elevator speech sample for students

5 Elevator Pitch Examples for Students + Quick Tips

Take your student elevator pitch from robotic and canned to genuinely interesting. Make relevant connections and land your next career.

11 minute read

helped business professionals at:

Short answer

How can you maximize your elevator pitch?

Introduce effectively: State your field and experiences.

Share uniquely: Present interesting, field-specific details.

Highlight clearly: Focus on pertinent achievements.

Conclude engagingly: Finish with a thought-provoking question.

Let me guess… you’re here because you’ve got an important networking event coming up, you got an assignment to craft an elevator pitch, or you’d just like to learn how to introduce yourself in a professional manner when the moment comes. Regardless of why you came here (and I’m glad you did!), let me just get one thing straight: elevator pitch is a nightmare . At least, the kind of elevator pitch old-school career advisors recommend.

I mean, a careers site of a college I’m not going to name claims an elevator pitch “should sound like an advertisement of you.” Um, no, it definitely shouldn’t, unless you want to come across robotic, awkward, and full of yourself. The good news is that there is a perfectly easy formula for a great, conversational elevator pitch that will make whoever you’re talking to genuinely interested in your qualifications and skills.

Just give this guide a 5-minute read and you’ll learn it. Plus, you’ll get actionable examples of elevator speeches for different scenarios you can use as a point of reference to build your own .

What is an elevator pitch for students?

An elevator pitch for students (AKA elevator speech) is used by individuals during career fairs, networking events , or job interviews. An elevator pitch is about getting a potential employer to want to learn more about you and the value you can bring to the table. 99.9% of the time it will not land you the position, but rather get you the opportunity to apply.

The name elevator pitch comes from the idea that you should be able to deliver it while on an elevator ride—roughly, in 30 to 60 seconds.

A 30-second student elevator pitch is hard to get right —unless you’re an Ivy League prodigy and a superstar in your field already (in which case I want your email and I’ll be launching my elevator pitch to you very soon).

For all of us mere mortals, sharpening a killer personal elevator pitch will take a systematic approach and some practice. Lucky for you, there is a system you can follow to make your value shine brigh t. We’ll get into that in the next section.

How to create a good student elevator pitch?

A student elevator pitch has to communicate something. And communication is never a one-way process (hey. That’s why the end goal of your pitch should be to start a conversation, not brag about your accomplishments. Of course, depending on the situation, you’ll want to modify your elevator pitch a little bit, but the main ingredients remain the same.

Below are the core priciples that tie together a killer elevator speech:

1. Introduce yourself, say what you do, and how you do it

There’s no going around that part. Say your name, tell them what you study and what relevant experience you have. But, don’t stop there. Instead of just detailing what you do, focus on how you do it and what it is about it that you find particularly interesting.

2. Add some captivating details about you

Mention something that makes you unique. It can be a quick story about how you got into your field, an interesting finding you uncovered recently that might be relevant to the person you’re talking to, or a pain point related to your industry that they’ll immediately understand.

3. Provide examples of your past achievements

If you’ve had internships or part-time work experience in your industry, do talk about what you learned, the skills you developed, and results you helped achieve. This way, you’re presenting yourself as a potential asset to an organization or a good partner for collaboration, if speaking to a peer.

4. Use the ending of your pitch as a conversation-starter

At the end of your pitch, ask a question. Depending on the situation, it might be an invitation to talk more about how you could help them, asking them to share some of their knowledge with you, asking about their professional challenges and how they tackle them, or even just asking what they do!

The critical thing, after you deliver your pitch is to keep the conversation alive! Alright, I know. The theoretical parts often sound pretty vague.

Let’s have a look at 5 different student elevator pitch examples for different situations and scenarios and break down each of those to see what makes it work.

How and when to use your elevator pitch

Okay, so enough of theory. Now what?

1) Perfect your draft

If you got the gist of it - start crafting your elevator pitch. The first draft is rarely the best draft.

2) Practice

Once you have a good 30-60 seconds speech, practice speaking it in front of a mirror.

3) Simulate

Then, if you have solid friends that don’t mind some role-playing (and won’t make fun of you), simulate the elevator pitch in the context of a back-and-forth conversation.

Start with - “hey, you’re [person of interest] right? I’d really love to join your team”, and have the friend start by asking “can you tell me a bit about you?” then let it roll from there.

4) Look for opportunities to bump into your person of interest

You can wait a lifetime for an opportunity to meet the person to set you on your career path . Finding out what you want to do early on makes it much easier for future you. Changing careers later on may prove to be difficult, though not impossible.

If you believe in destiny then you’re all set… but if you don’t then it’s best you plan for such an event. Make sure to be consistently in the right place and time to meet and have at least 30 seconds with your person of interest.

5) Apply your elevator pitch to sharable documents

The untold truth is that you may or may not get the opportunity to ever give your elevator pitch. But where your elevator pitch really comes in handy is when you proactively add it as part of your CV , application letter, research proposal, digital flipbook or design portfolio. A 30-60 seconds pitch should be 100-300 words, if you are struggling to get it short enough you can use an AI-enabled word counting tool that will adjust your elevator pitch to the target length.

Where to use your elevator pitch

Go ahead and use any of our free interactive templates below . Nothing you can do will help you stand out like these templates.

Student elevator pitch examples and why they work

Career fair.

Let’s start with, arguably, the most “standard” scenario. You’re at a career fair, wandering around different companies’ booths (or doing it in a virtual setting). All of them are offering internship opportunities or even entry-level positions for graduates. But there are these few amazing employers you've wanted to work for since you started your studies! How do you approach them? Well, see what Jane did:

Hello, my name is Jane, I’m a recent CUNY graduate with a bachelor in Marketing and a minor in French. And, as an amateur fiction writer, I’m a strong believer in creative storytelling. In my BA dissertation, I found that marketing campaigns centered around a narrative were up to 55% more memorable than those based on promoting benefits. “Features tell, benefits sell?” Maybe. But stories sell even better. I would love to apply my skills in storytelling for marketing as a Digital Content Development Intern with Acme and contribute to your growth. Could you tell me more about your current challenges with digital content creation?

What’s so good about it:

Adds a bit of personal branding that will help distinguish her from other attendees: “I’m a strong believer in creative storytelling.”
Sparks immediate curiosity by referring to her own research that could be very relevant to the potential employer.
Promises to add value instead of just asking for a position.
Ends with an engaging question that encourages meaningful conversation.

Job or internship interview

Now, let’s imagine a similar scenario in an even more formal setting: a job interview. During job interviews, your elevator pitch is, in essence, the answer you give to that dreaded “Tell us about yourself” question. This type of a student elevator speech is the one with least room for creativity. There are rules of the interview game, and you need to follow them. Like this candidate did:

I’m working on a degree in Hospitality and Communication from the University of Boston and I have 6 months of experience in junior Customer Happiness Officer roles with ABC Company and XYZ Corp. What drives me professionally is providing tailor-made, individual solutions to every customer. In my previous role at ABC, I collaborated with a cross-departmental team of 8 colleagues on a surveying project aimed at improving the company’s mobile app user experience. By carefully listening to our customers’ feedback, I helped boost customer retention by 28% and I’d love to translate that experience into similar results for Acme!

Quickly establishes her academic qualifications as well as professional experience.
Instead of just saying what she did, this candidate briefly explains how she did it and what results she achieved.
Turns an elevator pitch into an offer to help the employer achieve desired business results.

Casual networking event

Now, not all elevator pitches are about a current employment or internship opportunity. Sometimes you’re at a conference or an event dedicated to networking and you meet other people from your industry. See how this student, we’ll call him Jack, approached an editor of one of his favorite journals:

What do I do? I make sure robots don’t take over human jobs just yet. And how do I do it? By making friends with them! I’m a senior at Stanford completing my Bachelor’s in Machine Intelligence and Machine Learning this summer. I’m sure you’ve seen all those snappy headlines about AI writers already being more efficient than human beings. Well… Truth is, they’re not there yet and trusting robots with creating high-impact informational content such as news articles would be extremely risky. But, they can help us tremendously with the research process. That’s the premise of a project I’ve been working on in the past 6 months. I developed an alpha-stage AI research assistant that can cut the research time for news pieces by over 60%. Would you be interested in telling me more about your research process at XYZ Magazine?

Opens with an emotional and captivating intro: saving humans from robots, wow, sounds scary AND exciting!
Identifies an issue relatable to the person he’s talking to: all those half-spammy headlines about “AI writers already being more efficient than human beings.”
Shows how his knowledge can make life easier for the person he’s pitching and backs it up with numerical data.
Doesn’t want anything immediately out of the conversation, ends with a call to exchange experiences.

Elevator pitch with no experience

Did those elevator pitch samples above still sound too intimidating? It’s true, the people from the examples had at least some work or internship experience and were nearing the end of their college studies. But— Even if you have zero experience and are only starting out on your degree, you can still deliver a head-turning elevator pitch. What you need is to center it around your passion and enthusiasm. Like James did here:

My name is James and I’ve been crazy about programming since I was 11 years old and my dad showed me how to write a basic algorithm. It just blew my mind that I could do things like that with a computer, so I started following that passion which led me to studying Computer Science at Stanford where I’m a sophomore. Recently, I’ve been reading a lot about how to develop an app for the healthcare sector and I was amazed to read your recent case study on the TeleHealth app. Would you have the time to tell me a little bit more about the development process?

Starts with a personal story. And all humans love stories.
Uses the story to highlight his genuine interest in his field.
Talks about specifics: healthcare mobile app development, wow, this guy is not kidding, he’s really into this niche!
Uses the elevator pitch as a learning opportunity, asking one of his gurus to share some of her expertise. Who would say no to that?

Semi-personal introduction

Finally, an elevator pitch for the least formal scenario: an introduction to a peer in a semi-personal setting such as a university event. Almost like something you’d say when introducing yourself to someone at a party. You’ll want them to quickly understand what you do and encourage them to tell you the same about themselves. Like in this example:

I’m in the business of making NatGeo documentaries with David Attenborough’s voiceover! No, I’m kidding, not there yet. But I’m a senior at UPenn, doing a BSc in Marine Biology. And my main area of research interest is the patterns of melodies of whale songs! And I’d love to make a documentary about it one day, once I’m done with my big project. What about you? Where will I hear of you once you get famous?

Sparks curiosity by referencing an element of our pop culture. I mean, who doesn’t recognize David Attenborough?
Presents her area of professional interest in a casual, easy-to-grasp way.
Asks a creative question at the end, steering the conversation away from generic cliches of “I’m an X-year student of Y with a minor in Z, you?”

The "Elevator Email"

Now a couple of years into a global pandemic, a lot of opportunities and connections are made online. Networking post-pandemic has changed the way we typically connect and communicate with each other. For students, this means shifting elevator pitches to “elevator emails” or messages that state your value proposition in a quick and simple email. Although it might seem daunting, being able to write a strong elevator email is an essential skill for showing your ambition and eagerness for a role or opportunity. Once you create your first elevator email template , you can continue to work and improve your message.

Here is a great example of an elevator email:

My name is Tony and I am a recent graduate from UC San Diego with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication and Marketing. I came across your opportunity for the role of Marketing Intern and was immediately drawn. While looking over the job description, it reminded me of my previous experience working at the Best Marketing Firm as an intern where I assisted in launching multi-channel marketing campaigns , developed a strong relationship with the company’s marketing and product teams, and increased customer engagement by 15%.

My goal is to become the best marketer I can be, and I strongly believe I would thrive in this role and come in and make immediate contributions to your team and organization. I would love the opportunity to meet with you over a call or meeting to further discuss this position and the qualifications you are seeking. I went ahead and included the job description, my resume , and a cover letter with more details about myself. I look forward to connecting with you!

Opens with a personalized message that shows your experience, qualifications, and relevance to the role.
Introduces your interest, industry, job title, or previous experience.
Highlights your accomplishments, skillset, and related history.
Includes prepared assets and resources.
Provides a call to action or next step for you to meet in a more personalized setting.

TIP: If you'd like to attach a portfolio of relevant projects to your Elevator Email, you can create a professional-looking presentation in a matter of minutes using Storydoc's presentation maker . Just pick a template from our extensive template library , fill in the blanks, and let our editor take care of the rest!

Wrapping it up:

Before you go, here are a few extra tips to help you deliver a great student elevator pitch:

To keep your elevator pitch as natural as possible, try not reciting a rehearsed formula. Use an outline but adapt the exact wording every time.
Always end your pitch with an engaging question. The ideal outcome of “pitching” is starting to chat with the person, not just hearing “Oh, nice to meet you.”
If you’re passionate about something, don’t tone it down! Your genuine enthusiasm is one of your strongest assets at this stage of your career.
Avoid cliches and meaningless buzzwords: “go-getter,” “A Player,” “hard-working,” “attentive to detail,” and the like.
Practice your pitch in front of someone who knows you well. Ask them if you sound the way you do when you normally speak. If not, adapt your tone and wording.

And that’s all from me today! Thanks for reading my guide and I hope the whole idea of an elevator pitch is now less scary and intimidating than it used to be. Keeping my fingers crossed for your pitch!

Hi, I'm Dominika, Content Specialist at Storydoc. As a creative professional with experience in fashion, I'm here to show you how to amplify your brand message through the power of storytelling and eye-catching visuals.

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8 Elevator pitch examples for students

At some point in their lives, every student should care about having a successful elevator pitch they can pull up with great ease. That’s why we’ve picked out a set of the best elevator pitch examples for students. We’re hoping these will help you deliver impressive elevator pitches to further your career when needed.

What’s an elevator pitch for students?

The name given to elevator pitches refers to the pitch’s duration, which needs to be quicker than an elevator ride. A well-delivered pitch of this kind should, therefore, be no longer than 30 seconds.

Whether in high school or college, great elevator pitch examples for students need to be a quick overview of their educational, but moreover professional successes. It is a way of presenting themselves quite clearly and concisely and it should include mention of the person’s goals and set of skills.

When would I use an elevator pitch?

Elevator pitches work well to put in a good word for you with someone who interests you professionally, at an educational level, or in your career. This is why we highly recommend you work at memorizing it.

They’re usually helpful during job interviews or job fairs, but you can pull on them whenever you meet someone - anywhere - who might somehow be helpful or of interest to you. This can mean someone sitting next to you during a quick flight as much as business people in a networking event or a new guest at a family party.

Also, think of your profile on LinkedIn, for instance. Editing some of the best elevator pitch examples for students can make up for the perfect update to your professional social media.

What makes up an elevator pitch?

First of all, think of a very impressive introduction; something that makes you stand out right off the bat. This will vary depending on the occasion, and that’s perfectly okay. You also need to think of ways of linking your pitch in conversation, so being clever about variation will help.

Also, make sure to include your professional and educational background in your elevator pitches along with your goals. Any brilliant extracurriculars you have in your stock should definitely be mentioned. And, though performance is important, think more about actions and concrete experience you’ve accumulated rather than the good grades you’ve gotten.

‍ The idea is for you to present yourself as the ideal party to whatever pushed you to share your pitch in the first place. Then wrap this up with a question that matters, such as who the best point of contact is to follow up on your interest later.

To give you some ideas, you can ask about internship opportunities. You can say you would like to gain experience or interview for a specific role.

Also, make sure you get business cards if you don’t already have some. Hand one out as you finish your pitch and increase your chances that way of sealing your deal.

These should be some of the most helpful 30 seconds to your career than you have ever imagined. So, if you make it short and to-the-point, you’re bound to make a great impression.

- Download a free template here: Elevator Pitch Template

Elevator pitch examples for students

Now, here are a few great elevator speech for college students examples to guide you further:

1. Presenting Yourself to Potential Employers:

‍ "At a job interview, the spotlight is on you. In 30 seconds, you can offer a compelling snapshot of who you are. I'm pursuing a Business Communications degree from the University of California, where I've interned and am currently a Development Assistant at Cali Dreams. I've boosted operational efficiency and secured successful fundraising ventures. My strengths in prospect material production align with my ability to foster agency connections and develop strategic calendars, making me an asset as your business developer."

