlying problems. I’m wondering if it could be an issue with productivity. How has the transition to remote work been? If you’re interested, I could run you through some productivity figures if you were to add project management tools to your current processes.

Example 15: Entrepreneurs and business owners

Pitching to a business owner is much different than pitching to an executive. They can be harder to sell because they are often hesitant about new investments. The most important tip is to use examples as they pertain to the business when explaining a problem and solution.

I love your products at Apollo Enterprises. I’m a huge proponent of your mission. I did realize that there may be some opportunities to improve productivity and collaboration internally. Have you ever considered project management software? I think it could have a big impact on business growth now or even down the road.

4 tips to perfect your elevator pitch

In addition to creating the perfect elevator pitch, you should also work on sprucing up your delivery. There’s nothing worse than sitting through a boring speech, so make sure yours is anything but. From posture to tone, there’s a lot you can practice to make sure you look professional and knowledgeable. Consider these four tips when trying to nail a successful elevator pitch.

1. Stick to your outline

To prevent getting off-topic, it’s important to stick to your outline at least to some extent. While you don’t need to recite it word for word, it’s best to memorize the majority of your pitch. That way you won’t need to worry about checking your notes.

2. Speak slowly and clearly

Many professionals tend to talk quickly when they’re nervous—hey, we’re only human. But it’s important to enunciate and speak slowly so the audience can understand you. This is especially important when presenting over video chat. But try not to slow yourself down too much or you’ll go over your allotted time.

3. Record your pitch

Record yourself reciting the pitch to work on any areas that need improvement. Practice your pitch a handful of times by playing the recording back and working out any pain points. A couple of key areas to focus on are speed and tone. It’s better to sound overly energized rather than monotone.

4. Practice, practice, practice!

There’s nothing more effective than practicing your pitch until you’re able to recite it in your sleep. If possible, practice in front of friends and family to get constructive feedback on how you can make your pitch even better. Even if you have years of experience, you can never go wrong with being overly prepared.

Elevate your first impression with an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a chance to show off your strengths and pitch your solutions. While it may sound nerve-wracking, using the 15 elevator pitch examples above will help you develop your own method using personal tidbits that tie into your innovative solutions.

While your pitch is an important part of leveling up your business, there are many avenues you can take to achieve growth. One of those ways is by determining whether project management vs. work management tools are right for your team. Not only will they help connect your team members, but the right tools and software can also help your organization set strategic goals. That means more time spent on bigger projects to help your business reach next-level growth.

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How to Create a Captivating Elevator Pitch

6 min. read

Updated April 30, 2024

For startups and entrepreneurs, a great elevator pitch is a must.

It’s the key to sparking interest in your company, raising money from investors, and networking with business partners. It’s also a handy tool to answer the question, “so what does your company do?”

To help you build the perfect elevator pitch, we’ve brought together all of the resources you need. From a guide on what to include and a free pitch deck template to advice on how to use body language to make your speech more impactful.

Read on to discover what your elevator pitch should include and how to take a pitch from “good” to “great.”

What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is usually a short, impactful speech, but it can also be delivered as a presentation or “pitch deck.” Your pitch tells your audience what your business does, who your customers are, and summarizes your key accomplishments. The goal of an elevator pitch is to intrigue the listener, inviting further conversation or inspiring them to take action.

There are situations where a more extended version of your pitch is appropriate. This longer presentation, sometimes called a “pitch presentation,” typically lasts between 5 and 20 minutes. This extra time allows you to delve deeper into your ideas, products, or services, providing more detailed information while maintaining a clear, concise, and persuasive tone.

This format is often used in formal business situations like investor pitches, business plan presentations, or when addressing larger audiences at conferences or public speaking events.

How to create an elevator pitch

Here are the steps you’ll need to take to create a convincing elevator pitch.

Cover these key components in your elevator pitch

Aside from catching your audience’s interest, there are seven specific things you must address to be sure your audience understands your business.

Get feedback on your business pitch

Are you speaking too fast? Is there vital information missing? You probably wouldn’t know unless someone takes the time to review your pitch. Here’s how to approach getting feedback on your presentation.

Know what you’ll say in your one, five, ten, and 20-minute pitch

You need to have a short and meaningful pitch. You also should be able to tailor your pitch to fit the expectations of different audiences. So, start by defining what should be in your pitch with more or less time.

Create a pitch deck that works without your elevator pitch

If you’re presenting to investors or lenders, you’ll want a visual presentation to compliment your elevator pitch. Ideally, this deck should describe your business so well that it works without a verbal explanation.

Back up your pitch with a business plan

Before you start pitching, you need to have a business plan. If investors or lenders like what you’re saying, they’ll expect you to share a plan that goes into greater detail and backs up what you’re saying.

Tips to nail your pitch and impress investors

There are many factors that go into creating a good elevator pitch. Whether you’re improving your poise, ability to tell a story, or ability to answer investor questions, we have several guides to help strengthen these specific skills.

Things that will take your pitch from good to great

Aside from a well-developed elevator pitch here are nine other things to elevate your presentation and set yourself apart.

How to successfully pitch your business idea to investors

We’ve covered the basic sections you need to include in your pitch. But there are other things to consider covering to convince investors that your idea is worth their time and money.

Avoid these common mistakes when pitching

Don’t want to bomb your pitch? Be sure to avoid these costly mistakes.

How to hook investors with your company culture

Not every investor will be won over by an impressive bottom line and high growth potential. Some care more about the mission or culture of the companies they’re investing in.

What to do if you can’t answer an investor question

Even with the most thorough preparation you’re bound to have questions you simply don’t have a good answer for. Here’s what to do when you can’t quickly present a good answer.

How to improve your body language when pitching

You may have a killer pitch, a captivating pitch deck, and a well-written business plan to back it all up—but if your posture, hand motions, and eye contact aren’t hitting the mark you may fall short.

Learn to harness the power of Pixar storytelling

No one knows how to craft a compelling story better than the creatives at Pixar. While their focus is on animated features that pull the heartstrings—their methods can actually help you develop a more enticing pitch.

How to raise money and pitch as a female entrepreneur

There are numerous roadblocks to small business funding—even more-so for women who must combat a legacy of underfunding due to the predispositions of many investors. Here’s what to prepare for.

Lessons from Shark Tank pitches

When pitching to investors you’re going to hear ‘no’ more than ‘yes’. It’s a necessary process for you to learn from. But, you can also take away some insights from the public pitches shown on Shark Tank.

Alternative ways to pitch your business

You’re not always going to pitch in a formal or traditional setting. It’s important to understand the different types of pitches you may have to give, including virtual, written, and spontaneous pitches in social settings.

Learn to pitch in social situations

If you’re starting to network or rub shoulders with industry veterans there will likely be an opportunity to pitch your business. It’s not a formal setting and you need to fine-tune your pitch to fit the spontaneity.

How to pitch your business virtually

Meetings over video calls are becoming the norm and that also applies to pitch meetings. While your overall pitch shouldn’t change that much, there are some nuances to doing things virtually that you should consider.

How to pitch your business through email

If you’re struggling to secure time to pitch to investors then you may be better off skipping the meeting and trying to convince them directly in their inbox.

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Elevator pitch and pitch deck resources

Resources and templates to help you successfully pitch your business idea.

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Tips to nail your pitch

15 Min. Read

The 11 Slides You Need to Have in Your Pitch Deck for 2024

10 Great Pitch Deck Creators to Help You Raise Funding

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7 Great Pitch Deck Examples From Real Businesses

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How to Create a Business Plan Presentation

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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 ?

