Put it all Together

When you've completed each section of your pitch, put it all together.

Then, read it aloud and use a stopwatch to 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.

Then, try to cut out anything doesn't absolutely need to be there. Remember, your pitch needs to be snappy and compelling, so the shorter it is, the better!

Example:

Here's how your pitch could come together:

"My company develops mobile applications that businesses use to train their staff remotely. This means that senior managers can spend time on other important tasks. Unlike other similar companies, we visit each organization to find out exactly what people need. This means that, on average, 95 percent of our clients are happy with the first version of their app. So, how does your organization handle the training of new people?"

Practice

Like anything else, practice makes perfect. Remember, how you say it is just as important as what you say. If you don't practice, it's likely that you'll talk too fast, sound unnatural, or forget important elements of your pitch.

Set a goal to practice your pitch regularly. The more you practice, the more natural your pitch will become. You want it to sound like a smooth conversation, not an aggressive sales pitch. 

Make sure that you're aware of your body language as you talk, which conveys just as much information to the listener as your words do. Practice in front of a mirror or, better yet, in front of colleagues until the pitch feels natural.

As you get used to delivering your pitch, it's fine to vary it a little – the idea is that it doesn't sound too formulaic or like it's pre-prepared, even though it is!

Tip 1: You may want to keep small take-away items with you, which you can give to people after you've delivered your pitch. For example, these could be business cards or brochures that talk about your product idea or business.

Tip 2: Remember to tailor your pitch for different audiences, if appropriate.

Key Points - An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech that you can use to spark interest in what your organization does. You can also use one to create interest in a project, idea, or product. It needs to be succinct, while conveying important information.

To craft a great pitch, follow these steps.

• Identify your goal.
• Explain what you do.
• Communicate your USP.
• Engage with a question.
• Put it all together.
• Practice.

Try to keep a business card or other take-away item with you, which helps the other person remember you and your message. And cut out any information that doesn't absolutely need to be there.

Elevator pitches will always be a necessary evil of the job. We can change the name, eliminate the elevator, and avoid the awkward intros – but that, “So tell me about yourself/what do you do/who are you?” question is inevitable, and we know it. Though everyone has different ideas of what makes a great elevator pitch, when we get back to basics, we realize that there are only three true rules to consider:

• It should be 30 seconds or less.
• Your skill (or how you benefit a potential employer) should be clear.
• There should be a goal (or ask).

Everything else is up to you.

Ready to Write Your Elevator Pitch? 

Take 20 minutes and write out what you think would be a strong elevator pitch. Once the time is finished, it’s time now to “pitch” your elevator pitch to other people in your group.

Assignment: Crafting the Pitch

Now that you have a good understanding about what the elevator pitch is and how to write one, come up with an elevator pitch about your company. Fine tune it, so it becomes the best it can be. Most of all, practice, practice, practice! 

When you come back, each of you will deliver your elevator pitch to the group.

Click here to advance to day 3.