Advice: Start with your name and academic pursuit. If relevant, mention your expected graduation date. Transition to your professional background, highlighting accomplishments. Tie these accomplishments to skills aligned with the job you're seeking.

2. Crafting a Stand-Alone Presentation:

‍ "Imagine standing before an esteemed socially-engaged company upon graduation. I'm Jane Doe, a Linguistics undergrad at the University of Virginia. As Head Editor for our college magazine, I've honed research and editing skills. At the Globes, my internship showcases my media reporting, interdepartmental coordination, and audience awareness. As your assistant communications director, I'm poised to contribute to your innovative community involvement program. Consider me for any open positions, and I appreciate your time."

Advice: Begin with an attention-grabbing hook that resonates with the company's values. Share your academic background and the role you're currently excelling in. Link your skills to specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.

3. When Experience Is Limited:

‍ "Hello, I'm John Rogers, a sophomore at the University of South Florida, passionate about cutting-edge applications in Information Technology. I aspire to pursue a graduate degree in Applied Informatics, building on my current expertise in information sharing and online collaboration. I'm eager to grow as a mobile app developer within your company. I'm keen to learn more about your internship opportunities and would appreciate insights into your latest mobile application development discoveries."

Advice: Start with a friendly greeting and your name, followed by your academic status. Express your enthusiasm for a specific area and outline your ambitions for further education. Show your eagerness to contribute and learn, and conclude by engaging with a question related to the company's field of interest.

4. Networking Event:

"Hello, I'm Sarah, currently a senior pursuing a psychology degree at [University Name]. Over the past year, I've been immersed in a fascinating study that explores the impact of mindfulness on reducing stress levels among college students. This research was even showcased at our department's annual symposium. I'm excited to connect with professionals who share a passion for advancing mental health awareness and solutions."

Advice: When delivering your elevator pitch, maintain eye contact and speak confidently. Express sincere curiosity about their experiences in the field while briefly discussing your research findings.

5. Career Fair:

"Hey there, my name is Alex, and I'm a recent graduate with a business degree from [University Name]. During my academic journey, I led a dynamic student consulting initiative focused on boosting donor engagement for a local non-profit. This effort led to an impressive 15% increase in donor participation. I'm actively seeking roles that allow me to leverage my project management skills and contribute to organizations dedicated to meaningful societal change."

Advice: Emphasize your quantifiable achievement—the 15% increase in donor engagement—to showcase your impact. Express your excitement to work within organizations that align with your values and aspirations.

6. Internship Application:

"Greetings, I'm Jamal, a junior majoring in engineering at [University Name]. Last summer, I had the privilege of interning at [Engineering Firm], where I was an integral part of the design team for a sustainable energy project. As I embark on my journey toward an enriching career, I'm actively pursuing a summer internship opportunity where I can continue to apply my technical skills and contribute to innovative solutions."

Advice: Customize your pitch to the internship you're interested in by mentioning your past experience and showcasing your enthusiasm for new challenges. Demonstrate your knowledge about the company's ongoing projects.

7. Student Organization Meeting:

"Hi everyone, I'm Emily, currently a sophomore who's passionate about journalism. As the editor of our campus newspaper, I've been orchestrating the coverage of major campus events and conducting insightful interviews with distinguished faculty members. My goal is to collaborate wholeheartedly with each of you to infuse fresh perspectives into our publication and elevate our storytelling endeavors."

Advice: Infuse your pitch with your dedication to the organization's mission. Share a glimpse of your responsibilities as an editor and express your eagerness to contribute to the collective objectives of the group.

8. Informal Meetup:

"Hey, I'm Jake, a second-year computer science student at [University Name]. I've been actively coding since my high school days and recently developed a user-friendly mobile app designed to connect users with local volunteer opportunities. I'm here to engage with fellow tech enthusiasts, swap insights on exciting projects, and stay updated on the latest industry trends."

Advice: In casual settings, maintain an approachable demeanor and be open to dialogue. Highlight your practical coding skills and the app you've built. Express your genuine interest in the tech community and a willingness to learn from others' experiences.

Whatever you do, be brief and honest

As you can probably tell, there are many different ways to word elevator pitches. And there are tons more responses possible from your contacted parties. Work hard at being honest about your current situation. And disclose your background and experience to make the best of your pitch.

Our best piece of advice is for you to keep this short and never underestimate the power of a 30-second elevator pitch. On the other hand, practice until you feel you’ve nailed it.

The video we’re sharing on elevator pitches will be able to guide you to learn more. Though more geared towards startup business pitches, it will be a great and quick visual addition for you to fully grasp what elevator pitches are all about.

If you need a presentation to support your pitch, make sure you browse through our template section, so you can download the one you need for free.

Access our templates ‍

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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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Best Elevator Pitch Examples for Students to Sell Themselves Effectively

Do you want to know what to say in an elevator pitch at the next career fair? An elevator pitch might be what you need to offer your services, find a new job opportunity, or present your proposal for a new business venture. There are elevator pitch examples for students to help them pursue further education or career opportunities.

If you’re wondering what an elevator pitch is, this article will explain its purpose and how you can use an elevator pitch to your advantage. Below, you’ll also find elevator pitch examples for students. Keep reading to see how you can mention your technical expertise and soft skills in various scenarios.

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What is an elevator pitch.

An elevator pitch is a 30- to 60-second moment in time to sell yourself to someone else for an opportunity such as employment, internships, business opportunities, or even volunteer experiences. You can use this quick time to present and highlight your key skills and professional experience.

In an elevator pitch, similar to a sales pitch, you get the chance to show off your unique talent, product, or idea in a competitive world. A perfect elevator pitch should be persuasive and influence the listener to pay attention and take action.

Where Is an Elevator Pitch Used?

Job interviews
Career fairs
Networking events
Conferences

Why Is an Elevator Pitch Important?

An elevator pitch is important because it allows you to sell yourself in such a way that you can land the right opportunities for your dream career path. Elevator pitches bring your key skills to the spotlight and persuade key decision-makers to take interest in your professional capabilities.

At a professional networking event, you can get the 30-60 seconds you need to share your elevator pitch. Business owners are often looking for fresh talent at career fairs and expos . An impressive elevator pitch could be a game-changer in launching your career by leaving a lasting impression with key people. It can help you land a project, internship, job, or volunteering role.

Real-World Examples of Elevator Pitches

There are many real-world scenarios where you can introduce your idea or yourself to find your career-advancing opportunities. Below are examples of elevator pitches that you can tailor to your situation.

Achieving career goals
Obtaining career opportunities with no experience
Giving a presentation
Seeking an entry-level job
Looking for internship opportunities
Getting a volunteering position
Pursuing a research position
Proposing a business idea
Promoting a product or service
Advancing a startup company

10 Great Examples of Elevator Pitches

Student elevator pitch example 1: achieving career goals.

An elevator pitch is a great way of getting your career goals clear in your head and ensuring that they are achievable. They’re also essential for networking and making connections, so understanding how to create one is crucial if you want to succeed in the workplace.

Student Elevator Pitch Example 2: Obtaining career opportunities with no experience

If you don’t have any previous experience, an elevator pitch can help you get your foot in the door. When you first meet someone at a networking event who may have positions available for recent graduates with limited work experience, having an elevator pitch can be extremely helpful.

Student Elevator Pitch Example 3: Giving a presentation

An elevator pitch can help make your presentation smooth and flow easily. It should be short and to the point so that your audience can concentrate on the most important information. When giving a presentation, keep in mind what your audience expects from the experience. It should be able to capture your audience’s attention.

Student Elevator Pitch Example 4: Seeking an entry-level job

An elevator pitch allows you to quickly convey your qualifications, skills, or expertise. If you are seeking an entry-level job, you must persuade a potential employer to give you a chance by highlighting the qualities or skill sets that you possess. It’s important that your elevator pitch include accomplishments relevant to the role you’re applying for as well as attributes such as your strengths, skills, and experience.

Student Elevator Pitch Example 5: Looking for internship opportunities

The best way to get an internship is by crafting your elevator pitch. Start with the company you want to intern for and what position you want. Next, tell them how much experience or education you have in that field of work followed by why they should hire you over other applicants, and lastly close it off with a strong call-to-action.

Student Elevator Pitch Example 6: Getting a volunteering position

Volunteering can be a good choice for those who are just starting their careers and don’t have much experience. However, many people want to volunteer, but they don’t always know how or where to begin. You can reach out to the company or organization you want to work for and use your elevator pitch to highlight your passion for helping others and earning experience.

Student Elevator Pitch Example 7: Pursuing a research position

Research positions can be difficult to get because they are competitive. If you’re pursuing this type of job, be sure to have an elevator pitch about why your skills will make you stand out from other applicants. Regardless of what type of research position you are seeking, the key to a successful elevator pitch is to be clear and concise.

Student Elevator Pitch Example 8: Proposing a business idea

An elevator pitch can be very effective in getting people interested and curious to know more about your business. It is a quick and succinct way to describe your business idea in order to get people interested and potentially secure funding. Pitching your idea in the right way can also allow you to reach key stakeholders and potential customers for your business.

Student Elevator Pitch Example 9: Promoting a product or service

Sharing an elevator pitch is one of the most effective ways to promote your product or service. To keep your service or product afloat, you must promote it. Give a brief, succinct description of your company’s product or service and why someone should purchase it. It’s a quick way to convey your message and connect with potential customers.

Student Elevator Pitch Example 10: Advancing a startup company

One of the most important aspects of starting a company is making sure that you are able to communicate your idea in a clear and concise manner. Elevator pitches help entrepreneurs advance their startup companies by communicating concise information about them to potential investors or customers for quick decision-making.

Pro Tips to Boost Your Pitching Skills

Practice . Use your professional summary as a guide to create an elevator pitch to reflect your experiences and personality. You can practice saying it in front of a mirror or in front of your family, friends, colleagues, peers, and mentors for feedback.
Be Ready. Keep a business card ready when you attend events where you expect to meet business managers and employers. To prepare an effective elevator pitch , you must have it written beforehand and practiced enough times that it comes out naturally and with confidence. It will help you avoid the fillers and buzzwords that might enter into an impromptu pitch.
End with an action . You must close your elevator pitch with a call-to-action, typically in the form of an engaging question or request. You can ask for the outcome that you expect in simple words. You can also ask if they have time for a meeting or inquire about any job openings for relevant experience.

What Should Be the Next Step in My Elevator Pitch Learning Journey?

It is a good idea to attend networking events that will give you the opportunity to meet like-minded professionals. A 75-word elevator speech can give you a fair chance to further your professional goals.

Search for sample elevator pitches and templates online that align with your career goals. Then practice techniques for elevator pitches to build up your confidence.

Elevator Pitch for Students Examples FAQ

Important elements of an elevator pitch are a salutation, introduction, career aspiration, and an ending call-to-action. Place your hook after the introduction to make sure you get their attention.

An elevator pitch quizlet is a short presentation sharing the business idea for a project, product, or service that you want to offer to a contributing party. When you get a response with a job interview, make sure to match your elevator pitch presentation with an effective cover letter and resume .

A college student elevator pitch introduces their name, school, education, and interest in a job, internship experience, or entrepreneurship. It introduces them and their education or passion and explains how they can be valuable to an organization or company.

To introduce yourself in an elevator pitch, clearly state your name, the school you are studying, and what subjects you are taking. You can also share any job that will add value to your pitch such as a research or internship position.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

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Elevator Pitch Examples for Students

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Traditionally, elevator pitches are used to persuade listeners to watch a film, read a book, or take some other action. Anyone can use an elevator pitch to sell a product or tout the benefits of a specific item.

Students can also use elevator pitches to briefly and conversationally describe their professional and educational background to a potential employer, recruiter, or manager. These types of pitches are meant to tell why the student would be a good asset for their business or organization. Elevator pitches—or elevator speeche—are so named because the goal is to finish the statement in about as long as an average elevator ride. That usually means around 30 seconds.

How Can you Create a Compelling Elevator Pitch About Yourself?

You start by introducing yourself, along with a pertinent credential or job title. Then, you describe your recent work experience and educational background as you deem necessary. Focus on making active statements that showcase your career-oriented skills, experience, and ambition. Think of it as a personal sales pitch that makes your audience want to learn more about you and have a longer conversation about your ideas and perspectives.

Where can you use elevator pitches? Besides during an actual elevator ride, you might use them in the following situations:

Job interviews. An elevator pitch is a great way to briefly describe yourself during a job interview.
Career fairs. Giving your pitch to someone staffing a booth at a career fair could help you make a lasting impression.
Networking events. In addition to in-person events, you might consider using an elevator pitch on social media channels like LinkedIn.
Cover letters. Writing out a pitch on a cover letter can help you grab an employer’s attention.
Email introductions. A straightforward elevator pitch at the beginning of an email to an employer may help you stand out.
Personal portfolios or websites. Including a pitch in your portfolio or on your own website can help readers learn about your background.
Business cards. In some cases, a short pitch on a business card can make it more memorable.

Elevator speeches come in handy in professional settings but can also be used in casual conversations. They’re especially beneficial if you’re looking for a new job or are between jobs.

Elements of an Elevator Pitch

Here's a breakdown of the elements of a successful elevator pitch:

Introduction. Think of the introduction as a casual ice breaker and lead-in to the meat of your elevator pitch. State your name and, if possible, a relevant title or credential.
Specific career goal or interest. You should be able to succinctly explain your career aspirations, measurable goals, or key research interests, especially if you have a meaningful personal reason for being in the field.
How you’ve demonstrated that interest. This is your chance to explain what you’ve done to further your career goals, both professionally and on your own.
Reasons you’re qualified . Provide specific examples of measurable success in past professional roles. If you are a student or recent graduate, you can give an example of a relevant project that supports your qualification for the job.
A question or request for assistance. Finish your pitch with a proactive statement or question that encourages your audience to respond. It helps to have researched the person or organization you are communicating with so that your request is specific and aligns with their values, and even their current projects, in addition to your own. Don’t just ask them for a favor; make yourself an asset and a part of the conversation. Have a business card ready so that they have your contact details as well as a reason to reach out.

Whenever possible, try to summarize both your professional and educational background to convey your drive, commitment, and diversity of experience.

Elevator Pitch Examples

Your elevator pitch could change depending on the context you use it in. For example, you might focus more on on-the-job experience when looking to advance your role in a company. Or you may opt to share more specific info about your education if you’re hoping to intern. It’s common to use an elevator pitch in the following scenarios:

Applying for an Internship

To secure an internship, remember to speak to your educational background and, if possible, previous internship experience.
An elevator pitch for an internship might look like this: “I'm Jane Doe, a linguistics major at UVA and head editor for the college magazine. During my Globes internship, I used my research and editing talents to promote the company's community participation initiative. As the communications director's assistant at Media Company, I will exercise my reporting, interdepartmental liaison, and audience awareness experience to enhance public relations.”

Open Letter

This stand-alone presentation can be used for multiple purposes, including job interviews.
Here’s what a pitch for an open letter could look like: “I graduated from UCLA with a bachelor’s in business. I interned at Cali Dreams for two years and am now their development assistant. I've successfully helped them enhance operating procedures and create prospects for profitable fundraising. I have a few exciting ideas for creating prospect materials that may help your company more easily support existing agency contacts. In a business developer role, I would start off by creating dynamic and strategic calendars.”

Limited Experience

Elevator pitches are still great to use even if you have limited professional experience or haven’t yet earned a bachelor’s degree.
Example: “I'm a student at USF with an interest in IT innovations. I'm excited to apply my knowledge of mobile apps to a position at Applied Informatics. My experience in information sharing and online cooperation would make me a valuable mobile app developer intern at your organization.”