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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Father of the Bride Speech [With Outlines and Examples]

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Elevator Pitch for a Job Interview with Examples [2024]

December 6, 2023
In Interviewing

Crafting a compelling elevator pitch for a job interview is crucial to make a lasting impression. Learn how to succinctly introduce yourself, showcase your achievements, and highlight your unique value proposition to stand out from other candidates and increase your chances of landing the job.

Table of contents

Definition and importance of an elevator pitch

Key components of an effective elevator pitch for a job interview

1. Introduction

2. Value proposition

3. Accomplishments

4. Fit with the company
5. Call to action
How to create an effective elevator pitch an interview
Job interview elevator pitch examples

Mistakes to avoid

The importance of an elevator pitch lies in its ability to quickly and effectively communicate the essence of your idea or offering. It serves as a powerful tool for networking, job interviews, sales pitches, investor meetings, and any situation where you need to make a strong and memorable impression in a short amount of time.

Key Components Of An Effective Elevator Pitch For An Interview

Key components of an effective elevator pitch for a job interview

During a job interview, it’s important to have a well-crafted elevator pitch that effectively communicates your value proposition and sets a positive first impression.

Start your elevator pitch with a brief introduction that includes your name and a concise statement about your professional background or expertise. This helps to establish your credibility and grab the interviewer’s attention.

2. Value Proposition

Clearly communicate the value you can bring to the company or role. Highlight your key strengths, skills, and experiences that are relevant to the position you are interviewing for. Focus on how you can contribute to the company’s success and solve their problems.

Share specific examples of your achievements and successes that demonstrate your capabilities and qualifications. Highlight any relevant projects, initiatives, or results that showcase your skills and expertise. This helps to provide evidence of your abilities and differentiate yourself from other candidates.

4. Fit with the Company

Show your enthusiasm and alignment with the company’s values, mission, and culture. Explain why you are interested in the company and how your skills and experience align with their needs. This demonstrates your genuine interest and commitment to the role.

5. Call to Action

End your elevator pitch with a clear call to action. Express your interest in moving forward in the interview process and ask about the next steps. This shows your proactive approach and eagerness to continue the conversation.

Remember to keep your elevator pitch concise, focused, and tailored to the specific job opportunity and company. Practice delivering your pitch with confidence and adapt it based on the interviewer’s response and the flow of the conversation.

How to create an effective elevator pitch for an interview

Your elevator pitch should be brief, clear, and to the point. Here’s a suggested structure for your elevator pitch

Keep it concise : Your elevator pitch should be brief and to the point, ideally lasting around 30-60 seconds. Focus on capturing the listener’s attention and delivering a clear message.
Start with a strong introduction : Begin your elevator pitch with a confident and engaging introduction. State your name, express enthusiasm, and briefly mention your background or expertise.
Highlight your unique value proposition : Identify your key strengths , skills , and experiences that make you stand out from other candidates. Emphasize what sets you apart and how you can bring value to the company.
Tailor it to the job : Customize your elevator pitch to align with the specific job you’re interviewing for. Highlight relevant experiences, accomplishments , and skills that directly relate to the position.
Focus on benefits : Instead of just listing your qualifications, emphasize the benefits you can bring to the employer. Highlight how your skills and experiences can solve their problems, contribute to their goals, or improve their operations.
Be authentic and passionate : Show genuine enthusiasm for the opportunity and convey your passion for the industry or field. Let your personality shine through and make a memorable impression.

Remember, an effective pitch should be tailored, concise, and focused on showcasing your unique value proposition and how you can contribute to the company’s success. Practice and preparation are key to delivering a confident and impactful elevator pitch during job interviews.

Job interview elevator pitch examples by career stage

Example #1: entry-level/recent graduate.

“Hi, my name is Sarah. I recently graduated with a degree in Marketing, and I’m passionate about creating impactful marketing campaigns. I specialize in digital marketing strategies and I’m looking to start my career in the technology industry. While I may be new to the industry, I have gained practical experience through internships and projects during my studies. I successfully managed social media campaigns for a local nonprofit and conducted market research for a startup company. My goal is to contribute my skills and knowledge to a dynamic organization where I can continue to learn and grow. I’m excited to apply my creativity and analytical skills to drive results and make a meaningful impact in the marketing field.”

Example #2 Mid-Career Professional

“Hello, I’m John, a project management professional with over 10 years of experience in leading successful projects on time and within budget. I specialize in cross-functional team leadership in the technology industry. I have a strong track record of managing complex projects, collaborating with stakeholders, and implementing efficient processes. For instance, I led the implementation of a new ERP system, resulting in a 20% increase in operational efficiency and $500,000 in annual cost savings. I consistently exceed client expectations and have received recognition for my problem-solving skills. I’m now seeking new challenges to leverage my expertise and make a significant impact in a forward-thinking organization that values innovation and teamwork.”

Example #3 Senior-Level/Executive

Example #4: students, example #5: technical professionals.

When delivering an elevator pitch for an interview, there are several common mistakes to avoid:

Being too vague or generic : Avoid being unclear about what you do, what problem you solve, or what makes your product or service unique. Be specific and concise in your pitch.
Going on for too long : Keep your elevator pitch within the recommended time frame of 30-60 seconds. Going beyond that can lose your audience’s attention and dilute the impact of your message.
Using jargon or technical terms : Avoid using industry-specific jargon, acronyms, or technical terms that may confuse or alienate your audience. Use language that is easily understood by a wide range of people.
Lack of clarity or structure : Ensure that your elevator pitch has a clear structure and flows logically. Make sure your message is easy to follow and understand.
Not adapting to the audience : Tailor your elevator pitch to the specific needs and interests of your audience. Avoid using a one-size-fits-all approach and customize your message to resonate with your listeners.
Lack of enthusiasm or confidence : Deliver your elevator pitch with energy, enthusiasm, and confidence. A lackluster or hesitant delivery can diminish the impact of your pitch.

By avoiding these common mistakes, you can increase the effectiveness of your pitch and make a stronger impression on your audience.

FAQ: Elevator Pitch for a Job Interview

Why is an elevator pitch important in a job interview.

An elevator pitch is important in a job interview because it allows you to quickly and effectively communicate your value and qualifications to the interviewer. It helps you stand out from other candidates and showcases your confidence and professionalism

What should be included in an elevator pitch for a job interview?

An effective elevator pitch for a job interview should include the following key elements:

Your name : Start by introducing yourself.
Your specialty and industry : Mention your area of expertise and the industry you work in.
Your experience : Emphasize your relevant experience and accomplishments.
Your goal : Clearly state your career goals and what you are looking for in your next job

Where can I use an elevator pitch?

You can use your elevator pitch for a job interview in various situations, including:

In-person interviews : Use your pitch to introduce yourself at the beginning of the interview.
Phone or video interviews : Deliver your pitch when asked to tell the interviewer about yourself.
Networking events : Use your pitch to introduce yourself to potential employers or industry professionals.
Career fairs and job expos : Deliver your pitch to recruiters and hiring managers.
Online platforms : Incorporate your pitch into your LinkedIn summary or professional bio

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Home › Blog Topics › Advocacy/Leadership › What is an “elevator speech”?

What is an “elevator speech”?

By Sedley Abercrombie on 01/26/2018 • ( 1 )

An elevator speech is a clear, brief message or “commercial” about you. It communicates who you are, why you are valuable, and how you can benefit your stakeholders. It’s typically about 30 seconds to 1 minute, the time it takes people to ride from the top to the bottom of a building in an elevator .

