How to Write an Elevator Pitch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Crafting an effective elevator pitch is an essential skill for anyone looking to make a memorable impression in a short amount of time.

Whether you’re attending a networking event, preparing for a job interview, or introducing yourself to new people at a Conference, having a strong elevator pitch can make all the difference in sparking interest and creating connections!

An elevator pitch is meant to be brief—typically no longer than 30 seconds, or about the length of a short elevator ride.

The goal is to quickly communicate who you are, what you do, and why someone should be interested in you and what you offer.

Here are 5 key steps to creating a compelling elevator pitch:

1. Introduce Yourself Clearly

Start by introducing yourself with a brief but impactful statement.

This should include your name, what you do, and any relevant background. You don’t need to dive into your entire biography—just the highlights, that set the stage for what’s coming next.

For example:

• At a networking event, when asked to introduce myself to the crowd, I could say something to the effect of: "Hello, everyone, my name is Susan Weser. I’m a public speaking coach, and I help professionals from all different industries, put their best foot forward when they speak in public."

• Or, if you're in a different industry, you could say: “Hello, I’m Tom. I help small businesses streamline their operations with cutting-edge software solutions.”

This is your first chance to make an impression, so keep it confident and direct.

A solid, clear introduction helps your listener understand immediately who you are.

2. Identify a Problem or Need

Now, highlight a challenge or pain point to which your audience can relate.

This step is crucial because it makes your pitch feel relevant, and positions you as someone who understands the struggles of your target audience.

For example:

• “Did you know that public speaking is consistently ranked as one of the biggest fears people have, even more so than the fear of death?! I help my clients conquer that fear, and feel confident in any speaking scenario.”

• Or, if you're in social media marketing: “Many small business owners struggle to grow their online presence, which makes it harder to connect with customers.”

By presenting a problem that resonates, you’re showing that you’re aware of the problems your audience might be facing, and opening the door for your solution.

3. Present Your Solution

Once you’ve established the problem, it’s time to pitch your solution.

Be concise and clear. This is where you get to show how you can make a difference.

Explain what you do and how it specifically addresses the problem you’ve just mentioned.

For example:

• “As a public speaking coach, I work with my clients to break down their fear, build their confidence, and help them deliver powerful presentations that captivate any audience.”

• Or for a social media marketer: “I specialise in creating tailored social media campaigns that engage your target audience and drive sales growth.”

Make sure your solution is straightforward, and emphasise how it brings value to the person with whom you are speaking.

4. Highlight What Makes You Unique

What sets you apart from others in your field?

This is your chance to briefly mention your expertise, unique approach, or any impressive results you've achieved. Which in turn helps to build your credibility and make your pitch memorable.

For example:

• “I’ve helped over 100 professionals become confident public speakers, with a 95% success rate in overcoming stage fright.”

• Or for social media marketing: “I’ve worked with small businesses like yours to increase their online engagement by 30%, driving real results.”

Including specific achievements or experiences helps to solidify your value, and gives your listener a reason to trust in your abilities.

5. Be Ready for Follow-Up Questions

Your pitch doesn’t end when you’ve said everything you planned to say.

Be ready for follow-up questions, and remain open to engaging in a deeper conversation if the listener wants to know more.

An elevator pitch is just the beginning—it’s a conversation starter.

Encourage curiosity by inviting questions or offering to continue the discussion later:

• "If you'd like to know more about how I can help your team improve their public speaking and presentation skills, let’s set up a time to chat."

• Or, "I’d love to share more about how I can help your business grow—feel free to reach out anytime"

Being open to dialogue shows that you’re approachable and confident in your ability to provide even more value.

Putting it all together

Now, all you need to do is combine all the different parts together into one script.

Additional Tips for Perfecting Your Elevator Pitch:

• Practise, Practise, Practise: The more you practise your pitch, the more natural it will sound. Try saying it out loud in front of a mirror or recording yourself. This will help you iron out any awkward phrasing and improve your delivery.

• Tailor Your Pitch: Remember that not every audience is the same. You might need to adjust your pitch as required. Remain flexible and tweak your message based on the specific speaking situation.

• Be Authentic: While it’s important to have a polished pitch, you also want to be yourself. Authenticity makes you more relatable and memorable. Don’t just follow a formula—let your personality shine through!

Final Thoughts:

Your elevator pitch is a powerful tool to help you make a lasting impression in just a few seconds. By crafting a clear, compelling message, you can capture the attention of your audience, and set the stage for meaningful conversations.

Remember, it’s not just about selling yourself—it’s about starting a dialogue and creating opportunities for further engagement.

All the best crafting your pitch, and don’t forget to practise it until you feel 100% comfortable with the words, and it feels natural.