Note that these elevator pitch examples focus on what the individual has accomplished. Potential employers would rather hear what you’ve done and what you’ve learned rather than what you haven’t.

Common Elevator Pitch Mistakes

Just because an elevator pitch is short and concise doesn’t always mean it’s easy to create one. In fact, it’s often because of their brevity that some people can make these common mistakes:

Rambling. Being too wordy or unfocused will lessen the impact of your elevator pitch. Remember to get to the point quickly.
Talking too fast. Be careful not to rush. Use simple words, speak deliberately, and place emphasis where it matters most. Show interest in the other person’s responses and ideas.
Being too generic. Avoid relying on a basic or vague template for your elevator pitch. Don’t use generic jargon or buzzwords where specific synonyms would work better. Try to be conversational and natural.
Using unconfident language. Be sure not to use phrases that show a lack of confidence like “I think I could fit the role” or “I hope you’ll give me a chance.” Be direct and express yourself positively.
Delivering in a stiff or stuffy way. Keep in mind that elevator pitches are usually spoken, and even if they’re written, they should sound inviting, not stuffy. Try not to use phrases like “to whom it may concern” or “I await your response.”

Achieve Your Professional Goals

A lot of work goes into preparing for and attaining a fulfilling job. A good elevator pitch is one of your most important assets in doing so. Think of it as a supportive multi-tool you can pull out of your back pocket and use in many different circumstances. If you prepare, practice, and update an elevator pitch as needed, you will increase your social and networking skills. You might also find the career role you’re looking for faster.

If you highlight your strengths and keep your pitch attention grabbing, you should expect to see success over time. No matter what degree you’re pursuing or what career field you’re hoping to enter, a great elevator pitch can be an invaluable aid.

WGU offers extensive professional development resources designed to keep you cutting-edge within your field and help you prepare for job interviews, write résumés and cover letters, network with peers, find jobs, and more.

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How to Write and Deliver an Elevator Pitch

Students can become so concentrated on their studies that they don’t think about their careers. Instead of searching for employment opportunities, they devote their attention to their homework. However, it is crucial to remember that your time at university is also meant to help you think about your future profession. You can always attend special events, like career fairs, but keep in mind that unexpected opportunities can occur anywhere, at any time. You must be able to seize that moment to present yourself to potential employers.

In this article, our team has described what the ideal elevator pitch should sound like. We don’t just give you the steps to create it – we also tell you exactly how to deliver your message so that you get noticed. Furthermore, you will find common mistakes that can spoil first impressions. And to make sure there’s no confusion, we have presented some examples of compelling elevator pitches.

👔 What Is It?
✍ Writing a Pitch
📢 Delivering a Pitch
🚫 Common Mistakes
👀 What Comes Next?
✨ Elevator Pitch Examples

🔗 References

👔 what is an elevator pitch.

Imagine this – you walk into an elevator, and there stands a CEO of a large conglomerate. You and he are headed to the same floor, and you realize that this is an incredible opportunity to talk about yourself and your professional skills. The elevator has already started to move, so you have a maximum of one minute to engage that person. What do you say? This is the essence of an elevator pitch.

In other words, it is not a detailed story about your life nor an attempt to beg your way into a job. It is an opportunity to generate your potential employer’s interest in yourself and your capabilities. So, what should an elevator pitch sound like, and when should it be used?

Main Features of an Elevator Pitch

Every speech is unique, and still, they have some features in common. A successful elevator pitch should be:

Uses of an Elevator Pitch

Of course, an elevator pitch will also come in handy outside the elevator. It is needed for:

Career Fairs. A career fair is perfect for demonstrating your potential to a future employer. Keep in mind that the competition among job seekers is incredibly high during these events. So, make sure your pitch is flawless, outstanding, and dynamic!
Internal Networking Events. Never underestimate the power of networking! Make friends with your college peers and get to know your professors. The more people you meet, the more career opportunities you obtain.
External Networking Events. Are you interested in gaining new connections outside of your educational institution? There are plenty of events devoted to students’ professional growth. Stay tuned in, keep track of activities, and make sure you don’t miss the opportunity to expand your network.
Job Interviews. Usually, job interviews start with this phrase: “Tell me about yourself.” It is the perfect moment to use your elevator pitch! Impress an HR manager within the first few seconds of the interview and increase your chances of getting hired.
Your CV. It usually has an “about” section. You can put your elevator pitch there. It will grab an employer’s attention and boost your chances of being invited to a job interview.
Online Profiles. Do you have a student profile on LinkedIn or similar job search websites? You should consider adding your pitch there. This will make the recruiters interested in your professional skills and motivate them to contact you.

✍ Writing an Elevator Pitch: A Step-by-Step Guide

Writing an elevator pitch can be pretty intimidating at first. Talking about yourself is challenging, and fitting everything into a one-minute speech seems impossible.

However, coming up with an effective elevator pitch is a task that any student can handle. This process is similar to writing a standard academic essay and follows the same familiar steps – introduction, body, conclusion. Below, you will find a detailed outline for your pitch.

This is an essential element that influences your entire elevator pitch. Come up with one line that makes your listener curious about you. Think of your unique selling proposition – what makes you stand out compared to others? Don’t forget that your hook must be creative, dynamic, and strong!

Introduction

Give a summary of your professional background. Here, you can include information about your education, experience, key specialties, and strengths. Do you feel overwhelmed about deciding what exactly to include? Brainstorm ! Write down everything that occurs in your mind. Then, analyze what you have written, determine what details are essential, and express them in a logical order in your pitch introduction.

Dig deeper into your professional skills and explain what benefits you can bring to your potential employer. You could:

Clarify what problems you can solve.
Suggest what would be your input in the company.
Explain why the employer should choose you specifically.

Also, express your willingness to become a part of their team. Try to show your desire to grow and expand your skillset.

The end of your elevator pitch should be powerful since it leaves the last impression about you. The best way to finish your speech is to ask a question or motivate your listener to action. This will help you secure future interactions with your potential employer.

Polish your pitch until it is flawless. Check that you aren’t using fillers or vague words and don’t have any run-on sentences. Also, ensure that your speech is concise and makes logical sense. Then, present it to your friends or family members and receive their feedback. Make adjustments if needed.

📢 Delivering Your Elevator Pitch: Tips & Tricks

Writing a good elevator pitch is just the first step. It is vital not only to find the right words but also to deliver them well. In this section, we present some useful advice on public speaking that will help you stay calm and collected during the crucial moment.

Practice again and again. You can start by recording yourself on your phone/camera. Play it back to check that your speech is expressive, straightforward, and doesn’t resemble a sales pitch. Once you are satisfied with how you sound, the next step is to practice with a friend or family member. Keep at it until you can give your pitch without any trouble. After all, as the saying goes – practice makes perfect!
Be confident. As you are practicing, you must pay attention not only to how you sound but also to how you move. Confident and composed body language will ensure that you make a great first impression. Keep an upright posture, remember to smile, and maintain eye contact. Your tone and facial expressions also matter – be animated and show the other person that you are interested in them.
Keep it natural. Remember that an elevator pitch isn’t a monologue but a conversation. It must be authentic and flow naturally, so try building an emotional connection with the person you’re talking to. Introduce yourself, tell an anecdote from your life, and don’t be afraid to joke around. People are more likely to remember and approach you when you show off your personality.
Finish on a high note. The end of your elevator pitch is your last chance to leave the other person with a strong impression. You will want to finish on a high note, thanking your conversation partner and offering to connect again at a later date. Don’t forget to give them a reliable way of contacting you, such as a business card or your social media profile.

🚫 Common Elevator Pitch Mistakes

Before starting any task, it is important to learn all the correct steps. It is also valuable to figure out precisely what should be avoided. Below, we have described some of the most common mistakes students make when writing and delivering their elevator pitches.

Mistakes to avoid when practicing an elevator pitch.

…Polishing your speech too much. When you create a pitch that’s a little too refined, it becomes a monologue. That leaves no room for the other person to get involved and makes you sound less natural. Instead of memorizing what you wrote word for word, concentrate on remembering the main points. This way, your speech will sound fresh and different every time, becoming more engaging to the other person.
…Speaking way too fast. Unsurprisingly, you usually won’t have much time to deliver your elevator pitch. You might think that the faster you speak, the more you will be able to tell your conversation partner. However, bombarding them with information can often have the opposite effect. The other person will struggle to keep up, and they could easily get lost in what you’re saying. When delivering your speech, prioritize clarity first and foremost – so make sure you are intelligible.
…Freezing up. It is understandable that you might begin to feel anxious and stressed right as you are about to give your speech. Stage fright during public speaking is a widespread occurrence, even among professionals. The surest way to ensure that you don’t freeze up is to keep practicing until you have your elevator pitch committed to memory. Once again, don’t just memorize it in its entirety. Rehearse with different people, such as family, friends, and peers. The more often you do it, the simpler it will get in the future.
…Rambling on and on. Your elevator pitch must have a clear purpose. Whether you are at a job interview or a casual networking event, you have to remember to be concise and focused. Even if you have unlimited time to speak, try not to go off track or ramble about irrelevant things. Pay attention to your conversation partner, giving them the space to interject or ask questions when needed.
…Pushing a sale. You have probably heard that the best way to get a job is to “sell yourself.” However, when delivering your elevator pitch, the last thing you want to do is to sound like you are making a sale. If you push too hard, you might drive the other person away and ruin your first impression. Instead, try to hold a casual conversation and observe their reactions. Don’t keep talking to them if they are looking bored. Instead, try to switch up topics and figure out what they’re interested in.
…Sounding monotonous. Even the best elevator pitches can come off as stifled and boring when said in a monotonous voice. On the contrary, the simplest speech can sound exciting and motivating when you deliver it with enough energy and vigor. After all, enthusiasm and confidence go a long way in ensuring that you are remembered!

👀 Elevator Pitching: What Comes Next?

Did you manage to spark the curiosity in your potential employer with your elevator pitch? Congratulations! You made them want to contact you again. Now, it’s time for the second round. This is what you can expect to happen next on different occasions:

✨ Excellent Elevator Pitch Examples for Any Occasion

Keep in mind that opportunities can arise anywhere. So, be flexible and capable of adapting to the situation. In this section, we have provided several examples for different occasions. Check them out to learn how to build your elevator pitch.

Hello! I am a senior student majoring in International Business Administration who seeks experience in the marketing field. During my studies at university, I pursued knowledge that would perfectly fit the position of a junior marketer. I have skills in digital marketing, and I would be happy to contribute to your team. I am open to innovative ideas and ready to embrace any challenge. I am not afraid of difficulties. I meet them head-on and solve them with confidence! Would you like to expand your team with a young and progressive specialist?

Career Fair

Hello! I am a graphic designer, and I know how to boost your customers’ interaction, strengthen your brand identity, and increase profits. I am a recent graduate with three months of experience as an E-Commerce Graphic Designer with XYZ Company. Throughout my studies and internship, I gained skills that will definitely help your company reach the next level. I strive to grow and bring my input to the development of your business. Would you be willing to know more about my qualifications?

Networking Event

Hello! I’ve heard that you are looking for a research assistant. Since I have experience performing competitor analysis, I would like to take this opportunity and become a part of your team. I am a recent graduate of Oklahoma University with a bachelor’s degree in International Business and Finance. I am sure that my skills and knowledge will fit the position perfectly. I strive for professional growth, and I am ready to expand my horizons at your company! Could you please tell me more about the requirements for the research assistant position?

LinkedIn Profile

I am a senior student majoring in International Relations and Development at Stanford University. My experience in the law field has opened my eyes to many civil rights violation issues. Thus, I strive to use my knowledge to make this world a better place to live.

I am highly motivated to work with civil disputes and human inequality cases. I believe that my set of skills and knowledge will bring value to any organization. I am ready to embrace new challenges and work to establish social equality.

I am looking forward to fruitful cooperation, and I am open to job offers. Contact me if you believe that we can collaborate successfully.

Job Opportunity

Hello! My name is Jacob, and I’ve spent the last four years acquiring skills in programming and getting a Bachelor’s degree in IT. I’ve been interested in working with your company for a while. And now, I cannot miss this opportunity to introduce myself to you.

I believe that the knowledge and experience that I got during my internships will bring a fresh perspective to your company. Being ready to accept challenges, I consider myself a risk-taker and an effective problem solver. Would you be willing to expand your team with young talent?

Hello, my name is Alex, and I am a third-year student at George Washington University majoring in Contemporary Communication. I am willing to gain experience in journalism, interpersonal communication, narrative, and storytelling.

During my studies at university, I have developed a solid theoretical ground and acquired basic journalism skills. Now, I aim to start my career path, and your company is a perfect place for the beginning of my professional development.

I am a quick learner, so I will be able to catch up with the tasks effectively. I am sure my knowledge will become valuable for your company, and your professionalism will help me gain journalistic experience. I am looking forward to becoming a part of your team and taking a brave step into the professional world.

Thank you for your attention! Now, you are ready to write your perfect elevator pitch. If you think our tips might help someone you know, please send them this article.

What is an Elevator Pitch: Examples for Students – Rebecca LeBoeuf, Southern New Hampshire University
How To Give an Elevator Pitch (With Examples) – Career Guide, Indeed.com
Your One-Minute Elevator Pitch – Kent State University
12 Elevator Pitch Examples + How to Write Your Own – Jacinda Santora, Influencer Marketing Hub
30 Seconds to Impress How to Write an Elevator Pitch – EU Business School
How to Create an Elevator Pitch With Examples – Alison Doyle, the balancecareers
Elevator Pitch Examples and Creative Personalization Ideas – YourDictionary
5 Elevator Pitch Examples for Students + Quick Tips – John McTale, Storydoc
Creating Your Elevator Pitch – The University of Arizona
Elevator Pitch Examples for Students – Brooklyn Kiosow, Thomasnet.com
The Perfect Elevator Pitch To Land A Job – Nancy Collamer, Forbes
Elevator Pitch for Students: Guide and Top Tips 2023 – Career Employer
Time to Perfect Your Elevator Pitch – Kuk Jang, University of Pennsylvania
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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:

Can We Write Your Speech?

Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

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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How to Create an Elevator Pitch With Examples

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

What’s an elevator pitch, and how can it help your career? An elevator pitch—also known as an elevator speech—is a quick synopsis of your background and experience. The reason it’s called an elevator pitch is that it should be short enough to present during a brief elevator ride.

This speech is all about you: who you are, what you do, and what you want to do (if you’re job hunting).

💡 Tip: Your elevator pitch is a way to share your expertise and credentials quickly and effectively with people who don’t know you.

Done right, this short speech helps you introduce yourself to career and business connections in a compelling way. It can help you build your network, land a job, or connect with new colleagues on your first day of work.

When and How to Use an Elevator Speech

If you’re job searching, you can use your elevator pitch at job fairs and career expos, and online in your LinkedIn summary or Twitter bio, for example. An elevator speech is a great way to gain confidence in introducing yourself to hiring managers and company representatives.

You can also use your elevator pitch to introduce yourself at networking events and mixers. If you’re attending professional association programs and activities, or any other type of gathering, have your pitch ready to share with those you meet.

Your elevator pitch can be used during job interviews , especially when you’re asked about yourself. Interviewers often begin with the question, “ Tell me about yourself ” — think of your elevator pitch as a super-condensed version of your response to that request.

What to Say

Your elevator speech should be brief . Restrict the speech to 30-60 seconds. You don’t need to include your entire work history and career objectives. Your pitch should be a short recap of who you are and what you do.

You need to be persuasive. Even though it’s a short pitch, your elevator speech should be compelling enough to spark the listener’s interest in your idea, organization, or background.