Elevator speeches are handy to have rehearsed to advocate for school library programs in all kinds of situations: those planned and those unexpected.

Let’s start with “why”.

Nobody know what you do better than you.

If you don’t blow your own horn, no one else will.
The squeaky wheel gets the oil.
Advocacy begins with you!

Three characteristics of an elevator speech:

When can you use them?

Elevator speeches are helpful when meeting a new principal, goal-setting meetings, and school board or parent meetings. They are also helpful outside of school–at the soccer field, the dollar store, or any place where the conversation leads to the purpose of school libraries or school librarians.

Who can use them?

School librarians, district coordinators, state-level leaders, affiliate assembly members, committee member, and university professors can all use elevator speeches to advocate for school library programs. Parents and students can also be your allies in advocacy efforts.

What are the components of an elevator speech?

Here is a sample:

References:

Mcusick. “The Elevator Speech.” Advocacy, Legislation & Issues , 17 Oct. 2016, www.ala.org/advocacy/advocacy-university/school-library-resources/elevator-speech.

Author: Sedley Abercrombie

Sedley Abercrombie is the district digital learning and library media programs specialist for Davidson County Schools in North Carolina, an NCSLMA executive board member, and an adjunct instructor at East Carolina University.

The Elevator Speech

An elevator speech a message intended to spur decision makers to action. An elevator speech must be short, specific, and memorable. It is important to have your elevator speech rehearsed and ready because you never know when you'll have an opportunity to use it!

Who is the audience for my elevator speech?

For school librarians, decision-makers can be school principals, parent organizations, district administrators, elected officials, community partners and more. It's good to have a few elevator speeches ready--or a few versions of the same speech--so that you can quickly shift to address the audience in front of you. The graphic below illustrates how to develop your elevator speech, and the PDF document attached provides a specific example.

Crafting the elevator speech

Elevator Speech Sample for ESSA (PDF)

Additional ESSA Elevator Speech Examples (PDF)

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Ten Second Tease – 3 Methods for Crafting the Ultimate Elevator Speech

How to build the ultimate Ten Second Tease

So you’ve probably heard of elevator speeches before. You know, a speech that you could blurt out if you had 20 seconds on an elevator with someone. In theory, this should give someone an overview of what you do.

Let’s be real here, shall we? Most people don’t care about your elevator speech. When introduced via a typical elevator speech most people have already zoned out and are thinking about the best route to the snack table. Admit it – You do this too!! If you use those precious few seconds of introduction to rattle off a resume you’ve wasted an opportunity to make a memorable impression.

You know what else no one cares about?? Your job title. The majority of the time, job titles do not tell you that much information – especially if the person is working in a different industry. So sharing your title alone does not really do much to pique the interest of others. It is often the starting point, but do not get lazy and think this is the end of it.

Also, no one wants to hear a speech. People do NOT want to be talked TO . Booooooorrrrring! They want to talk WITH interesting folks. So let’s not think of it as a speech or a chance to lecture someone on what you do, ok? Ok!

Instead, shift your thinking to the goal of the elevator speech. When someone says you, “So, Tell me about yourself,” think of it as an opportunity to hook them. Make them curious. Make them ask more questions. The purpose of your elevator speech should be to entice the other person to want to get to know you. THIS, my friend, is how you make an impression. And THIS is why I like to call it a Ten Second Tease.

Ready to make a great first impression? Download the free worksheet to guide you through this process of customizing your own Ten Second Tease Elevator Speech.

Ten second tease methods.

“Ok, I get it, Ash. Make it memorable. But how?” Glad you asked, friend! Below are my best methods for Ten Second Teases for technical folks, why they work, and the steps for crafting your own! To make it even simplier, I’ve created a free downloadable worksheet for creating your own Ten Second Tease Elevator Speech. Get it here!

Ten Second Tease Method 1: Awesome!

This method of spicing up your elevator speech is focused on sharing what is awesome about your job. For this method, the discussion would go something like this:

Person You Just Met: “So, What do you do?”

You: “Oh man, my job is AWESOME! I get to … [insert awesome job details here] …”

The Awesome! Method for me sounds like this:

“Oh man, my job is AWESOME! I get to travel the world on charter jets helping engineers and scientists make a bigger impact.”

Why Awesome! Works

This Ten Second Tease elevator speech method is so effective at engaging others because people want to talk to ( and work with ) interesting, positive people. It allows you to share something super fun while demonstrating your expertise. Also, if you express it correctly, it just screams, “Ask me more!”

Ten Second Tease Method 2: Problem-Solver

This tried and true Ten Second Tease elevator speech method describes a problem and solution to communicate what you do. For this method, the discussion would go something like this:

You: “You know how… [insert problem here] …. ? Well I …. [insert your solution here] …. to fix that.”

The Problem-Solver Method for me sounds like this:

“You know how engineers and scientists get a bad rap for their social skills? Well I help debunk the stereotype through leadership development training”

Why Problem-Solver Works

This Ten Second Tease elevator speech method is especially effective for technical folks who work in complex fields, because often people can relate better to the problem. By framing your introduction as solving a problem, you are helping the other person better relate to what you do, while also demonstrating that you are a problem- solver ( and who doesn’t like that?!?).

Ten Second Tease Method 3: Passion

This Ten Second Tease elevator speech method gets right to the heart of you by describing your passion, followed by how you are actively pursuing that in your current role. For this method, the discussion would go something like this:

Person You Just Met: “So, Tell me about yourself?”

You: “My passion is… [insert passion here]. I am currently pursuing that passion by …. [insert your passion work here] .”

The Passion Method for me sounds like this:

“My passion is teaching . I am currently living that passion by teaching engineers and scientists how to get their expertise used.”

Why Passion Works

This Ten Second Tease elevator speech method gets right to heart of who you are – and as such it makes it easier for people to relate. It also is such an impactful way to catch someone’s attention. Similarly to the Awesome! Method, it demonstrates that you are enthusiastic – a trait to which others are drawn. Again, people do not care what you do – they care who you are. By being so upfront with who you are (through your passion), it will encourage the person you are talking with to open up more also.

What is extra great about the Passion Ten Second Tease method is that it also communicates what you would be looking for in your next role. While how you pursue your passions sometimes shift, your true passions do not change that often throughout your lifetime. So even in those first few seconds of meeting someone, you’ve already shared with them a key aspect of what makes you thrive in a role.

Ready to make a great first impression? Download the free worksheet to guide you through the process of customizing your own Ten Second Tease Elevator Speech.

In upcoming posts, I’ll share the tips and steps in using these methods! Stay tuned!

About Ash Norton

Hi, my name is Ash and I am obsessed with engineering impact!

I am an Engineer (read: nerd + problem solver)

I am a Leader (read: pragmatic, visionary who knows how to serve and influence others)

I am a Mom (read: works well under pressure & practices negotiation on the daily)

I am a Wife (read: skilled at conflict resolution)

But most importantly (to you)...

I am also someone who knows how to get the absolute best results in the shortest possible time using proven methods. (read: practical, fluff-free guidance only)

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Why Is It Called an “Elevator Pitch”?

By jake rossen | may 27, 2024.

Sometimes a big idea conflicts with a small amount of time—and when you need to explain a concept quickly and succinctly, you might refer to it as an elevator pitch.

What Is An Elevator Pitch?

Elisha otis and the elevator stunt, elevator pitch redefined.

Usually, an elevator pitch involves taking anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes to summarize a concept. They may be common at work when you need to accommodate a busy colleague or employer, or you might use them in your personal life: Your spouse or partner might be rushing home and you’ve got scarce time to convince them why they should pick up a pizza.

