How To Make an Amazing Elevator Pitch

Write down what you do- It doesn't matter if you are trying to get a contract with a new client or you are looking for a new job, write down what skills and experience you bring to the table. Keep trying different ways of saying it. Just write down anything you can think of, it doesn't matter if you don't think it is important. In this step just write everything you think of down.

 

Make up a story- Your story should illustrate what you do. It doesn't have to be a real story, it is perfectly fine to use a hypothetical situation. It can be something as simple as “There was a person who needed to ship (some oddly shaped thing) and was concerned about the cost and time needed. By taking a step back and getting creative, I found a way that the items could be shipped at a much lower cost by changing the way we were going about it”. Don't worry about how long the story is, there will be time to edit later. For now, just make the story a clear illustration of your skills.

 

Write down you goal- What is your objective with the pitch? Are you trying to get a job? Land a client? Maybe even both. No matter what the goal is, write it down.

 

Think of some action statements- These don't have to fit into any paragraphs yet, just write out a few statements that describe what you do and/or what you have to offer.

 

Edit everything down- Here is the place where you can do a first edit. Take the things you have written down and try to incorporate them into one cohesive piece. You may find that some things don't fit, it is ok.

 

Take a break- It is a good idea to walk away from it for a little while. Go do something else and come back with fresh eyes.

 

Edit some more- Read over your pitch and see where you can cut some things out.

Record it- This is important. I know it can be a little uncomfortable for some people, but recording yourself reading the pitch is crucial. You have to hear how it flows. This will help you determine what you can cut out, if your message is clear and it will give you an idea of how long it takes to deliver.

 

Edit, Edit, Edit- After listening to your recording, edit some more. If there are places where you feel like it drags or places that have to much information, this is the time to fix it.

 

Record it again- Keep editing and recording until your pitch is about 60 seconds long. If it is a little longer than that, don't worry about it too much. A typical elevator-pitch is between 60-90 seconds long.

 

Ask others for their opinion- Practice this pitch on anyone you can get to listen. Ask for feedback. Friends, co-workers and colleagues can all give you some great feedback and let you know how effective your pitch is.

 

Memorize it- Once you think you have it just the way you want it, memorize it. You should keep practicing it until you are confident that you can deliver this pitch under any circumstances. Keep in mind that an interview or a meeting with a potential client is high stress. You don't want to blank out and forget it or stumble over the words.