Share your skills. Your elevator pitch should explain who you are and what qualifications and skills you have. Try to focus on assets that add value in many situations. This is your chance to brag a bit — avoid sounding boastful, but do share what you bring to the table.

Practice, practice, practice. The best way to feel comfortable about giving an elevator speech is to practice it until the speed and “pitch” come naturally, without sounding robotic. You will get used to varying the conversation as you practice doing so. The more you practice, the easier it will be to deliver it when you’re at a career networking event or job interview.

💡 Tip: Practice giving your speech to a friend or recording it. This will help you know whether you’re keeping within the time limit and giving a coherent message.

Be positive and flexible. You often aren’t interviewing for a specific position when you deliver your pitch, so you want to appear open-minded and flexible. Don’t lead with the stuff you’d rather not be doing. (For example, if you don’t want to travel a lot for work, that’s completely legitimate – but you needn’t volunteer that information right off the bat.) This is your chance to make a great first impression with a potential employer. Don’t waste it.

Mention your goals. You don’t need to get too specific. An overly targeted goal isn’t helpful since your pitch will be used in many circumstances, and with many different types of people. But do remember to say what you’re looking for. For instance, you might say, “a role in accounting” or “an opportunity to apply my sales skills to a new market” or “to relocate to San Francisco with a job in this same industry.”

Know your audience, and speak to them. In some cases, using jargon can be a powerful move — it demonstrates your industry knowledge. But be wary of using jargon during an elevator pitch, particularly if you’re speaking to recruiters, who may find the terms unfamiliar and off-putting. Keep it simple and focused.

Have a business card ready. If you have a business card, offer it at the end of the conversation as a way to continue the dialog. If you don’t, you could offer to use your smartphone to share your contact information. A copy of your resume , if you’re at a job fair or a professional networking event, will also demonstrate your enthusiasm and preparedness.

What Not to Say and Do During Your Elevator Speech

Don’t speak too fast. Yes, you only have a short time to convey a lot of information. But don’t try to fix this dilemma by speaking quickly. This will only make it hard for listeners to absorb your message.

Avoid rambling. This is why it’s so important to practice your elevator speech. While you don’t want to over-rehearse, and subsequently sound stilted, you also don’t want to have unfocused or unclear sentences in your pitch, or get off-track. Give the person you’re talking to an opportunity to interject or respond.

Don’t frown, or speak in a monotone way. Here’s one of the downsides to rehearsing: it can leave you more focused on remembering the exact words you want to use, and less on how you’re carrying yourself. Keep your energy level high, confident, and enthusiastic.

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

Don’t restrict yourself to a single elevator pitch. Maybe you’re interested in pursuing two fields — public relations and content strategy. Many of your communication skills will apply to both those fields, but you’ll want to tailor your pitch depending on who you are speaking to. You may also want to have a more casual, personal pitch prepared for social settings.

Elevator Pitch Examples

Use these examples as guidelines in crafting your own elevator pitch. Make sure your speech includes details on your background, as well as what you’d provide an employer with:

I recently graduated from college with a degree in communications. I worked on the college newspaper as a reporter, and eventually, as the editor of the arts section. I’m looking for a job that will put my skills as a journalist to work.
I have a decade’s worth of experience in accounting, working primarily with small and midsize firms. If your company is ever in need of an extra set of hands, I’d be thrilled to consult.
My name is Bob, and after years of working at other dentists’ offices, I’m taking the plunge and opening my own office. If you know anyone who’s looking for a new dentist, I hope you’ll send them my way!
I create illustrations for websites and brands. My passion is coming up with creative ways to express a message, and drawing illustrations that people share on social media.
I’m a lawyer with the government, based out of D.C. I grew up in Ohio, though, and I’m looking to relocate closer to my roots, and join a family-friendly firm. I specialize in labor law and worked for ABC firm before joining the government.
My name is Sarah, and I run a trucking company. It’s a family-owned business, and we think the personal touch makes a big difference to our customers. Not only do we guarantee on-time delivery, but my father and I personally answer the phones, not an automated system.

🔎Key Takeaways

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

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

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

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

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How To Create an Elevator Pitch (With Examples)

Tips for writing a perfect elevator speech

When and How To Use an Elevator 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'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, experience, and purpose. 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) or are doing.

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, so that you can be sure that your message is clear. The more you practice, the better your speech.

If you're job searching, you can use your elevator pitch at job fairs and career expos, and online in your LinkedIn summary or Twitter bio, for example. An elevator speech is a great way to gain confidence in introducing yourself to hiring managers and company representatives.

You can also use your elevator pitch to introduce yourself at networking events and mixers. If you're attending professional association programs and activities, or any other type of gathering, have your pitch ready to share with those you meet.

Your elevator pitch 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.

You need to be persuasive. Even though it's a short pitch, your elevator speech should be compelling enough to spark the listener's interest in your idea, organization, or background.

Share your skills. Your elevator pitch should explain who you are and what qualifications and skills you have. Try to focus on assets that add value in many situations. This is your chance to brag a bit—avoid sounding boastful, but do share what you bring to the table.

Practice giving your speech to a friend or recording it. This will help you know whether you're keeping within the time limit and giving a coherent message.

Be positive and flexible. You often aren’t interviewing for a specific position when you deliver your pitch, so you want to appear open-minded and flexible. Don’t lead with the stuff you’d rather not be doing. (For example, if you don’t want to travel a lot for work, that’s completely legitimate —but you needn’t volunteer that information right off the bat.) This is your chance to make a great first impression with a potential employer. Don’t waste it.

Mention your goals. You don't need to get too specific. An overly targeted goal isn't helpful since your pitch will be used in many circumstances, and with many different types of people. But do remember to say what you're looking for. For instance, you might say, "a role in accounting" or "an opportunity to apply my sales skills to a new market" or "to relocate to San Francisco with a job in this same industry."

Know your audience and speak to them. In some cases, using jargon can be a powerful move—it demonstrates your industry knowledge. But be wary of using jargon during an elevator pitch, particularly if you're speaking to recruiters, who may find the terms unfamiliar and off-putting. Keep it simple and focused.

Have a business card ready. If you have a business card, offer it at the end of the conversation as a way to continue the dialog. If you don’t, you could offer to use your smartphone to share your contact information. A copy of your resume, if you're at a job fair or a professional networking event, will also demonstrate your enthusiasm and preparedness.

Don't speak too fast. Yes, you only have a short time to convey a lot of information. But don't try to fix this dilemma by speaking quickly. This will only make it hard for listeners to absorb your message.

Avoid rambling. This is why it's so important to practice your elevator speech. While you don't want to over-rehearse, and subsequently sound stilted, you also don't want to have unfocused or unclear sentences in your pitch, or get off-track. Give the person you’re talking to an opportunity to interject or respond.

Don't frown or speak in a monotone way. Here's one of the downsides to rehearsing: it can leave you more focused on remembering the exact words you want to use, and less on how you're 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 the same guidelines apply when it comes to a virtual elevator pitch. You may have an opportunity to give an elevator speech in 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—that will help you appear to make eye contact with the person on the other side of the video chat. Though avoid overdoing it or staring!
Aim for high energy. As with in-person pitches, you'll want to avoid speaking too quickly. Also important: modulate your voice (to avoid a monotone) and keep your energy high. It's easier for people to be distracted during video meetings, and you'll want to keep their attention.

Use these examples as guidelines in crafting your own elevator pitch. Make sure your speech includes details on your background, as well as what you'd provide an employer with:

I recently graduated from college with a degree in communications. I worked on the college newspaper as a reporter, and eventually, as the editor of the arts section. I'm looking for a job that will put my skills as a journalist to work.
I have a decade's worth of experience in accounting, working primarily with small and midsize firms. If your company is ever in need of an extra set of hands, I'd be thrilled to consult.
My name is Bob, and after years of working at other dentists' offices, I'm taking the plunge and opening my own office. If you know anyone who's looking for a new dentist, I hope you'll send them my way!
I create illustrations for websites and brands. My passion is coming up with creative ways to express a message, and drawing illustrations that people share on social media.
I'm a lawyer with the government, based out of D.C. I grew up in Ohio though, and I'm looking to relocate closer to my roots, and join a family-friendly firm. I specialize in labor law and worked for ABC firm before joining the government.
My name is Sarah, and I run a trucking company. It's a family-owned business, and we think the personal touch makes a big difference to our customers. Not only do we guarantee on-time delivery, but my father and I personally answer the phones.

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15 creative elevator pitch examples for ...

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.

Related resources

Solve your tech overload with an intelligent transformation

9 steps to craft a successful go-to-market (GTM) strategy

Unmanaged business goals don’t work. Here’s what does.

How Asana uses work management to effectively manage goals

Business growth

Business tips

11 actually great elevator pitch examples and how to make yours

Hero image with an icon of two people shaking hands on an elevator

There's a trope in late '90s movies where a motivated, ambitious main character does everything they can to get on the same elevator ride as the CEO of some powerful company.

It usually ends the same way. Our protagonist makes a nervous, fast-paced speech that the CEO ignores while repeatedly pressing the elevator button, and we get a five-second scene with sad music of our main character watching them walk away.

That nervous, fast-paced speech is an elevator pitch example—a bad one, because otherwise, those movies would be nine minutes long and uninspiring. In the real world, an elevator pitch can make a powerful impression and pave the way for business ventures, employment opportunities, and networking. It won't get you a corner office and a fancy title one week into your new job, but it can be an important step in the right direction.

To highlight that difference—and to really dismantle "The Pursuit of Happyness" as a plot—I've put together some elevator pitch examples and a guide on how to write one that actually works.

Table of contents:

Components of an elevator pitch

11 elevator pitch examples

How to write an elevator pitch

What is an elevator pitch.

An elevator pitch is a concise speech in which you introduce yourself and a few key points about what you're pitching, whether it's to acquire investors, promote a product, advertise a business, or even sell yourself as a potential employee. If it takes longer than a minute to get the point across, it's getting too long.

Elevator pitches were originally exclusively spoken—used in business conversations and investor pitches—but have since grown into a written format used for things like websites, social media, video ads, marketing outreach, and media pitches .

You're not trying to convey your entire business strategy or all your selling points. Your goal here is to raise interest, make a connection, and facilitate an opportunity for business in the future.

Let's say you're in the fintech industry and are attending a networking event full of bank representatives and decision-makers. Instead of spending an hour going through your company's history and how it's aiming to be carbon-neutral by 2157, you'd find more success introducing it concisely, pointing out one or two key features and how they could serve your audience's interests.

The pitch begins with a hook to draw your audience in, veers into the value you offer, provides some proof to support your statement, and wraps it all up with a display of what makes you different.

It's relatively easy to incorporate these elements into a short pitch. The difficulty lies in choosing a good hook and phrasing your proposition in a way that appeals to the other side of the conversation.

The hook: This element doesn't need to be fancy or complicated. Make it simple and get straight to the point. For example, if you're pitching a time management tool, your hook can be a personal story like: "When I first started my business, it felt like there was too much to do and not enough time to do it." It can also be a statistic. If you're pitching an online collaboration tool, your hook can be something like: "73% of all teams will have remote workers by 2028."

The value proposition : This is where you provide an overview of the value you're bringing to the table. Discuss what you're pitching and what it does, research your listener's unique needs beforehand, and prepare a compelling argument for how you can meet them.

The evidence: The person you're talking to may be nodding, but that doesn't necessarily mean your point is getting across. Some proof of past success or stats that speak to your success could make that nodding a lot more genuine.

The differentiator: Let them know that you're different—that your product or service isn't just another iteration of what came before. You get brownie points for originality and not quoting any movies.

The call to action: Make sure you're inviting your audience to take action. They have all the details, and they might be interested. It's time to bring it home with a clear call to action . Ask them to connect with you on LinkedIn, invite them for a coffee chat, share contact information, and make sure there's an opportunity to follow up on the conversation.

Example elevator pitch with the different components identified by color: the hook is highlighted in purple, value is highlighted in orange, evidence is highlighted in green, the differentiator is highlighted in yellow, and the call to action is highlighted in teal

11 elevator pitch examples done right

I rewatched "The Pursuit of Happyness" to see if there was anything I could salvage, but all I walked away with was frustration at the misleading lesson that passion can overcome anything. Passion cannot, in fact, overcome a busy decision-maker who can't wait for you to stop talking.

If you're at all like me, you'll find the following examples a much better use of your time.

1. Startup pitch example

Everyone's got ideas for [shared goal] . But ideas aren't enough.

We took [shared goal] and turned it into a reality.

We developed [solution] at [company name] that's [list of qualities] . We made it possible for [target audience] to [shared goal] .

What sets us apart is our [differentiator, followed by brief overview] .

If you're passionate about [high-level goal] and interested in [benefit of collaborating with you] , let's connect.

An example elevator pitch for startup companies, with the hook, value, evidence, differentiator, and call to action highlighted in different colors

This elevator pitch example demonstrates how to approach potential business partners and investors with a clean energy project. The hook is simple. It leans on the issue and the harsh reality of how little the world does to achieve utopian sustainability. Then it introduces the solution as the company's proactive effort to change the status quo. It pitches efficiency, reduced costs, and access to a larger customer base. Finally, it addresses how ease of use sets the solution apart from the competition and invites further collaboration.

This example is ideal for startups in that it focuses more on the product, what makes it unique, and the features that set it apart, rather than the company's past achievements, success stories, or revenue metrics. It can easily be used to pitch investors and potential clients alike.

You can follow this example by making the problem the centerpiece of the hook. Open with the issue, and position your company's service or product as the solution.

2. Job seeker pitch example

It took me [period of time] to [achieve goal] .

It's always been my priority to deliver [high-level result] , but I want to put my [expertise] to use making [high-level goal/impact] .

At [company name] , I [past experience] that [measureable results] .

I love what I do. But I [differentiator, high-level goal] .

If you're looking for a [position/title] who's [differentiator] , let's chat. I'm eager to explore how I can help your organization achieve its [field] objectives.

Example of an elevator pitch for a job seeker, with the hook, value, evidence, differentiator, and call to action highlighted in different colors

Since tropes are only a good idea when I propose them, I've decided that our job seeker would be making a pitch to GreenCorp, the company from our previous example. Will Smith will not be playing this role.

In this example, the author of the pitch isn't trying to sell a company or a product; they're trying to sell themselves. The hook addresses their background, expertise, and goals. It then veers into past performance results and highlights the key skill set. The uniqueness factor here speaks to GreenCorp's mission, showcasing that the author shares the company's grand goals, empathetic mindset, and desire to help build something positive.

If you're ever job hunting, open your pitch with a concise and direct overview of your background, share your most impressive achievements, and do your research into the company you're pitching.

3. Sales pitch example

Most people [relevant statistic, followed by explanation] .

At [company name] , we've taken the [pain point] out of the equation.

Our [products] are designed for [value proposition] .

They're more than just [product] . They're [differentiator, followed by supporting evidence] .

We're not just salespeople; we're [differentiator] .

So, are you ready to find [product selling point] ? Let's [CTA] .

Example of an elevator sales pitch, with the hook, value, evidence, differentiator, and call to action highlighted in different colors

In this example, a guitar shop is pitching its unique guitar design to potential customers. It recognizes a very common problem and ties it to a feeling that most guitar enthusiasts know all too well: giving up too soon. It later positions the author as an expert and fellow musician and utilizes customer reviews as supporting evidence.

A sales pitch will always depend on your industry, product, and customer base. Approach your audience by speaking to their greatest pain points .

4. Networking pitch example

I'm a [position/title] at [company name] , and I've worked on [past experience] .

Over the past [period of time] , I've had the privilege of working with diverse industries, from [industry] to [industry] , and what truly excites me is [shared interest] .

I'm here to connect with other professionals who share my enthusiasm for creative and innovative [field] ideas. I really want to explore new [differentiators and shared interests] .

Let's connect on [communication channel] . I have quite a few compelling [field] resources to share and talk through.