But why is it called an “elevator pitch”? It may have something to do with a people-moving pioneer and a stunt that could have turned deadly.

Given how often they’re used ( according to one estimate , there are around 900,000 elevators in use in the U.S. that make 18 billion trips a year), elevators cause relatively few deaths annually—perhaps as few as 30. But in the 1800s, when elevators first came into widespread use, they posed far more significant risks. Any damage to the cables maneuvering the lift could result in occupants plummeting to their deaths. Many people avoided them altogether; rent for upper floors in residential buildings was often cheaper thanks to the difficulty in climbing stairs.

Elisha Otis, the owner of Otis Elevator Company, had a solution : He pioneered a mechanism for elevators in 1853 that would act as a failsafe. It was little more than a wagon spring attached to the cables and held in place by the downward pressure of the platform. If the cable snapped and the platform broke free, the spring would release; its ends would lock into notches in the beams on each side of the shaft, halting the platform’s descent.

Otis was so confident of his invention that he arranged for a public display of its effectiveness—and used himself as a guinea pig. He stood on a platform as it went up several stories in the air, then used a blade to cut the cable. As onlookers screamed, the spring was activated and Otis remained aloft.

The advancement revolutionized elevators, not only giving users confidence to ride them but also leading to more efficient construction as well as the emergence of skyscrapers. (It also raised the rent on the upper floors of buildings.) To some, this was the original elevator pitch—a brief, effective demonstration of an idea taken on literal terms. But elevator pitch as a figure of speech may have started in another industry.

While Otis perfected the elevator pitch, the term may not have come into broader use until the 20th century. According to Forbes, screenwriters in the early days of Hollywood would seize upon elevator rides to capture the attention of busy executives. Knowing they had a captive audience for at least a half-minute or so, the writers tried to sell decision-makers on movie ideas.

Charlie Fink, a onetime Disney executive, once wrote that elevator pitch was used at the company in the 1980s and 1990s. “When I worked at Disney in the ’80s and ’90s, we defined it as ‘[if CEO] Jeff Katzenberg steps into your elevator,’ ” he wrote. “ ‘You have two floors [or] 20 seconds to pitch him your movie.’ ” One example of an elevator pitch, according to Fink, was The Lion King , which he had summarized as “ Bambi in Africa.”

But elevator pitch didn’t get much play outside of the film industry. One of the earliest printed examples of the phrase in another line of work didn’t come until 1966, when a First National Bank employee named Duncan Williams was overheard by a senior executive “giving somebody a sale pitch” in the bank’s elevator. Impressed with what a newspaper article on the events called Williams’s “elevator pitch,” the executive put him in the bond department. He eventually made senior vice-president.

Another version of the phrase, elevator speech , was mentioned in a 1980 Associated Press article as part of “Pentagonese,” or slang terms that were used “by the men and women responsible for America’s national security.” An elevator speech was a “short two or three-minute briefing.” In the decades that followed, elevator pitch (or speech ) seemed to catch on in the business world.

It’s possible Otis brought the concept of an elevator pitch to life, with the film industry taking it from literal to figurative terms. But for the most part, people have used the phrase to conjure a brief window of time to explore an idea. If you couldn’t explain something in the time it takes to ride in an elevator, it’s probably not an elevator pitch.

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The White House 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, DC 20500

Remarks by President Biden at the Morehouse College Class of 2024 Commencement Address | Atlanta, GA

Morehouse College Atlanta, Georgia

10:29 A.M. EDT

THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you, thank you, thank you, President Thomas, faculty, staff, alumni. And a special thanks — I’ll ask all the folks who helped you get here — your mothers, fathers, grandmothers, grandfathers — all those who got you here, all the way in the back, please, parents, grandparents, all who helped, stand up, because we owe you a debt of gratitude. (Applause.) To all the family. And that is not hyperbole. A lot of you, like my family, had to make significant sacrifices to get your kids to school. It mattered. This mattered a lot. And the friends of Morehouse and the Morehouse men of the Class of 2024. I got more Morehouse men in the White House telling me what to do than I know what to do. (Laughter.) You all think I’m kidding, don’t you? (Laughs.) You know I’m not. And it’s the best thing that’s happened to me.

Scripture says, “The prayers of a righteous man availeth much.” In Augusta, Georgia, a righteous man once enslaved set foot for freedom. The story goes he feared no evil; he walked through the valley of the shadow of death on his way north to free soil in Philadelphia. A Baptist minister, he walked with faith in his soul, powering the steps of his feet to glory. But after the Union won the war, he knew his prayers availed him freedom that was not his alone. And so, this righteous man, Richard Coulter, returned home, his feet wary, his spirit in no ways tired. A hundred and fifty-seven years ago — you all know the story, but the rest of the world doesn’t, and it should — in the basement of a Baptist church in Augusta, he and two other ministers, William Jefferson White and Edmund Turney, planted the seeds of something revolutionary — and it was at the time — a school — a school to help formerly enslaved men enter the ministry, where education would be the great equalizer from slavery to freedom — an institution of higher learning that would become Morehouse College.

I don’t know any other college in America that has that tradition and that consequence. To the Class of 2024, you join, as you know, a sacred tradition. An education makes you free. And Morehouse education makes you fearless. (Applause.) I mean it. Visionary. Exceptional. Congratulations. You are Morehouse men. God love you. (Applause.)

And, again, I thank your families and your friends who helped you get here, because they made sacrifices for you as well. This graduation day is a day for generations, a day of joy, a day earned, not given.

We gather on this Sunday morning because — if we were in church, perhaps there would be this reflection. There would be a reflection about resurrection and redemption. Remember, Jesus was buried on Friday, and it was Sunday — on Sunday he rose again. But — but we don’t talk enough about Saturday, when the discip- — his disciples felt all hope was lost. In our lives and the lives of the nation, we have those Saturdays — to bear witness the day before glory, seeing people’s pain and not looking away. But what work is done on Saturday to move pain to purpose? How can faith get a man, get a nation through what was to come?

Here’s what my faith has taught me.

I was the first Biden to ever graduate from college, taking out loans with my dad and my — all through school to get me there. My junior year spring break, I fell in love at first sight, literally, with a woman I adored. I graduated from law school in her hometown, and I got married and took a job at a law firm in my hometown, Wilmington, Delaware. But then everything changed.

One of my heroes — and he was my hero — a Baptist minister, a Morehouse man, Dr. Martin Luther King — in April of my law school graduation year, he was murdered.

My city of Wilmington — and we were a — to our great shame, a slave state, and we were segregated. Delaware erupted into flames when he was assassinated, literally.

We’re the only city in America where the National Guard patrolled every street corner for nine full months with drawn bayonets, the longest stretch in any American city since the Civil War. Dr. le- — Dr. King’s legacy had a profound impact on me and my generation, whether you’re Black or white. I left the fancy law firm I had just joined and decided to become a public defender and then a county councilman, working to change our state’s politics to embrace the cause of civil rights. The Democratic Party in Delaware was a Southern Democratic Party at the time. We wanted to change it to become a Northeastern Democratic Party.

Then, we were trying to get someone to run for the United States Senate the year Nixon ran. I was 29 years of age. I had no notion of running — I love reading about everybody knew I was going to run; I didn’t know I was going to run — (laughter) — when a group of senior members of the Democratic Party came to me. They couldn’t find anybody to run and said, “You should run.” Nixon won my state by 60 percent of the vote. We won by 3,100 votes. We won by the thinnest of margins but with a broad coalition, including students from the best HBCU in America, Delaware State University. You guys are good, but — (laughter) — they got me elected. And you all — you all think I’m kidding. (Laughter.) I’m not kidding. But by Christmas, I was a newly elected senator hiring staff in Washington, D.C., when I got a call from the first responders, my fire department in my hometown, that forever altered my life. They put a young woman first responder on the line to say, “There was an automobile accident. A tractor-trailer hit your wife’s car while she was Christmas shopping with your three children.” And she — poor woman, she just blurted out. She said, “Your wife and daughter are killed” — my 13-month-old daughter — “they’re dead, and your almost three-year-old and four-year-old sons are badly injured. We’re not sure they’re going to make it, either.” I rushed from Washington to their bedside. I wanted to pray, but I was so angry. I was angry at God. I was angry at the world.

I had the same pain 43 years later when that four-year-old boy who survived was a grown man and a father himself, laying in another hospital bed at Walter Reed hospital having contracted stage four glioblastoma because he was a year in Iraq as a major — he won the Bronze Star — living next to a burn pit. Cancer took his last breath. On this walk of life, you can understand — you come to understand that we don’t know where or what fate will bring you or when. But we also know we don’t walk alone. When you’ve been a beneficiary of the compassion of your family, your friends, even strangers, you know how much the compassion matters. I’ve learned there is no easy optimism, but by faith — by faith, we can find redemption.

I was a single father for five years —

No man deserves one great love, let alone two. My youngest brother, who was a hell of an athlete, did a great thing. He introduced me to a classmate of his and said, “You’ll love her; she doesn’t like politics.” (Laughter.) But all kidding aside, until I met Jill, who healed — who healed the family in all the broken places. Our family became my redemption. Many of you have gone through similar or worse — and even worse things. But you lean on others, they lean on you, and together, you keep the faith in a better day tomorrow. But it’s not easy.

I know four years ago, as some of your speakers have already mentioned, it felt like one of those Saturdays.

The pandemic robbed you of so much. Some of you lost loved ones — mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, who were — aren’t able to be here to celebrate with you today — today. You missed your high school graduation. You started college just as George Floyd was murdered and there was a reckoning on race.

It’s natural to wonder if democracy you hear about actually works for you.

What is democracy if Black men are being killed in the street?

What is democracy if a trail of broken promises still leave Black — Black communities behind?

What is democracy if you have to be 10 times better than anyone else to get a fair shot?

And most of all, what does it mean, as we’ve heard before, to be a Black man who loves his country even if it doesn’t love him back in equal measure? (Applause.)

When I sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office, in front of the fireplace across from my — my desk, I have two busts: one of Dr. King and one of Bobby Kennedy. I often find myself looking at those busts and making decisions. I ask myself: Are we living up to what we say we are as a nation, to end racism and poverty, to deliver jobs and justice, to restore our leadership in the world? Then I look down and see the rosary on my wrist that was out of — my late son, he had on him when he w- — died at Walter Reed and I was with him. And I ask myself: What would he say? I know the answer because he told me in his last days.

My son knew the days were numbered. The last conversation was, “Dad, I’m not afraid, but I’m worried. I’m worried you’re going to give up when I go. You’re going to give up.” We have an expression in the Biden family. When you want someone to know — give you their word, you say, “Look at me.” He was lying to me — he said, “Look at me, Dad. Look at me.”

He said, “Give me your word. Give me your word as my father that you will not quit, that you will stay engaged. Promise me, Dad. Stay engaged. Promise me. Promise me.” I wrote a book called “Promise Me, Dad,” not for the public at large, although a lot of people would end up buying it. It’s for my grandchildren and great-grandchildren to know who Beau Biden was.

The rosary on the — my wrist, the bust in my office remind me that faith asks you to hold on to hope, to move heaven and earth to make better days. Well, that’s my commitment to you: to show you democracy, democracy, democracy is still the way.

If Black men are being killed on the streets, we bear witness. For me, that means to call out the poison of white supremacy, to root out systemic racism.

I stood up for George — with George Floyd’s family to help create a country where you don’t need to have that talk with your son or grandson as they get pulled over.

Instead of a trail of broken promises, we’re investing more money than ever in Black families and Black communities. We’re reconnecting Black neighborhoods cut off by old highways and decades of disinvestment where no one cared about the community.

We’ve delivered checks in pockets to reduce child — Black child poverty to the lowest rate in history. We’re removing every lead pipe in America so every child can drink clean water without fear of brain damage, and then can’t afford to remove the lead pipes themselves.

We’re delivering affordable high-speed Internet so no child has to sit in their parents’ car or do their homework in a parking lot outside of McDonald’s.

Instead of forcing you to prove you’re 10 times better, we’re breaking down doors so you have 100 times more opportunities: good-paying jobs you can raise a family on in your neighborhood — (applause); capital to start small business and loans to buy homes; health insurance, prescriptions drugs, housing that’s more affordable and accessible.

I’ve walked the picket line and defended the rights of workers. I’m relieving the burden of student debt — many of you have already had the benefit of it — (applause) — so I [you] can chase your dreams and grow the economy. When the Supreme Court told me I couldn’t, I found two other ways to do it. (Applause.) And we were able to do it, because it grows the economy. And I — in addition to the original $7 billion investment in HBCUs, I’m investing 16 billion more dollars — (applause) — more in our history, because you’re vital to our nation. Most HBCUs don’t have the endowments. The jobs of the future require sophisticated laboratories, sophisticated oppor- — opportunity on campus. We’re opening doors so you can walk into a life of generational wealth, to be providers and leaders for your families and communities. Today, record numbers of Black Americans have jobs, health insurance, and more [wealth] than ever.

Democracy is also about hearing and heeding your generation’s call to a community free of gun violence and a planet free of climate crisis and showing your power to change the world.

But I also know some of you ask: What is democracy if we can’t stop wars that break out and break our hearts?

In a democracy, we debate and dissent about America’s role in the world.

I want to say this very clearly. I support peaceful, nonviolent protest. Your voices should be heard, and I promise you I hear them. I determined to make my c- — my administration look like America. I have more African Americans in high places, including on the Court, than any president in American history — (applause) — because I need the input. What’s happening in Gaza and Israel is heartbreaking. Hamas’s vicious attack on Israel, killing innocent lives and holding people hostage. I was there nine days after, s- — pictures of tying a mother and a daughter with a rope, pouring kerosene on them, burning them and watching as they died. Innocent Palestinians caught in the middle of all this: men, women, and children killed or displaced in despite — in desperate need of water, food, and medicine. It’s a humanitarian crisis in Gaza. That’s why I’ve called for an immediate ceasefire — an immediate ceasefire to stop the fighting — (applause) — bring the hostages home. And I’ve been working on a deal as we speak, working around the clock to lead an international effort to get more aid into Gaza, rebuild Gaza. I’m also working around the clock for more than just one ceasefire. I’m working to bring the region together. I’m working to build a lasting, durable peace. Because the question is, as you see what’s going on in Israel today: What after? What after Hamas? What happens then? What happens in Gaza? What rights do the Palestinian people have? I’m working to make sure we finally get a two-state solution — the only solution — (applause) — for two people to live in peace, security, and dignity. This is one of the hardest, most complicated problems in the world. And there’s nothing easy about it. I know it angered and frustrates many of you, including my family. But most of all, I know it breaks your heart. It breaks mine as well. Leadership is about fighting through the most intractable problems. It’s about challenging anger, frustration, and heartbreak to find a solution. It’s about doing what you believe is right, even when it’s hard and lonely. You’re all future leaders, every one of you graduating today. And that’s not hyperbole. You’re future leaders, all of you. You’ll face complicated, tough moments. In these moments, you’ll listen to others, but you’ll have to decide, guided by knowledge, conviction, principle, and your own moral compass.