Example of an elevator pitch for someone who wants to network, with the hook, value, evidence, differentiator, and call to action highlighted in different colors

This networking pitch resembles the job seeker pitch with one major difference: the audience shifts from an employer to a colleague. The objective changes, and that affects the entire approach.

In this example, the author isn't trying to convey their efficiency or results in percentages or measurable performance points. They're sharing aspects of their industry that they're passionate about and are interested in discussing. The point here is to make a memorable introduction at a networking event and gather connections .

Ahead of your next networking event, tailor your pitch so that it speaks to your expertise and knowledge without going into too much detail.

5. Investor pitch example

At [company name] , we [business concept offer] , plain and simple.

We [value proposition] .

Our portfolio contains [supporting evidence] .

Why us? Well, we [differentiator] .

We roll up our sleeves and get involved.

We're currently prospecting [target audience] to join us on our journey. If you're ready to be part of the next [field] disruption, let's talk about how [company name] can help.

Example of an elevator pitch for someone looking for investors, with the hook, value, evidence, differentiator, and call to action highlighted in different colors

Investors have heard it all a million times over. It's why their faces are so hard to read—set in unimpressed silence. So it's best to make your hook short and to the point. "We do X to achieve Y" can be a breath of fresh air when your job is listening to entrepreneurs pitch their ideas five days a week.

In this example, YZTech Ventures aims to secure investors for promising companies. The hook is straightforward and simple, slowly veering into an overview of the company and why it works.

6. Nonprofit pitch example

Every day, [pain point] .

[Company name] is working to change that.

We're a nonprofit dedicated to [high-level goal] . We've already provided [supporting evidence/achievements] .

We don't want to treat the symptoms; we want to face the root cause of [pain point] . But this will be a losing battle if we're fighting it on our own.

We're always looking for individuals who share our vision and drive to build a better world where [high-level goal] .

If you're ready to make a difference, let's discuss how you can be part of the solution.

Colorful nonprofit pitch example for Hope Unlimited Foundation

Empathy is the name of the game here, and charities and nonprofits can use it as a unique selling point. The good news is there's very little risk of doing this wrong. The example outlines the cause, its aim, and the efforts being made to find a solution.

If you're pitching a nonprofit or a charity to potential donors, lean heavily on the charity's message and accomplishments.

7. Personal branding pitch example

I'm [name] , and I'm a dedicated [title] . I've helped [past expertise and achievments] .

I do what I do by [value proposition, followed by differentiator] .

I'm here to [offered value] .

There's " [position] " in the title, but I'll be [differentiator] .

Let's schedule a meeting and discuss what you can do.

Colorful personal branding pitch example for John, a dedicated life coach

Personal branding comes into play when you're pitching yourself, the individual. Just as companies share their unique idea, proposition, and values, the life coach does the same at a personal level.

If you're ever writing a personal branding pitch, approach it as you would a business. The key difference is to showcase your values and what makes you unique as a person rather than as a corporate entity.

8. Product launch pitch example

I'm very excited to share with you [product selling point] .

At [company name] , [products] aren't just a [basic nature of product] . We see them as a game-changer in [selling point] .

This is why we developed our [product] , a cutting-edge [product overview] .

Imagine all of your [value proposition, followed by key features] .

Our product has already received rave reviews during beta testing, with users reporting [survey results] .

[Product] is now available for preorders! [CTA].

Colorful product launch pitch example for TechCo's GloVision glasses

This example focuses less on the company and more on the newly revealed product. The new release speaks for itself and the business at the same time.

The hook immediately positions the product as the future or "the next best thing." The pitch dives into what makes the new product unique, utilizing a hypothetical to paint a picture of what it can achieve.

If you're writing a product launch elevator pitch, focus on the product and let it speak for the company.

9. Rebranding pitch example

We've done great things as [company name] . We've helped businesses [services and past achievements] .

We've since been on a journey of transformation, and it's time for a fresh start.

Our company has grown, adapted, and innovated in response to changing market dynamics. We've [outlined change] . Now, [company name] is about to become [new company name] .

Why the change? We've rebranded to [rebranding reasons] .

With [new company name] , you can expect the same quality, expertise, and dedication you've come to trust. But now, we're adding a fresh perspective and a dynamic spirit to our brand.

We invite you to join us in this exciting phase of our journey. [New company name] is ready to [service/value proposition] .

Let's schedule a meeting and explore how our renewed brand can better serve your evolving needs.

Colorful rebranding pitch example for ProjectX

In this example, the hook immediately delivers the reasoning behind the change.

Instead of a value proposition, the pitch offers an assurance that the rebranding won't have detrimental effects. It's designed to address stakeholders and clients as well as provide context.

10. Consulting services pitch example

At [company name] , we specialize in [value proposition] .

With a team of seasoned experts in [field of expertise] , we've successfully guided organizations to [high-level goal] .

Our approach is all about partnership. We take the time to deeply understand your unique market and audience. From there, we [differentiator] .

[Company name] can be the catalyst for your business's transformation. Whether you're looking to [goal] or [goal] , we're here to help.

Let's schedule a virtual meeting to discuss where your company stands and where we can take it.

Colorful consulting services pitch examples for StratEdge Advisors

This pitch is designed to attract clients for a consulting service. It takes a collaborative tone in its approach and focuses on areas of growth that pretty much every decision-maker worries about. It makes the solution the centerpiece of its hook instead of the problem, and goes on to briefly outline how the firm's process is structured.

11. Technology solution pitch example

[Relevant statistic].

That's how it goes for your [pain point] .

Imagine you didn't have to worry about [pain point] .

Our [product] is designed to enhance [process] . We help businesses [value proposition] .

One of our recent success stories includes helping a [supporting evidence] .

The thing is, [differentiator] ; we make sure our [product] is specifically customized for your organization's needs.

Are you available to meet next week for a personalized demo?

Colorful example of a tech solution pitch example for cutting-edge automation software

In this example, the hook is a statistic that lays the foundation for the problem and the value proposition. It's a powerful hook that captures the audience's attention and helps you transition into what you really want to say.

You can be an optimist and decide to improvise an elevator pitch. But you'll likely end up taking too many pauses under the guise of sipping your water, and stumbling over your words mid-pitch might waste a precious conversation.

It pays to be prepared, and writing an elevator pitch beforehand can make a big difference.

1. Outline a clear objective

Before you start writing the elevator pitch, focus on your objective . Are you introducing yourself to grow your personal network, pitching a service or product, prospecting investors, or trying to acquire a new client?

Your objective will help you pinpoint the information you want to mention in your pitch.

Tip: Establish success metrics relevant to your objective. Investors will want to know how much revenue your business can generate, while potential clients will want to know the benefits of your product or service. Make sure your success metrics speak to your audience's concerns.

2. Define your audience

One speech won't work across the board. Hollywood says the up-and-coming manager likes to be impressed with a Rubik's cube, while the CEO likes to hear your heartfelt speech about how much this job means to you and how you're expertly overcoming odds.

Both those things are wrong, but the point remains that identifying who your listener is and what matters to them is a nice way to tailor your pitch so that it speaks to their concerns, needs, and bigger pain points. The more you resonate with your audience, the more impactful your pitch will be, and the closer you'll get to a tearful Will Smith movie ending.

Defining your audience goes beyond knowing the name and nature of what might make a potential client.

Tip: Conduct in-depth audience research by diving into your chosen market, competitors, user data, and digital marketing analytics. Then comb through that information to define your audience's pain points and how you're uniquely positioned to address them.

3. Craft a hook

You know what you want to say and why. Now you need an opening statement—a hook that grabs their attention and gets them invested in the rest of your pitch. You want to set the stage for the elements that come next. Make it clear and engaging, but keep it concise. The goal here is to get an attentive listener, not a bored one.

The hook needs to spark the audience's interest. You need to speak their industry's language, show knowledge and expertise, and put your audience research data to good use by pointing out the difficulties and issues they face.

Tip: Use a personal story, a statistic, a fact, or an interesting hypothetical to draw your audience in.

4. Explain your value proposition

Once your audience is paying attention, it's time to dive into the proposition and the value within. What do you and your idea bring to the table? What problems do you solve, and how does that make your listener's life better? How does your solution differ from those they've heard pitched a thousand times before?

Point out the differentiating factors that make you and your business unique, whether it's the groundbreaking tech you've patented or the better pricing options your competitors can't keep up with.

Tip: Write down all the aspects that make your business different, and choose the most compelling ones for the pitch.

5. Support your pitch with evidence

Who doesn't like real-life measurable data? Well, Hollywood doesn't, but that's just because no amount of Hans Zimmer music can make your 325% ROI cinematically engaging. You can be confident that your audience will want to hear success stories that support your proposition.

Have a few successful case studies from former and current clients ready to drive the point home and turn a semi-interested listener into an engaged party.

Tip: Draw on your own expertise, and use performance statistics and relevant metrics from previous projects.

6. Keep it concise

It's called an elevator pitch for a reason. You have under a minute to get your entire pitch across to a busy decision-maker who doesn't have all day. Cut the fluff, and only say what you feel certain will convince your recipient to take your side.

Tip: Practice reading your pitch out loud in the mirror. Use a timer to measure how long it takes to deliver it comfortably.

7. End with a clear call to action

Since the point of an elevator pitch is to generate interest, you'll want to end it with a clear call to action—one that evokes a response and maybe a more in-depth conversation.

If you're pitching a service, you can offer to schedule a meeting to further outline your services and how they can help the listener. If you're pitching a product, you could offer to schedule a demo to prove it can improve their business. Get creative here, and aim to turn that interest into a meeting.

Tip: Lead your audience to connect with you beyond the pitch. Schedule a meeting or a coffee chat, exchange contact information, and make sure there's room for a longer discussion.

8. Prepare to answer questions

You can't just deliver your pitch and then hit the open bar at the networking event. Be ready to answer questions.

Questions at this stage mean your listener is intrigued, curious, and interested. At this point, feel free to provide as much context in your answers as you'd like. The elevator pitch has already ended, and it served its purpose. Go in-depth and provide context.

Tip: Write down a few questions based on your own market research. Ask yourself what your customers, investors, and audience might be curious about. Prepare your answers so you're never surprised.

Make a unique first impression

Elevator pitches exist because humans have shorter attention spans than goldfish, and we really need a leg up on our aquatic competition.

Opportunities are fleeting, especially when businesses are launching every day. In an oversaturated environment, an elevator pitch can help you make an impression that lasts. And who knows, you might just have what it takes to inspire a 50-million dollar movie that Will Smith can "misty-eye" his way through.

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Top 7 Killer Elevator Pitch Examples

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

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

What is an elevator pitch?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Use a simple elevator speech template

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

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

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

A simple Harvard-MIT elevator pitch template

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

Elevator pitch example #1: Nice and simple

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

Use a comprehensive speech outline template

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Elevator pitch example #2: Follow a comprehensive outline template

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The elevator pitch writing process

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

Elevator pitch example #4: Working with words

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sample elevator pitches you do not want to emulate

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

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

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

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

Elevator pitch example #6: Weed out fillers and annoyances

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

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

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

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

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

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

The bottom line

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

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

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

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

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The Elevator Pitch: How to Master Your Own (+ 7 Real Elevator Pitch Examples to Learn From)

Think back to a time when a salesperson cold-approached you, and you actually kept talking to them (or even bought something). Did they stumble or seem unsure of themselves?

I doubt it. They most likely recited a short speech they’d practiced hundreds of times— their elevator pitch .

Somehow, they piqued your interest, either by demonstrating value or speaking to a pain point that mattered to you. That’s no coincidence. Without a doubt, they’ve refined that short speech to be so effective that you took the time to listen.

Whether you’re in sales, looking for a new job, or trying to get people interested in your latest business venture, refining your elevator pitch can literally change your life.

In this guide, we’ll teach you what to include in your elevator pitch, how to master the delivery of that short elevator speech, and break down real-life examples of successful elevator pitches you can borrow from.

What is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch is a short speech that concisely describes an idea that you’re selling. The idea could be a product or service, an investment opportunity, or your own skill set. It should clearly explain your value proposition in 30 seconds, which is about the time you’d have on an elevator ride.

Elevator pitches need to accomplish three fundamental things:

Point out a need
Show how you can uniquely solve it
Provide a tangible next step

Here’s a basic example of an elevator pitch you could use if you were selling dent repair to people who have dents in their cars at gas stations (this has been used on me before):

When Would You Use an Elevator Speech?

Elevator pitches (sometimes called elevator speeches) can work for many situations, and they’ll change based on who you’re talking to and what you’re selling them. You might have multiple elevator pitches for different aspects of your life or job. You can even have an elevator pitch to get your kids to eat their vegetables (although your success rate might be lower than normal).

Here, we’ll focus on three situations that most people design elevator pitches for:

When you’re a sales professional selling products or services: Whether cold calling, emailing, talking to prospects at trade shows, or being introduced to new referrals, first impressions are key for sales pros. A great elevator pitch is adaptable to different buyer personas , so you can pitch your product in a compelling way, no matter who you’re talking to.
When pitching your business or startup idea to investors: It’s not easy to get financing for a small business or startup. The first time you’re standing in front of potential investors, you need to prove there is a real market need, and that your product or service can uniquely solve that problem. A succinct 30-second pitch can also sell your business to prospective customers or job candidates you want to hire.
When you’re in a job interview: There aren’t many questions more unnerving than, “Tell me about yourself.” Being prepared with an elevator pitch that distills your work experience and the value you can bring to the company can make all the difference. The best elevator pitch for a job seeker can be used with recruiters, hiring managers, at career fairs, or even as your LinkedIn summary.

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When Would You Use an Elevator Speech - Close

What to Say in a Good Elevator Pitch: 4 Essential Elements

To create the perfect elevator pitch for any situation, you’ll need to iron out each of the four elements below.

1. Introduction

People need to know two things: Who are you? And why should I care?

Remember, this isn’t all about you—if possible, try to include the problem you solve right in your introduction.

In a sales call, you might introduce yourself with something like this: “Hi, I’m Tom Callahan, I represent Callahan Auto, the most reliable brake pad manufacturer in the midwest.”

By throwing in a simple one-liner that demonstrates value, Tommy Boy here has upped his introduction game to the next level. Not only does he say who he is, but why they should care.

If you’re going into a job search and want to add value to your intro, you could use some compelling past results, “Hi, I’m Tom Callahan, best known for saving my family’s auto parts company from bankruptcy.”

Tommy Boy's Iconic Crash and Burn Elevator Pitch (Examples)

Here, Tommy Boy doesn’t just introduce himself but lets the recruiter/hiring manager know why he’s valuable.

2. Mission Statement

An effective elevator pitch requires not just memorizing your mission statement, but feeling it. An effective pitch can convey that feeling to others. For example, one of our mission statements at Close is “Never again should a startup fail because they couldn’t figure out sales.” If you worked for our sales team, you would integrate this into your pitch. Potential customers would know that your goal isn’t just to sell them something, but to help their business succeed.

If you were pitching yourself for a job interview, you’d want to have a mission statement that clearly states the impact you want to make. For example, your mission statement could be “I want to use my connections and skills to help this company IPO” or “I want to help this company grow because the product and the culture inspire me.”

3. Unique Selling Point

Now, it’s time to sell your solution. Your elevator pitch should explain why you or your company can not only solve a problem but also why you are uniquely qualified to do so. This is why it’s called a ‘unique’ selling point.

If you’re a sales rep, think about the competitive advantages you have. What’s something you offer that your competitors can’t touch?

For example, if you’re selling Coca-Cola to a convenience store chain and are competing with products like Pepsi and RC Cola (remember that?), you could say, “Coca-Cola is the original cola; it’s the flavor that people expect. Without it in your fountain, customers will be left settling for a knock-off.” The uniqueness here is the originality and dominance of Coke over the competition. It conveys satisfying customer demand in a way that the competition can’t.