And the desire to know what freedom is, what it can be is the heart and soul of why this college was founded in the first place, proving that a free nation is born in the hearts of men spellbound by freedom. But the — that’s the magic of Morehouse. That’s the magic of America.

But let’s be clear what happens to you and your family when old ghosts in new garments seize power, extremists come for the freedoms you thought belonged to you and everyone.

Today in Georgia, they won’t allow water to be available to you while you wait in line to vote in an election. What in the hell is that all about? (Applause.) I’m serious. Think about it. And then the constant attacks on Black election workers who count your vote.

Insurrectionists who storm the Capitol with Confederate flags are called “patriots” by some. Not in my house. (Applause.) Black police officers, Black veterans protecting the Capitol were called another word, as you’ll recall.

They also say out loud, these other groups, immigrants “poison the blood” of our country, like the Grand Wizard and fascists said in the past. But you know and I know we all bleed the same color. In America, we’re all created equal. (Applause.)

Extremists close the doors of opportunity; strike down affirmative action; attack the values of diversity, equality, and inclusion.

I never thought when I was graduating in 1968 — as your honoree just was — we talked about — I never thought I’d be in — present in a time when there’s a national effort to ban books — not to write history but to erase history. They don’t see you in the future of America. But they’re wrong. To me, we make history, not erase it. We know Black history is American history. (Applause.) Many of you graduates don’t know me, but check my record, you’ll know what I’m saying I mean from my gut.

And we know Black men are going to help us, lead us to the future — Black men from this class, in this university. (Applause.)

But, graduates, this is what we’re up against: extremist forces aligned against the meaning and message of Morehouse. And they peddle a fiction, a caricature what being a man is about — tough talk, abusing power, bigotry. Their idea of being a man is toxic. I ran into them all the time when I was younger. They got — all right, I don’t want to get started. (Laughter.) But that’s not you. It’s not us. You all know and demonstrate what it really means to be a man. Being a man is about the strength of respect and dignity. It’s about showing up because it’s too late if you have to ask. It’s about giving hate no safe harbor and leaving no one behind and defending freedoms. It’s about standing up to the abuse of power, whether physical, economic, or psychological. It’s about knowing faith without works is dead. (Applause.)

Look — and you’re doing the work. Today, I look out at all you graduates and I see the next generation of Morehouse men who are doctors and researchers curing cancer; artists shaping our culture; fearless journalists and intellectuals challenging convention. I see preachers and advocates who might even join another Morehouse man in the United States Senate. You can clap for him. He’s a good man. (Applause.)

As I said, I’m proud to have the most diverse administration in history to tap into the full talents of our nation. I’m also proud of putting the first Black woman on the United States Supreme Court. (Applause.) And I have no doubt, one day a Morehouse man will be on that Court as well. (Applause.) You know it.

I’ve been vice president to the first Black president and become my close friend and president to the first woman vice president. (Applause.) Wh- — I have no idea — no doubt that a Morehouse man will be president one day, just after an AKA from Howard. (Laughter and applause.) She’s tough, guys. (Laughter.)

Look, let me close with this. I know I don’t look like I’ve been around very long. (Laughter.) (The President makes the sign of the cross.) But in my career, for the first 30 years, I was told, “You’re too young, kid.” They used to stop me from getting on the Senate elevator when I first got there, for real. Now, I’m too old. Whether you’re young or old, I know what endures: The strength and wisdom of faith endures. And I hope — my hope for you is — my challenge to you is that you still keep the faith so long as you can. That cap on your head proves you’ve earned your crown. The question is now, 25 years from now, 50 years from now, when you’re asked to stand and address the next generation of Morehouse men, what will you say you did with that power you’ve earned? What will you say you’ve done for your family, for your community, your country when it mattered most? I know what we can do. Together, we’re capable of building a democracy worthy of our dreams; a future where every — even more of your brothers and sisters can follow their dreams; a boundless future where your legacies lift us up t- — so those who follow; a bigger, brighter future that proves the American Dream is big enough for everyone to succeed.

Class of 2024, four years ago, it felt probably like Saturday. Four years later, you made it to Sunday, to commencement, to the beginning. And with faith and determination, you can push the sun above the horizon once more. You can reveal a light hope — and that’s not — I’m not kidding — for yourself and for your nation. “The prayers of a righteous man availeth much.” A righteous man. A good man. A Morehouse man. God bless you all. We’re expecting a lot from you. Thank you. (Applause.)

10:55 A.M. EDT

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Welcome Speech for Science Fair

Ai generator.

Introduction:

“Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone. Honored guests, respected teachers, proud parents, and dear students, welcome to the [Year] Science Fair at [School’s Name]. For those who don’t know me, I’m [Your Name], [your position, e.g., the Principal, the Head of the Science Department]. It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to this exciting event.”

Acknowledgment of Guests: “First, I would like to extend a warm welcome to our esteemed guests and judges who have taken the time to join us today. Your presence and expertise add significant value to our event, and we are grateful for your support.”

Recognition of Participants: “I would also like to commend all the students who have worked diligently on their projects. Your curiosity, creativity, and hard work have brought us to this moment. Today, we celebrate your efforts and the amazing scientific discoveries you have made.”

Importance of the Science Fair: “The Science Fair is more than just an event; it is a celebration of inquiry, innovation, and the pursuit of knowledge. It provides our students with an opportunity to explore their interests, apply their learning, and present their findings to a wider audience. This experience not only enhances their understanding of scientific principles but also develops critical thinking and problem-solving skills.”

Encouraging Exploration and Learning: “To our students, I encourage you to take pride in your work and be open to learning from each other’s projects. Science is all about exploration and discovery, and today is a chance to showcase your innovative ideas and learn from one another. Whether your project involves chemistry, physics, biology, or environmental science, each of you has contributed something valuable to our understanding of the world.”

Theme and Highlights: “This year’s Science Fair theme is [mention the theme, if any, e.g., ‘Sustainable Solutions for the Future’]. We have a diverse range of projects that reflect this theme, from renewable energy solutions to innovative recycling methods. We are excited to see the creative and practical solutions our students have developed.”

Acknowledgment of Teachers and Parents: “I would also like to thank our dedicated teachers and staff who have guided and mentored our students throughout this process. Your support and encouragement have been instrumental in their success. To the parents, thank you for fostering a love of science and supporting your children’s educational journeys.”

Conclusion:

Final Words of Inspiration: “As we explore the projects today, let us celebrate the spirit of scientific inquiry and the boundless curiosity that drives us to understand and improve the world around us. Remember, every great discovery starts with a simple question and a desire to find answers.”

Welcome Once Again: “Once again, welcome to the [Year] Science Fair at [School’s Name]. Let’s make this day a memorable celebration of science, innovation, and learning.”

Closing: “Thank you all for being here. Enjoy the exhibits, ask questions, and be inspired by the incredible work of our students. Let the exploration begin!”

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Libertarians Skip Over Trump and R.F.K. Jr. for Chase Oliver

The party selected Mr. Oliver as its presidential nominee. He ran for a Senate seat in Georgia in 2022.

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Chase Oliver stands in a gray suit with his arms folded, buttons adorning his lapels, as a crowd looks on behind him.

By Rebecca Davis O’Brien and Michael Gold

The Libertarian Party chose one of its own as its presidential nominee on Sunday night, capping a grueling day of elimination voting and a boisterous four-day event, where both Donald J. Trump and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. unsuccessfully sought to court the group’s backing.

The nominee, Chase Oliver — an openly gay former Democrat who in 2022 forced a runoff in a race for a U.S. Senate seat in Georgia — beat out nine other candidates at the party’s national convention in Washington, including Mr. Kennedy.

Mr. Kennedy, who was a late addition to the official list of potential nominees on Sunday morning, was eliminated in the first round of voting Sunday afternoon, with 19 votes — just 2 percent of the total. Mr. Trump, who was not an official candidate, received six write-in votes in the first round.

The Libertarian Party is among the better-established minor parties, with name recognition and placement on the majority of state ballots in November. The Libertarian nominee is guaranteed to be on the November ballot in at least 37 states, a number that party leaders say they expect to grow in the coming months.

With its emphasis on unfettered individual liberties and limited government, the party draws supporters from across the political spectrum. Libertarian Party faithful call for the dismantling of the regulatory state — including, for some, the abolition of the Internal Revenue Service and the F.B.I. — as well as the legalization of drugs and sex work. Broadly, the party has embraced cryptocurrency, opposed tariffs and foreign military spending, and called for the release of the WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, who is being held in the U.K. and faces espionage charges in the U.S.

A theme of the party’s convention, displayed proudly on badges and signs at the convention, was: “Become Ungovernable.”

On Sunday, it almost was. The party took more than seven hours, and seven rounds of elimination voting, to get a presidential nominee — and even then the party nearly ended up without any candidate at all, as more than a third of the final voters cast ballots for “none of the above.”

Had the party failed to nominate a candidate, it would have likely lost ballot access in many states.

“I assume that everybody understands what it means if you literally don’t have a candidate,” the party chair, Angela McArdle, told the delegates after the second-to-last round of votes failed to produce an outright majority winner.

In his acceptance speech late Sunday night, Mr. Oliver, 38 — who has described himself as “armed and gay” — pledged to unify the party along its common principles and to expand its reach around the U.S. “We can set the world free in our lifetimes,” he said, adding that he would help bring to an end the “genocide in Gaza,” would get rid of the Federal Reserve and would “stop the thieving” of taxation.

“Here’s the elevator pitch, you guys,” Mr. Oliver said, adding, “If you are living your life in peace,” then your life “is your life, your body is your body, your business is your business.”

He also took a shot at Mr. Kennedy, saying, “Rule No. 1: If you want to elect a real political outsider, don’t elect somebody with the last name Kennedy.” And alluding to President Biden, 81, and Mr. Trump, 77, Mr. Oliver made an explicit pitch for younger voters who “don’t want octogenarians running their lives.”

The ultimate selection of an actual member of the Libertarian Party came as no surprise to other actual members of the Libertarian Party. Many of them had greeted Mr. Kennedy and Mr. Trump with deep skepticism and said that their presence at the convention was an unwelcome distraction.

Mr. Kennedy’s candidacy, and the general disaffection shown in national polls for both Mr. Trump and Mr. Biden, has meant more attention on third parties this year. The Libertarian Party convention over the weekend, held in the Washington Hilton hotel, was a reminder of the internecine squabbles and organizational frustrations often inherent in minor parties — particularly one that prides itself on freedom of expression.

Sunday’s proceedings were carried live on C-SPAN, whose viewers were treated to regular unbleeped profanity, a marriage proposal, a man wearing something like a loincloth onesie, and heated debate about rules of parliamentary debate and voting procedures.

Mr. Kennedy, who left the Democratic Party last year to pursue an independent run for president, had been in conversations with Libertarian leadership over the past year about pursuing their nomination.

In recent weeks, however, he had said he would not do so. During the convention, several party delegates noted that while there were pockets of support for Mr. Kennedy, he held many stances that were fundamentally at odds with the party, particularly his calls for increased environmental regulation.

When Mr. Kennedy addressed the group on Friday afternoon, he spoke to a generally supportive audience about shared points of agreement, including the desire to sharply curtail foreign military entanglements and the support for gun ownership. He did not explicitly ask for the nomination.

On Sunday morning, though, delegates put him forward as a potential nominee, and he accepted in a video played on the convention floor.

After he was eliminated, Mr. Kennedy wrote on X: “What an unexpected honor to wake up this morning to a groundswell in the Libertarian Party seeking to nominate me. I would have accepted the nomination if offered because independents and third parties need to unite right now to reclaim our country from the corrupt two-party system.”

Mr. Trump received a far less enthusiastic welcome when he spoke at the event on Saturday night, before a crowd that was already jeering him before he took the stage. He told the party delegates that they should nominate him, or to at least consider voting for him in the fall, and was repeatedly booed.

His speech was remarkable not only for the hostility with which he was greeted, but because of the specter of the presumptive nominee of a major political party giving a prime-time address at another party’s convention.

Mr. Trump, in a social media post on Sunday afternoon, said he did not file for the nomination because he was already the presumptive Republican nominee — even though he had asked Libertarians to nominate him in his speech the night before. He criticized Mr. Kennedy as “not a Libertarian” and repeated his past efforts to paint Mr. Kennedy, whose political views are ideologically disparate, as a “Radical Left Democrat.”

Mr. Trump also insisted that he “would have absolutely gotten” the Libertarian nomination “if I wanted it (as everyone could tell by the enthusiasm of the Crowd last night!),” a statement inconsistent with the frequent heckling he experienced throughout his speech.

Mr. Trump was among a motley collection of write-in candidates in the first round of votes on Sunday. Others included Afroman (a recording artist who is best known for his 2000 hit “Because I Got High” and who met with Mr. Trump backstage on Saturday), Sean Ono Lennon and the adult film star Stormy Daniels, who is at the center of Mr. Trump’s criminal trial for hush-money payments made to her. They each received one vote.

The sixth round of votes was expected to be the last: Mr. Oliver faced off against Michael Rectenwald, a former professor at New York University who left the school in 2019 on the heels of several controversies. He had invited the right-wing provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos to be a guest speaker in his class and had sued colleagues and the university for defamation. Mr. Rectenwald is a member of the party’s radical Mises Caucus.

But neither Mr. Oliver nor Mr. Rectenwald reached a majority in that vote: Mr. Oliver got 49.53 percent of the vote, and Mr. Rectenwald, who had led every previous vote, got 44.73 percent. Just over 5 percent voted “None of The Above.” (The former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino got one write-in vote, as did the singer Courtney Love.)

Mr. Rectenwald, as the lowest performing official candidate, was dropped from the ballot, and the party faced the prospect of having to back either Mr. Oliver or nobody at all. Just after 10 p.m., the final votes came in.