Whether you’re at a job fair, trying to get investors for your startup, or selling products and services, always remember to sell in a way that makes you unique. This could be your experience, the results you’ve produced in the past, or what drives you to make a positive change.

4. Call to Action

Now that you’re nearing the end of your 30 seconds, it’s time to wrap things up with a tangible next step, i.e., a call to action.

This will again vary based on the situation. If you’re pitching yourself to a recruiter for a job, the call to action could be to ask for a formal interview. If you’re selling a product, it could be to offer a more in-depth product demo.

Don’t ask for too much. Give them a bite-size call to action that’s easy to commit to. A 30-minute product demo, 15-minute needs assessment call, or 20-minute investor presentation are all reasonable call-to-actions that should follow a 30-second pitch.

If you’re doing an in-person pitch, don’t forget to leave a business card so they have something to remember you by and your contact information.

Our Quick, Simple, and Direct Elevator Pitch Template

Now that we have the four elements nailed down, here’s a simple template you can use to put your pitch together. Note that this is a sales pitch template, but can be easily adjusted for other situations.

This is truly just a base template for you to start with and get ideas flowing. Feel free to add a compelling stat or fact, a story element, or a leading question that piques interest in your offering.

The more creative, the more you’ll stand out.

How to Craft and Execute Your Elevator Pitch: 6 Tips for Success

Knowing what to put in your elevator pitch is just the start. Now, here are six tips to keep your audience’s attention and get them excited about what you’re offering.

1. Have a Conversation Starter Ready to Go

Having a relevant and noteworthy discussion topic in your back pocket can help make your pitch more compelling. Use something that piques their interest, such as a stat or fact that impacts their business. This compelling opener should naturally transition into your elevator pitch.

2. Focus on One Clear Benefit

You don’t have the time to rattle off all the benefits you provide in 30 seconds. Instead, go all in on the strongest benefit you provide. For us here at Close, it’s helping our customers master the sales process . If you aren’t sure what this is, talk to your customers or look at your product’s online reviews.

3. Use Numbers to Make It Real

In business, numbers are everything. Use a compelling number in your pitch that calls out an important pain point. For example: “80 percent of small businesses that don’t streamline their sales process fail within five years.” (I have no idea if that’s true, but you get the idea.)

4. Take a Breath and Speak Slowly

Speaking slowly and from your diaphragm rather than your throat conveys confidence. If you speak too quickly and from too high up in your throat, you sound either unsure of yourself or desperate. By calming yourself with a deep breath and speaking confidently, you put your best voice forward .

Also, speaking slowly can help improve your overall body language, making you seem like a calm and trustworthy person rather than a shaky mess.

5. Avoid Useless Jargon

The last thing you want is to stop your pitch and explain some obscure industry jargon (there go your 30 seconds). Worse, you don’t want to isolate your audience by speaking in a language they don’t understand. Don’t use jargon unless you’re 100 percent confident that they’ll understand it and that your pitch will be better for it. Otherwise, avoid it.

6. Practice until You Can Recite This Elevator Pitch in Your Sleep

You should literally be ready to give your elevator pitch to an important person in an elevator, just like the cliche. Practice and practice until you can recite your pitch hanging upside down with your eyes closed while monkeys throw rotten bananas at you.

When I was in software sales, I recited my pitch so many times I could think about other stuff while saying it, kind of like when you read a page of your book but don’t remember it because you were thinking about something else. I’m not saying think of other stuff while reciting your pitch, but that is the level you should aim for.

How to Craft and Execute Your Elevator Pitch - Practice

Source: SalesHigher

7 Elevator Pitch Examples From Real Humans You Can Learn From

To give you real-life examples of effective elevator pitches, I surveyed a group of small business owners and entrepreneurs, and the results were fantastic. Below, I’ll break down why these pitches work so you can take away some pointers to use on your own.

Robert Kaskel, Chief People Officer, Checkr

Robert is an HR veteran for a prominent background check company with a ton of experience and notable clients. This is a pitch he could use at professional networking events or when talking to prospective new clients.

Why this works:

Robert’s introduction doesn’t just mention his title but also touts noteworthy clients. This lets you know his company is legit.
After the introduction, a pain point is introduced. This identifies a problem that the prospect may have. If they have this issue, they’ll keep listening.
His pitch demonstrates why his company is unique (built-in fairness/more human) and the impact it makes (vastly more efficient).

Gillian Dewar, Chief Financial Officer, Crediful

Gillian’s pitch is for a personal finance site offering objective advice to help consumers pay down debt, learn to invest, and achieve their most important life goals.

Gillian leads with a strong stat that her audience can relate to—it’s a great and empathetic conversation starter for someone struggling with their finances.
She differentiates her company from others by pointing out their mistakes, then makes her company unique and valuable by offering simplicity and trust.
It ends with giving her prospect hope for a better future, which is what they need most in their financial life.

Marshal Davis , President, Ascendly Marketing

Marshal is the President of a digital marketing agency with over a decade of experience running and managing small to medium-sized enterprises.

When introducing the company, Marshal delivers a strong value statement and clear benefits, which would get his ideal customers to listen.
He calls out ‘vanity metrics,’ i.e., meaningless data points that don’t deliver ROI, which is something many companies can relate to.
He provides a valuable free offer and mentions that he wants to ‘prove our worth,’ which humbles his company and shows that he is willing to earn their trust.
The ending reiterates the pain point that too many companies face and then demonstrates how he will solve that.

Emma Zerner , Co-Founder & Content Strategist, Icecartel

Emma is the Co-founder and Content Strategist for a prominent e-commerce website specializing in jewelry. She has mastered the art of crafting compelling narratives for her brand.

As a whole, this pitch speaks very well to a specific persona that wants elegant, timeless jewelry.
It provides a strong mission statement, “We bring artistry and craftsmanship to the digital realm.” In the two sentences of the intro and the mission statement, you can identify what this company is all about.
Their unique selling proposition is catering to people who want to invest in an experience and view jewelry differently. In truth, not everyone fits their buyer persona, but for those who do, this hits home.

Simon Hughes , Founder & Creative Director, Design & Build Co.

Simon’s agency helps eCommerce brands in the fashion, luxury, and beauty sectors enhance their online visibility through social media.

Note that this is the elevator pitch that Simon uses for prospective clients at networking events.

He starts with a great conversation starter that may take people aback for a second, and then they realize he’s talking about their brand. Nice!
He identifies a problem that his ideal customers may not have solved yet, which is moving beyond advertising to creating a brand identity that identifies with real people.
He shows how his company uniquely solves the problem by making clear promises and delivering on them. He also mentions building trust, which his customers need.
It finishes with a clear and easy call to action. It doesn’t take a whole lot for prospects to say yes.

Brian Nagele, CEO, Restaurant Clicks

Brian is a former restauranteur who went on to start Restaurant Clicks, an agency that does digital marketing for the food industry.

He leads with a strong conversation starter and pain point. Many restaurant owners will be able to relate to this.
Brian points out why his agency is unique compared to those other ones who have ‘never laid their hands on a chef’s knife.’ He is someone they can relate to and trust.
He finishes by providing value by sharing his expertise and growing his prospect's business.

Samantha Odo, a Real Estate Representative for Precondo

Samantha showcases her dedication and expertise when pitching potential clients for her Canadian real estate agent business.

The intro shows that she’s a local and an expert, both of which convey trust to potentially nervous buyers.
Her uniqueness comes from her abundant knowledge and experience, plus her proven track record. Getting real estate clients is all about trust and she continues to build it here.
In the end, she states the outcome she will provide (an informed decision) and invites the prospect to achieve their goals with her—an inspirational and non-pushy call to action.

Our Elevator Pitch to You (I Mean, We Couldn’t Not)

Whether you’re a salesperson, small business owner, or startup founder, you’re going to be delivering a ton of elevator pitches. How you manage, record, and follow up on those pitches is equally important to how you deliver them. If you don’t have a system for tracking your efforts, they are doomed to fail.

Close is the perfect customer relationship management tool (CRM) for sales teams, small businesses , and startups to track all the information on who they’re delivering elevator pitches to, the opportunity those pitches create, and when you need to follow up. It’s built to help businesses like yours master the game of sales.

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Elevator Pitch Examples For Students With No Experience

If you’re a student with no professional experience , elevator pitches can seem daunting. After all, what are you going to talk about without substantial work experience?

The good news is that elevator pitches are not only doable for students – they’re essential . An elevator pitch gives potential employers an overview of who you are, what makes you unique, and why they should hire you .

In this article, we will explore elevator pitch examples for students with no experience so that they can start crafting their own perfect elevator pitch.

Table of Contents

What Is an Elevator Pitch?

An elevator pitch (also known as an elevator speech) is a brief and compelling presentation you use to introduce yourself, your product, or your business. It’s designed to quickly convey the concept while arousing curiosity in who you are and/or what your product does.

It’s called an elevator pitch because it is delivered within the duration of an average elevator ride, or under a minute .

Elevator pitch is a common concept in major tech hubs such as Silicon Valley, where young entrepreneurs often try their chances to quickly introduce their promising startup ideas to busy investors.

However, elevator pitch is not only applicable to tech startups . It’s also a useful tool for students who want to introduce themselves and their skills to potential employers .

Why Does a Student Need to Know How to Do an Elevator Pitch?

There is a variety of reasons why students need to always be ready to deliver an elevator pitch and present themselves in the best light in a small amount of time.

Job seeking – A student elevator pitch can be used to quickly introduce yourself and your skillset to recruiters at job fairs, interviews, and other networking events.
College admissions – An elevator pitch can also be used to impress college admissions officers and show them why you’re the perfect candidate for their school.
Scholarships – An elevator pitch can help you stand out when applying for scholarships , especially if you’re competing with many other qualified applicants.
Project or business idea – If you have a project or business idea that you’re trying to pitch, elevator pitches can be an effective way to quickly explain what your concept is and why it’s worth investing in.

It is important to emphasize that students should be prepared to delived an elevator pitch at any time , as an opportunity where you meet someone incredibly important may arouse only once , such as at a chat following a lecture by a Nobel Laureate or another prominent figure.

elevator pitch for students with no experience

Where You Can Use an Elevator Pitch

Sometimes you can plan when and where you will deliver your elevator speech and can thoroughly prepare for all aspects of your presentation.

Other times, however, you may have to act impromptu and deliver your elevator pitch without any preparation .

Some places you may find yourself delivering an elevator pitch include:

An elevator – of course, this is where the elevator pitch got its name! Such unexpected opportunities usually occur in busy tech hubs, such as Silicon Valley.
Job and internship interviews – you may often be asked a question along the lines of “so, tell me about yourself” on an interview, which is a perfect opportunity to deliver a concise, interesting story about yourself.
Networking events – elevator pitches are a great way to introduce yourself and make connections quickly at networking events such as conferences, job fairs, and other events.
A job fair – elevator pitches help you stand out from the crowd at a job fairand give you something to follow up with in emails.
LinkedIn bio – a rather unconventional place to use your elevator pitch in a written format is your LinkedIn bio. It’s a perfect place to briefly introduce yourself to recruiters.

How Long Should an Elevator Pitch Be?

Let’s be pretty clear on this; your elevator pitch must be very short as to not bore or overwhelm the listener.

For most elevator pitches, a length of anywhere from 30 to 60 seconds is ideal. That amount of time is usually enough to introduce yourself, explain what you do or what your product does, and give your listener that big ask you intend to benefit from.

It is also crucial to pay attention to your word speed . Just because an elevator pitch is incredibly short, doesn’t mean you need to robotically squeeze an essay into that period of time.

Conversely, you should be slow and articulate to convey every word to your listener and help them remember you.

This elevator pitch should be an initiation of the conversation , rather than a script you want to race through.

How to Write an Elevator Pitch as a Student

If you are a student with no experience in writing or delivering elevator pitches, we will help you by providing step-by-step instructions on how to write your speech.

A good, engaging elevator pitch consists of the following consecutive parts:

Short greeting and introduction – you should start your pitch by greeting the person and stating your name, where, and what you are studying.
Hook – this is the most crucial part of your elevator pitch, and it’s where you need to provide a brief explanation of what makes you standout. It can be an impressive accomplishment, special circumstance, or interesting background detail.
Accomplishments – here, you should provide a short list of accomplishments or qualifications that should convey your competence and win over the listener’s interest. It can be great GPA , internship at a renowned firm, or a research or personal project . Be specific!
Aspirations – in this section, briefly explain what you are looking for or aspiring to do in the near future. You can talk about your wishes to become a machine learning engineer work in aerospace engineering, for example.
Call to action – you should conclude your elevator pitch by briefly and confidently asking the listener what you are looking for. It can be a job, internship , or contact details for future correspondence.

Based on the instructions above, write an actual realistic 45-second elevator pitch by a student looking for a job offer from a potential recruiter

When done correctly, elevator pitches can be highly effective tools to introduce yourself and quickly establish credibility .

Students with no experience should focus on describing their accomplishments, qualifications, and aspirations to make a lasting impression. With practice, elevator pitches can become an invaluable tool for students of all levels to make connections and get closer to their goals.

Student writing their elevator pitch in a notebook

What to Include in Your Elevator Pitch

There are certain elements that should and shouldn’t be included in every elevator pitch to ensure it is effective and convincing. Below are some of the key points you should include in your elevator pitch:

Interesting projects
Related passions
Relevant experience
Quantifiable results (raised $1,200 for an organization, hosted 3 annual hackathons)
Extraordinary accomplishments (3.9 GPA, regional awards, won competitions)

For students with no experience, you should still be able to create a compelling elevator pitch by focusing on your passions, skills, and interests .

What NOT to Include in Your Elevator Pitch

Besides the things you should include in your pitch, there are things you should avoid crowding your speech with. These include things like:

Your whole CV
Minor projects (conference attendance, work with limited scope)
Unnecessary details
Hobbies and unrelated activities (unless you know the listener has them as your common interests)
Exaggeration or fabrications of facts

By following the advice above, you can write a compelling elevator pitch even as a student with no experience. Be sure to practice and make the elevator pitch personalized for each listener .

How Do I Construct My Elevator Pitch as a Student with No Experience?

So, what should you do if you don’t have much relevant experience in the form of internships, full-time or part-time work, freelancing, or even volunteering?

Don’t worry. Most of the students pass through this stage before they get a chance to gain some form of experience.

If you are a student with no experience, it is important to focus on your passions, skills and interests . Instead of talking about internships and jobs, you should focus on what you have achieved.

Describe your accolades such as awards, scholarships, competitions won, research projects or any unique experiences that make you stand out. You can also talk about any skills or talents in the form of hobbies and activities related to your field.

Articulate your incredible passion for the field and your specific interests. Explain what inspired you and how you are looking to make a meaningful contribution in your field.

How to Practice Your Elevator Pitch

Writing down or preparing your elevator pitch is only part of the job. You only get 30-60 seconds to impress and become memorable for someone, so you have to make them perfect.

This comes with practice, and lots of it. You should repeat your speech with a timer until you are absolutely fluent and on time .

It also helps to practice doing mock pitches with a friend or family member to simulate the real situation and get actionable feedback.

You should repeat your practices every once in a while to keep your memory fresh and also before major events where you think you may need to present yourself.

selective focus photography of man in black blazer

How to Initiate an Elevator Pitch with Someone

After lots of preparation and practice, you may have your elevator pitch nailed down, but there may still be a problem with the initiation of the interaction .

After all, you wouldn’t just come up to someone and start unloading your history on them. You need to get their attention and soft approval first.

So how do you do that?

If you are in an interview or a job fair, things are a bit easier. You are given your chance and expected to start talking about yourself. No real initiation step is necessary.

However, if you are in an elevator with someone you admire and they are minding their own business, or you are at a networking event and would like to meet a certain person, you may need to ask for their permission to engage first.

For example, you could use the following prompts:

“Excuse me, Professor XYZ. I really enjoyed your talk earlier at the conference. I’m a student trying to learn more about the field and would love to introduce myself, if you don’t mind. This will just take a minute…”
“Hi, I’m an aspiring entrepreneur and I’ve been reading about your work for a while now. Do you mind if I introduce myself?”
“I’m a student and admirer of your work. Can I introduce myself briefly?”

As long as you are polite and respectful , you will find that most people are willing to listen. Afterward, you can proceed with your elevator pitch.

Elevator Pitch Examples for Students with no Experience

Now that you have an idea of how to construct an elevator pitch for students with no experience, here are a few examples to get you started.

“Hello, my name is Sarah, and I’m a Marketing student at the University of California.

I like to think I can sell anything worth selling, be it a pen or an industrial pressure washer. I have a knack for understanding both the consumer and the company and building a bridge between them to guide them to each other.

Despite my lack of work experience, I have been actively seeking ways to gain hands-on experience in the industry. I have taken several courses in marketing research and analytics, and have also completed a marketing campaign for a local non-profit organization that helped increase their online visibility and reach a wider audience.

My aspiration is to use my marketing skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the industry and I believe that working at [Company Name], a leader in [Industry Name], would provide me with the perfect opportunity to do so. I am eager to bring my creative thinking, attention to detail, and passion for marketing to your team.

I would love to discuss the possibility of joining your team further. Can we schedule a time to meet and talk about how I can contribute to [Company Name’s] success?”

“Hi, My name is Thomas. I am a former medical doctor and a career changer currently breaking into tech. I attend a Master’s degree in Computer Science for non-CS majors at UPenn since last year, and it’s the best thing that ever happened to me.

I am also working on a personal project building a prototype for a self-diagnosing ECG machine. My team consists of 2 doctors, including myself, and another engineer. We have already joined the most popular regional incubator-accelerator and started collecting patient data from two of the major hospitals in the city.

I also initiated a collaboration between the Neuropharmacology department at my previous employer at the University of Maryland and the Artificial Intelligence and Robotics Lab to investigate how we can interpret research animal behavior under certain pharmacological substances of abuse.

I am an incredibly curious scientist and engineer and have numerous ideas I would like to kickstart. Would you like to help me get funding for my most recent project?”

student delivering an elevator pitch with no experience

“Good morning, my name is Peter and I’m an economics student at the University of New York.

For me, economics is more than just a discipline. It’s a way of living life. Economics means understanding the world and how decisions made by people can affect it. As such, I live my own life as if I’m an economist. I understand how my decisions can result in either positive or negative outcomes, and I constantly look for opportunities to make the smartest decision I can.

While I don’t have any direct work experience, I’ve been actively seeking ways to gain practical skills and knowledge in the industry. I’ve completed several economic research projects that have honed my analytical and problem-solving skills, including a case study on the economic impact of coal-mining in the Appalachian region. I have also been involved in a student-run investment club where I have gained valuable experience in financial analysis and portfolio management.

My ultimate goal is to use my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact in the field of economics and I believe that working at [Company Name] would be the perfect opportunity for me to do so. I’m eager to bring my enthusiasm, drive, and problem-solving skills to your team and contribute to your success.

I would love the opportunity to discuss further how I can contribute to [Company Name]. Can we schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss my qualifications in more detail?”

“Hi, my name is Maria. I’m an aspiring entrepreneur and recent graduate from the University of Toronto with a degree in Business Administration. I’m passionate about the environment and have been designing eco-friendly products for a while now. I recently built a prototype of an automatic plant water monitor that would alert you when your plants need water. I’m currently looking for a partner and investor to help me turn my idea into a reality.

I’m confident that this product has the potential to revolutionize our gardening experience. Do you know anyone who might be interested in investing or partnering with me? I’d love to share more details with you. “

“Hello, my name is David, and I’m a Computer Science student at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I am thrilled to have the opportunity to speak with you about joining your team at [Company Name].

Did you know there is a way to predict elevator traffic patterns in a building? By leveraging machine learning and artificial intelligence, I developed an elevator traffic prediction system that could significantly reduce wait times for elevator users. I’m confident this system could be applied to your elevator systems and would increase efficiency.

While I don’t have any direct work experience, I’ve been actively seeking ways to gain practical skills and experience in the field. I’ve participated in several hackathons where I have honed my coding skills and collaborated with teams to develop innovative solutions. I have also worked on personal projects, including a chatbot that helps users find local events and activities, that demonstrate my ability to apply my skills in a real-world setting.

I am confident that my knowledge and experience in this area will be a significant asset to your team. I believe I could make an immediate impact in this role and am eager to continue learning and developing my skills.

I would love the opportunity to discuss further how I can contribute to your team. Can we schedule a follow-up meeting to discuss my qualifications in more detail?”

Elmar Mammadov is a software developer, tech startup founder, and computer science career specialist. He is the founder of CS Careerline and a true career changer who has previously pursued careers in medicine and neuroscience.

Due to his interest in programming and years of past personal experience in coding, he decided to break into the tech industry by attending a Master’s in Computer Science for career changers at University of Pennsylvania. Elmar passionately writes and coaches about breaking into the tech industry and computer science in general.

30-Second Elevator Pitch Examples for Students

When you apply for an internship or a job, you compete with several other candidates who want the exact role you’re seeking. So, how do you ensure you get the upper hand and increase your chances of selection? By delivering a remarkable elevator pitch!

An elevator pitch is a very short (around 30-45 seconds) persuasive speech, more like an introduction, but with the agenda of making an impression and grabbing people’s attention so they can consider you for the role you’re interested in. You generally use an elevator pitch when networking or meeting a potential employer to showcase your capabilities and tell them what you can bring to the table.

The fact that an elevator pitch has the power to help you land your favorite job or internship, it has to be extra special! Curating a well-drafted and precise 30-second speech with all your important information may seem like a daunting task. But worry not! We have put together a handful of effective 30-second elevator pitch examples for students to give you an idea of how you can create your own to make a memorable impression.

What should your elevator pitch include?

1. your name and credentials.

It’s always a good idea to start with personal details like your name, what you’re pursuing, and which school or college you’re attending or have graduated from. This will help the listener know who they’re talking to and help build a connection.

2. Your career goals

State your career interests and goals to give the listener an idea of what kind of work you’re interested in. It will help them find the perfect role for you if they have any. If not, they can connect you with someone who can help you find your desired position.

3. Past experience and unique accomplishments

If you’re a high school student looking for an internship, talk about the activities you were involved in at school. Something like experience in writing for the school newspaper or serving as a student council president will make you stand out from the crowd.

You could also talk about any summer programs you might have attended to overcome your learning disability. College students can talk about their internships, accomplishments, and how their work benefited the organization.

4. Why you make a good fit

Share what you have learned in your previous roles, the specific skills you have acquired, and how you can use those skills and experiences to fulfill your responsibilities at the company you wish to work for.

5. A question to extend the conversation

Always try to end your pitch with a question to nudge the listener to share their views or give their input. This will extend the discussion and hopefully get you some valuable information to assist you in building your professional experience.

30-second elevator pitch examples for building professional relationships

1. “hello, i’m _______, a high school student of_______. i am passionate about all things science and technology. from building robots for competitions to developing interactive online games, i love to take on new challenges. i am interested in building a career in _______, and i’m excited to collaborate on projects that are open to innovation and make a real impact. do you know any internship positions where i can make a difference”, 2. “hi, i’m ______, a high school student who loves art and creativity. art has been my passion since i was seven years old. my work is a mix of paintings, sculptures, and digital designs that reflect my diverse interests. currently, i’m looking for projects where i can showcase my artistic flair to inspire and captivate the world. i would be glad if you could share some of your expertise with me while i assist you with some of your projects.”, 3. “hello, i’m _______, a senior at _______ high school. i have always been a student who is driven by leadership and believes in giving back to the community. my experience as a student council president and volunteer at local charities has equipped me with all the traits necessary to succeed as _______. hence, i am eager to participate in initiatives where i can bring people together, create change, and make a positive impact in their lives. do you know about any such initiatives in your company”, 4. “hi my name is _______, and i am a high school student with a passion for writing. whether it’s crafting short stories or contributing to the school newspaper, i find joy in expressing my thoughts and ideas through my writing. i have engaged in several writing activities throughout middle and high school. i am currently looking for opportunities to gain some experience in technical writing too i have heard you have internship opportunities available for aspiring tech writers. it would be great if i could join you”, 5. “from preserving ecosystems to mitigating climate change, environmental sustainability is the need of the hour. hi, i’m _______, a high schooler passionate about environmental sustainability and doing my bit to save our planet. whether organizing campus clean-ups or advocating for eco-friendly initiatives, i’m committed to making a difference. if you have free time in the coming weeks, i would love to talk to you about your initiatives in this area and offer you my assistance.”, 6. hello, let me start by introducing myself. i am _______ with a strong interest in building a career in computer science. i have taken up a few coding programs to develop a solid foundation, and my journey also includes assisting in the creation of a mobile app for a local business. i am excited to apply my acquired skills and learn even more through an enriching internship program. are there any positions available in your company, 7. hi, this is _______, a senior at ________high school. my interest in understanding human behavior has nudged me to consider a college major in psychology. i have taken the ap psychology course to gain knowledge and served as a peer counselor in school to help fellow students. i am looking to pursue a part-time job or a volunteer position in human services to impact people’s lives positively. are you aware of any such position, 8. hello, i’m _______. a sophomore in _______high school. i would describe myself as friendly and energetic. always open to help others and build connections. my teachers can vouch for my positive attitude and willingness to learn new skills. currently, i am searching for a job so i can save for college. i would be glad to assist your customers, organize displays, handle transactions, and enhance the shopping experience at your store. let me know what you think., 9. hello, i’m _______, a dedicated high school student of _______ who has always been awestruck by ancient architectural designs. so much so that i always carry a book to draw sketches of new structures i see around. and i never miss a chance to attend architecture camps to hone my skills as an aspiring architect. i have learned you offer internships to high schoolers who are interested in pursuing architecture. can you please provide me with details, 10. hi, i’m _______. i go to _______high school and i attend _______for studying entrepreneurship. i recently got the opportunity to showcase my leadership in an entrepreneurship team and build on skills like team management and time management. i love collaborating with peers and working in a dynamic environment. i see you have a few open positions where i can apply my skills and knowledge. let me know if you would like to take this conversation further., tips to craft the perfect elevator pitch for yourself.

Keep your pitch short and to the point. Remember the 30-45 second rule!
Research the opportunity well so you can showcase relevant skills and experiences that best align with it.
Make your pitch interesting by adding an element of emotion or storytelling.
Incorporate dynamic verbs and action-oriented language to highlight your abilities and achievements.
Maintain calm body language and smile often to add a personal touch.
Practice as much as you can so you can deliver your pitch as naturally as possible.
Stay confident and authentic while you deliver your pitch. Don’t make false claims.
Practice handling interruptions while you’re giving your speech. It’s possible that your listener may pose a question in between.
Try some interview activities to practice your elevator pitch.

An elevator pitch is a great tool to put yourself out there and grab the attention of recruiters. It opens the path to future conversations, which can lead you to the professional role you are interested in.

While creating an elevator pitch, it’s important to note that elevator pitches are not one-size-fits-all. Every student must take time to curate it depending on their strengths, interests, and future goals. It will help if you dive in some brainstorming activities to get your ideas on paper. Furthermore, you can’t just have one elevator pitch and be done with it. You must modify your pitch based on the requirements of a particular role so you can appear to be a perfect fit for it.

So, that’s all for today! We hope you can now successfully create a stunning elevator pitch that will help you land your dream projects. Be sure to practice your pitch so you can use it at the next networking event, career fair, or in the elevator when you come across someone you look up to or want to work with. Those 30 seconds are precious!

I am Priyanka Sonkushre, a writer and blogger. I am the person behind “ One Loving Mama ,” a mom blog. Equipped with a Bachelor’s degree along with an MBA, my healthcare background helps me deeply understand learning difficulties. I know how challenging it can be for parents to find the right resources to help their children excel in life. So, here I am to blend my healthcare expertise with my parenting experience to create valuable and helpful resources for parents and teachers supporting children with learning differences. If you wish, you can follow me on Facebook and LinkedIn .

Elevator Speech

When you hear about the kind of speech that is called “elevator speech” for the first time, you might wonder what it is about. Are you going to actually perform and recite a speech in a literal elevator? Well, you could, but it does not mean that this kind of speech is delivered in an actual elevator nor it is a speech example that tackles about elevators. In this article, find out more about what an elevator speech is with the following twelve examples. If ever you’re looking for tips on how to make your own elevator speech, this article also provides you tips and do’s and don’ts on how to write an elevator speech.

Acceptance Speech Examples
Award Speech Examples

What is an Elevator Speech?

An elevator speech is a kind of speech that is all about you. Usually, an elevator speech is done during job interviews since there are some human resource managers who would begin their job interviews with “tell me something about yourself”. It can tell about yourself because it is a speech that would tell about who you are, what you are capable of doing, maybe a couple of work experiences, what you want to do, and how can your capabilities benefit the company you are applying for.

Some would think that writing for an elevator speech is easy since it usually just consists of no longer than 25 to 30 seconds when you would be reciting it and when writing an elevator speech, it would often take 80 to 90 words or 8 to 10 sentences. But, just like the saying that goes “small but terrible”, writing an elevator speech could be overwhelming. Just imagine all the things that you could say about yourself and all the things that you have experienced in your life but you are only encouraged to say less than a hundred words. Difficult, right? However, you should not worry because there are ways on how you can write and deliver your speech without pressure.

How Your Elevator Speech Should be Written

An elevator speech should be written in a brief manner. The reason why an elevator speech is named as it is because it should be delivered in an elevator ride and we all know how short an elevator ride is. Remember that the ideal number of seconds you should be writing your elevator speech in a way that it should fit within a span of thirty to sixty seconds, which is also the number of seconds that would take when you are writing an elevator speech. Include only the important details about yourself and present it in a direct manner, without unnecessary, flowery words.

2. Persuasive

Despite its reputation for having a short content, an elevator speech should be written in a way so that should be able to convince your interviewer. Imagine applying for a job and during the interview, you were not convincing enough to the interviewee. How will be hired in that case? To be persuasive, you have to mention how your capabilities are going to benefit the company you are applying for. You should not only mention your capabilities but also about your experience of handling difficult situations that you have come across in your professional life so far.

3. Share Your Skills

You must include your skills, capabilities, or qualifications so that your employee would have a knowledge of what you are capable of doing. You should mention only the skills that would be of great use and value to the company you are applying for. You might think that this is a form of bragging– it is, but bragging is different from being boastful.

4. Mention Your Goals

Your goal in an elevator speech should be about the job you are aiming for. This does not mean that you have to include every single short and long-term goal s that you have up in your sleeve. If you are applying for a production assistant role for a film, you could say “a role in production assistance”, “an opportunity to apply for production assisting skills”, or “an opportunity to work in the film industry”.

Elevator Speech Examples

1. elevator speech for research application.

Hi, my name is Samantha Atcheson, and I am a senior Environmental Sciences major. I’m looking for a position that will allow me to use my research and analysis skills. Over the past few years, I’ve been strengthening these skills through my work with a local watershed council on conservation strategies to support water quality and habitats. Eventually, I’d like to develop education programs on water conservation awareness. I read that your organization is involved in water quality projects. Can you tell me how someone with my experience may fit into your organization?

Size: 79 KB

2. Elevator Speech for Computer Programming

Nice to meet you, I’m Alex Biondo. I’m currently a senior and am studying Computer and Information Science. I hope to become a computer programmer when I graduate. I’ve had a couple of internships where I worked on several program applications with a project team. I enjoy developing computer applications for simple business solutions. The position you have listed in UO-JobLink seems like it would be a perfect fit for someone with my skills. I’d like to hear more about the type of project teams in your organ.