Rebecca Davis O’Brien covers campaign finance and money in U.S. elections. She previously covered federal law enforcement, courts and criminal justice. More about Rebecca Davis O’Brien

Michael Gold is a political correspondent for The Times covering the campaigns of Donald J. Trump and other candidates in the 2024 presidential elections. More about Michael Gold

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Elevator Speech
Dave Yewman. A friend of Dave's 11-year-old son Aaron asked, "What does your Dad do?". Aaron thought for a minute, then said, "He teaches people how not to say 'um.'". That's a pretty good elevator speech for a presentation coach.
How to Create an Elevator Pitch (With Examples)
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. Photo: Hybrid Images / Cultura / Getty Images. An elevator pitch is a quick synopsis of your background that showcases your expertise and credentials. Here's what to include, along with examples.
How To Give an Elevator Pitch (With Examples)
The Four-Step Elevator Pitch: 1. Start by introducing yourself "Hi, my name is Sara. It's so nice to meet you!" 2. Provide a summary of what you do "I'm a PR manager, specializing in overseeing successful initiative launches from beginning to end." 3. Explain what you want "I find the work your PR team does to be innovating and refreshing - I'd love the opportunity to put my expertise to work ...
How to Give a Great Elevator Pitch (With Examples)
Part 1: Who Are You? Your elevator pitch starts with your name, of course, but also consider throwing in a "hook" that gives the person you're speaking with an opening to ask you questions. Here are some examples: "I'm [your name], a recent graduate of [university] with a degree in [your degree].".
23 Elevator Pitch Examples to Inspire Your Own [+Templates & Expert Tips]
7. Keep it simple and focused. Gauri Manglik, CEO and Cofounder of Instrumentl, says, "The most important tip I can offer for creating and delivering an effective elevator pitch is to keep it simple and focused. Have one clear message or key insight you want to convey and structure your pitch around that.
How to Write an Elevator Pitch
Write several versions of your elevator pitch. One by one, create a pitch for your business to use in each of the situations you listed above. Start with the situations that you're most likely to be in and/or that are most important to you. For each version, put yourself in the listener's shoes. Summarize your answers to each of the ...
How to Create an Elevator Pitch with Examples
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 ...
Crafting an Elevator Pitch
When you've completed each section of your pitch, put it all together. Then, read it aloud and time how long it takes. It should be no longer than 20-30 seconds. Otherwise, you risk losing the person's interest, or monopolizing the conversation. Try to cut out anything that doesn't absolutely need to be there.
How to Nail Your Elevator Pitch
8. Ride the Elevator. The next time you ride an elevator (alone), practice your speech. First, give yourself some time by going to the highest floor. Then, try giving your pitch from a middle floor and from the first to the third floor, too. Having to make just a few brief moments count will help you to hone the words you need and scrap the ...
15 creative elevator pitch examples for every scenario
Elevate your first impression with an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is a chance to show off your strengths and pitch your solutions. While it may sound nerve-wracking, using the 15 elevator pitch examples above will help you develop your own method using personal tidbits that tie into your innovative solutions.
How to Create a Captivating Elevator Pitch
The goal of an elevator pitch is to intrigue the listener, inviting further conversation or inspiring them to take action. There are situations where a more extended version of your pitch is appropriate. This longer presentation, sometimes called a "pitch presentation," typically lasts between 5 and 20 minutes.
Elevator Pitch
Make answering those kinds of question the focus of your elevator pitch. 4. Put it all together. Once you have all the elements of your elevator pitch, put it all together and ensure that it's short, straightforward, and compelling. Since it's an elevator pitch, it should not be much longer than 30 seconds. The key is to get the other ...
Elevator Speech [Outline + 13 Examples] • My Speech Class
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.
Elevator Pitch for a Job Interview with Examples [2024]
Here's a suggested structure for your elevator pitch. Keep it concise: Your elevator pitch should be brief and to the point, ideally lasting around 30-60 seconds. Focus on capturing the listener's attention and delivering a clear message. Start with a strong introduction: Begin your elevator pitch with a confident and engaging introduction.
What is an "elevator speech"?
An elevator speech is a clear, brief message or "commercial" about you. It communicates who you are, why you are valuable, and how you can benefit your stakeholders. It's typically about 30 seconds to 1 minute, the time it takes people to ride from the top to the bottom of a building in an elevator. Elevator speeches are handy to have ...
Elevator pitch
An elevator pitch quickly summarises an idea, product or service during a short journey in an elevator. An elevator pitch, elevator speech, lift speech, or elevator statement is a short description of an idea, product, or company that explains the concept in a way such that any listener can understand it in a short period of time. This description typically explains who the thing is for, what ...
60 Second Public Speaking Pitch
Tired of dull networking intros? In this video, Diane DiResta shares the keys to a killer public speaking pitch: Be Clear, Concise, Compelling, and Convincin...
The Elevator Speech
The Elevator Speech. An elevator speech a message intended to spur decision makers to action. An elevator speech must be short, specific, and memorable. It is important to have your elevator speech rehearsed and ready because you never know when you'll have an opportunity to use it!
3 Methods for Crafting the Ultimate Elevator Speech
Ten Second Tease Method 3: Passion. This Ten Second Tease elevator speech method gets right to the heart of you by describing your passion, followed by how you are actively pursuing that in your current role. For this method, the discussion would go something like this: PLUS Engineers, You're Doing It Wrong!
Why Is It Called an "Elevator Pitch"?
Sometimes a big idea conflicts with a small amount of time—and when you need to explain a concept quickly and succinctly, you might refer to it as an elevator pitch. Usually, an elevator pitch ...
Opinion
Mr. Ali, a journalist and writer who focuses on right-wing efforts to transform India into a Hindu nation, wrote from Delhi. I used to answer the phone with "Salam." Not anymore. I don't ...
Remarks by President Biden at the Morehouse College Class of 2024
Morehouse CollegeAtlanta, Georgia 10:29 A.M. EDT THE PRESIDENT: Thank you. (Applause.) Thank you, thank you, thank you, President Thomas, faculty, staff, alumni. And a special thanks — I'll ...
Welcome Speech for Science Fair [Edit & Download]
Introduction: "Good [morning/afternoon/evening], everyone. Honored guests, respected teachers, proud parents, and dear students, welcome to the [Year] Science Fair at [School's Name].
Libertarians Skip Over Trump and R.F.K. Jr. for Chase Oliver
The Libertarian Party chose one of its own as its presidential nominee on Sunday night, capping a grueling day of elimination voting and a boisterous four-day event, where both Donald J. Trump and ...

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How to Create an Elevator Pitch (With Examples)

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23 Elevator Pitch Examples to Inspire Your Own [+Templates & Expert Tips]

What is an elevator pitch?

When to use an elevator pitch?

Download Now: Free Elevator Pitch Templates

You're all set!

How long should an elevator pitch be?

1. Use elevator pitch templates .

2. Introduce yourself.

3. State your company's mission.

4. Explain the company value proposition.

5. Grab their attention with a hook.

6. Make sure your pitch is more conversational and less “sales-y.”

7. Keep it simple and focused.

8. Read and edit the pitch.

Featured Resource: 8 Free Elevator Pitch Templates

1. An Attention-Grabbing Question

3. The Surprise Ending

4. An Outlandish Stat

2. "Deliver a clear tech talent solution with EchoGlobal Tech . "

3. "Simplify the insurance buying experience with Dundas Life "

4. "Engage with real estate investment expertise with EZ Sell Homebuyers. "

5. "Enhance your online visibility with CodeDesign . "

6. "Illuminate spaces with quality lighting with Festoon House . "

7. "Solve food waste with RedBat.Agency . "

8. "Elevate travel with JetLevel Aviation . "

1. Keep it brief.

2. Practice multiple times beforehand.

3. Come prepared with additional materials.

4. Be positive and enthusiastic.

5. Vary the tone of your voice.

1. Don't ramble.

This elevator pitch is not effective because:

2. Don't use too much jargon.

3. Don‘t insert your prospect’s personal information.

4. Don‘t under-emphasize the problem you’re solving.

Reel in Clients with an Effective Elevator Pitch

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How to Create an Elevator Pitch with Examples

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15 creative elevator pitch examples for every scenario

First things first: What is an elevator pitch?

How long should an elevator pitch be?

How to write an elevator pitch

Introduce yourself

Present the problem

Offer the solution

Explain your value proposition

Engage the audience

A foolproof elevator pitch template