Size: 133 KB

3. Business Management Elevator Speech

Hi, my name is Brad. I am currently a sophomore student attending XYZ University in Wallapallooza, Maparaza. In college, I plan on majoring in business, specifically in the area of finance. This summer I did an internship with the Groundhog Hedge Fund Group and I hope to work in my college’s credit union when I return to school this fall. Ever since I can remember I have always had an interest in numbers and I feel certain that this is something I want to do in my future career. Next summer I’m hoping to get another internship learning more about how the international financial market operates. I also want a career working with people since I enjoy assisting others with their finances and I had a blast this year preparing a presentation as a team with a group of other students for my business management introductory course.”

Size: 141 KB

4. Teacher Science Application Elevator Speech

“Hi! My name is Mary Smith and I am a senior Interdisciplinary Studies student, seeking to teach science in grades 4-8 upon my graduation this December. I recently completed my student teaching at ABC ISD, which was a vital learning experience and afforded me the opportunity to become accustomed to the daily classroom routine, as well as develop skills in recognizing individual academic growth in students. Also, during this time I helped mentor students wishing to participate in extracurricular UIL science events. One thing that particularly caught my attention about your district is that the “all students” group has maintained an exemplary rating in science, and at a 98% rate! As we all know awards and ratings make the difference, I would set it as my goal to strive to maintain, and even improve this rating, all while providing students with progressive and exploratory learning opportunities.”

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5. Elevator Speech for Marketing Opportunities

Hello. My name is Justin Green and I will be receiving my MBA degree in May. One of the things I’ve enjoyed most is putting my courses to work on real-world school projects. For example, as director of sales for a student-led seminar, I was able to increase attendance at the annual conference by 35% over the prior year by creating and implementing a detailed marketing strategy . Does your company have marketing opportunities for MBA’s and if so, can you tell me more about the opportunities?

Size: 181 KB

6. Elevator Speech for Public Accounting Firm

Hi, my name is Sarah Jones and I’m a recent grad of Optimal University with a bachelor degree in accounting seeking a position with a public accounting firm. I interned with Deloitte in the corporate tax department, already passed the first part of my CPA exam and have a real talent for communicating with clients. I work well with clients and deliver under pressure. I’d love to learn more about your company.

Size: 514 KB

How You Should Deliver Your Elevator Speech

1. do not eat your words– do not talk too fast.

Even if you are only given a short time to deliver your elevator speech, it does not mean that you have to talk too fast that you would already be eating your words. Your goal is not only to be brief– you also have to be persuasive. How can you be persuasive if the interviewer could not even understand your words?

2. Avoid Rambling

There are some people who would not prepare for their elevator speech in advance and as a result, they would ramble. But there are also some people who would overly prepare but as a result, they are over-rehearsed, would sound robotic as they would try to remember the words they rehearsed and would ramble.

3. Facial Expressions Matter

No matter how comprehensive your speech is but if your facial expression is on the downside, then prepare to have your job application status on the downside as well. It won’t cost you a dime to smile, so smile and be enthusiastic when delivering your elevator speech.

7. Elevator Speech for Transportation Industry Application

Hello, My name is Nichole Jackson. I am currently a senior at Boys and Girls High School. I am looking for an entry-level position in the transportation industry. I am very outgoing, able to work independently and work well in situations where I am under pressure, as demonstrated in my last job as a cashier at a busy store. As a cashier, I was able to accurately handle money and interact positively with a lot of different people. I am fluent in Spanish and have good attendance at school, which shows that I am dedicated. I am looking to pursue a career in the transportation and would like to start as a Ticket Agent. I know that my skills and experience will make me a great candidate for the job.

Size: 243 KB

8. Finance Summer Job Elevator Speech

“Hi, my name is Mary Jones. I am currently a junior level student attending ABC college. My major is in business with a minor in art. I have volunteered with the student credit union throughout my first three years of college. Last summer I completed an internship with The Museum of Modern Art, and I’m hoping to find a job in finance this summer in the Boston area. I have always had an interest in art and I found that I have a real knack for business. In the future, I’m hoping to combine these two very different disciplines and find myself a career that includes them both.”

Size: 49 KB

9. Internal Finance Department Elevator Speech

Hi, my name is Jane Doe. I just retired from the Army after 27 years as a Command Sergeant Major in the Air Defense field. While in the Army, I led a unit of 500 enlisted personnel to help manage the use and upkeep of more than 20 million dollars’ worth of equipment. While continuing to perform my duties, I also obtained my degree in finance and provided oversight to the budget personnel in my unit. I would like to find a job opportunity within an internal finance department in the financial services industry to use my finance, leadership and organizational skills.

Size: 440 KB

10. Financial Services Industry Elevator Speech

Hi! My name is Bob Jones. I recently left the Navy after seven great years in the Information Dominance career field, where I specialized in cyber counterterrorism. I have been following, with great interest, how the financial sector is developing technology to protect itself and its client investments against the increasing number of cybercriminals. I am looking for an opportunity as part of a cutting-edge team in the financial services industry to use my technical and management skills in this fast-paced and challenging field.

Size: 226 KB

11. Elevator Speech for Arts Policy

“Hello, my name is Sammy Sagehen, and I am a senior Public Policy Analysis major at Pomona College. As a musician and a student of politics, I would like to explore the overlap of my interests and pursue a career in arts policy. I have interned at a number of nonprofit and government arts organizations, including the Lincoln Center Festival, Americans for the Arts, and the National Endowment for the Arts, and I am currently writing my senior thesis about the nonimmigrant artist visa process. I will be in New York City this summer, and I would like to connect with you to learn more about your work at Carnegie Hall. Would you have time to meet for a brief informational interview in August?”

Size: 506 KB

12. Water Conservation Awareness Elevator Speech

“Hi, I’m Charlie, and I am a senior Environmental Sciences major. Over the past few years, I have been strengthening my research and analysis skills through my work with a local watershed council on conservation strategies to support water quality projects and habitats. I would like to use my skills in the future. Eventually, I would like to develop educational programs on water conservation awareness. I read that your organization is involved in water quality projects. Can you tell me how someone with my experience may fit into your organization?”

Size: 332 KB

13. Elevator Speech by an Information Systems Specialist

I am an information systems specialist focusing on the application of technology to business functions in the areas of marketing, sales, manufacturing, logistics, and accounting. My field of experience is diverse. I have worked with a Fortune 500 firm as well as a small entrepreneurial business. My strengths include data administration, strategic planning, data warehousing, and relational database design, development and implementation. I am a senior corporate officer with extensive expertise in operational responsibilities, including P&L, strategic planning and financial management. I have been particularly effective in increasing profitability, growing revenues and managing costs. My organization showed solid incremental gains in market share and still maintained operational efficiencies. One of my strengths is building management teams that value cross-functional working relationships.

Size: 464 KB

14. Elevator Speech for a Career Fair

Hi, I’m Amelia Malkin. I am a Junior Business Administration major in the Tepper School of Business completing a track in Finance. Last summer I interned with PNC Financial Services as a Sales and Trading Summer Analyst in the Derivatives Product Group. I’m now interested in pursuing a summer internship position with Citi in Sales and Trading where I can utilize my communication skills and solid quantitative abilities. My experience as a student-athlete at Carnegie Mellon has helped me to develop a strong teamwork ethic, time management skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure and these abilities will help me to be successful in a financial services career. Can you describe some common projects an intern would get to work on in the Sales and Trading division?

Size: 306 KB

Elevator Pitch Do’s and Don’ts

Elevator pitch do’s.

1. Start with a great hook.

A great hook can literally hook your interviewer.

2. Always back your claims.

By backing your claims of being able to be capable of doing things this and that, you can briefly mention your past work experiences that are related to the skills that you have mentioned and to the job that you are applying for.

3. Mention why you are the person the company is looking for.

You have to mention your differences compared to your competitors. There are a lot of applicants that have been and are waiting to be interviewed– why should you make the cut? Why should you be the one who will be accepted?

4. Keep calm and be confident.

Panicking will only do you no good and will end up not getting the job post in the end. Keep your cool and even if the pressure is overwhelming, just be calm and confident. If you have to fake confidence then do so because remember “fake it until you make it”.

5. Practice, practice, and practice.

If you have time to prepare, you can still find time to practice. Even if you cannot reach perfection, at least you have practiced and that you have already found your path with your elevator speech.

Elevator Pitch Don’ts

1. Don’t come unprepared.

Prepare at least an outline before you come to an interview. A job interview is like a competition, a race perhaps, considering the number of competitors that you might have. Your preparedness is your weapon against your competitors and the competition in general.

2. Don’t mention unrealistic things with the hope that you would get the job.

Do not be a “yes man”. Just give what you can and do not appear like you can do everything the company tells you so.

3. Don’t go information overload.

Remember: be brief. You already have your resume to fully inform your interviewers about you.

4. Don’t forget the call to action.

Ace that interview and get hired.

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20 Unique Elevator Speech For Every Situation

I like building and growing simple yet powerful products for the world and the worldwide web.

Published Date : November 11, 2021

Reading Time :

A speech is a form of communication that conveys information to an audience. It is one of the most important and highly valued forms of communication in human society.

Speech has been used throughout history for various purposes, such as social interaction, education, and entertainment. However, we’ve recently learned how to use it daily.

In this blog, we will discuss the exact details of how to write a great elevator speech . Plus, we will give you ample material on what types of speeches are great for each situation you might be in. If you write your pitch, you’ll find some spectacular elevator speech examples here.

Getting Ready: What is an Elevator Speech?

An elevator speech lets you provide a fast rundown of who you are and what you do. A pitch might be an opportunity to make a genuine relationship with an audience member that you can use in the future. There may not be an immediate advantage, but you should be ready to make an elevator pitch at any time.

In truth, whether they know it or not, most individuals have done an elevator pitch . As a result, pitches come in many shapes and sizes, ranging from job interviews to brand-new company prospects. Preparing for your next pitch is an important part of marketing yourself and your business. You can do it by scanning through elevator speech examples.

Furthermore, an elevator speech is essential because:

It doesn’t make your listeners yawn.
Organize your thoughts briefly.
It helps to identify your market.

When to use elevator speech depends on the audience you are speaking to. For those who have been out of school for a while, you might want to use it for the introduction. There are also elevator speech examples for students that may vary.

Steps on How to Make an Elevator Speech

Separating key information from less significant information is necessary to make a good elevator speech . Hence, being able to communicate successfully at work is critical.

The solid elevator speech examples have many key components you must grasp before developing your own.

1. Introduce Yourself

The best pitches always begin with a brief introduction . It might be as basic as saying your name and employer if applicable.

As with eye contact, body language is vital to a strong introduction. Here are a few pointers for your pitch while meeting a new client or customer:

Make a good first impression by greeting your audience appropriately for the situation.
Consider dressing formally for an important business meeting or casually for a pleasant get-together.
You’ll have to think outside the box for the video chat introductions for virtual meetings and networking events.

2. Describe What You Do

If the issue draws the audience in, then the solution will keep them interested. It is your opportunity to demonstrate why you’re the best person to assist them. Spend time honing your solution since it is the most crucial component of your elevator pitch .

3. Provide Your Value Position

Having gotten your audience interested, you need to close the offer. Describe how your answer is superior to everyone else’s.

4. Engage Your Audience With a Question

Before you go, leave your audience engaged by offering praise or asking a question. Always err on the side of sincerity instead of saying goodbye in a prepared manner .

Nail your Elevator Speech , practice with Orai

How to Write an Elevator Speech?

1. identify the needs.

Your elevator speech should have a great beginning, but you must first determine what need your business is trying to fill. Why should your audience, customers, and future consumers choose you above the competition?

2. Determine Your Target Audience

As previously said, recognizing the issue you can address for your readers and clients is the first stage. However, the second step is identifying who those people are.

3. Straight to the Point

It’s okay to be creative while drafting your elevator speech , but don’t be too brilliant that people don’t understand! You should be able to give your elevator pitch when it takes to travel the elevator.

4. Be Memorable

In your elevator speech , you may utilize humor, paint a mental image, and be animated. Be careful not to oversell your abilities or yourself.

5. Dig Deeper

Provide yourself the space and time to further identify your target audience’s problems. Then, identify how you’re going to solve them.

General Elevator Speech Examples

Start building your speech using our elevator speech template, and then add facts and customized greetings as required. This template contains all four components to ensure that your elevator pitch hits all the right notes.

30-Second Elevator Speech Examples

Template 1: sweet and short.

It is a regular occurrence. That is not to say it is the finest, but it is an excellent elevator speech example of a fast and simple pitch that works in virtually every setting.

When developing this elevator pitch , make it as brief and concise as possible. Consistently adhere to the 30-second or fewer guidelines since the aim is to be brief and honest.

“The issue is that work is chaotic regardless of industry or skill level. However, effective project management software may assist in increasing productivity and communication. In years, I haven’t missed a deadline. If you’re interested in learning how it may benefit your team, call me, and I’ll go over some stats.”

Template 2: Be Relatable

When you want to get your audience’s attention, use a personal narrative they can identify with. If you want to sell anything, you need to make a personal connection with the customer first.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you at long last. What is the current state of the company? Communication has been a problem for you recently. That was a problem for both my team and myself. After using project management software, our cooperation and communication significantly improved. That’s great that you’ve found a solution that works for you and your group.”

Template 3: Knowledgeable With Stats

Start your pitch with a bang by revealing eye-catching facts. You must have concrete data to back up your stats before throwing a pitch to verify their correctness. An effective statistics presentation concludes with a connection between how your solution may help address the problem.

“Despite greater distance connections, 60% of employees’ time is spent on work coordination, 26% on specialized work, and 14% on strategy. Did you? It’s reasonable that organizations need help managing projects. Using project management technologies may save coordination time and boost skilled work.”

Template 4: Savvy With Questions

This example employs the use of questions to help your audience understand your pitch. Because the audience is involved, they are forced to participate rather than merely listen. Start and conclude your speech with a thought-provoking question that will linger in the minds of your listeners.

“Have you ever felt like you’re working too hard? I’ve heard similar complaints from numerous people. I’d work hard days and nights to catch up. But do you know anything? Our project management software has increased my productivity. “When did you last do anything like this?”

Template 5: Humorous Approach

The audience will be more receptive if your elevator speech is lighthearted. Use a GIF or a short amusing video between slides to lighten the atmosphere. Consider the occasion and tone of your organization before utilizing this elevator speech example.

“Most people can only pay attentively for around eight seconds before losing interest. That’s not enough morning time to place my coffee order. That might explain why my barista consistently makes mistakes. But in all seriousness, I believe it is why many businesses have difficulty meeting deadlines.”

Template 6: Storyteller

Use real-life examples from customers or your life experience to engage your audience. This is extremely useful if your subject is difficult to describe in 30 seconds or less.

“One of our customers switched to a remote workforce and needed assistance meeting deadlines. Their productivity increased by up to 10% after working with us so that they could spend more time on higher-value tasks like strategic planning.”

Template 7: Driven With Emotions

If you can make your pitch emotionally charged, you’ll have a higher chance of winning over your audience. To avoid the talk from devolving into anything depressing, maintain your emotions on the positive side.

“While it may seem to be another tool at first glance, closer inspection reveals that it aids team collaboration. Not only that, but it also aids in forming cohesive teams that look forward to working on new projects. That’s difficult to come by, yet everyone wants it.”

Template 8: Ending With Surprise

Good elevator speech examples have surprising conclusions and creatively display how beneficial the products are. You’re compelled to weigh your existing circumstances against a better one.

“You’re curious about the conversion rate of leads generated by your webinar campaign vs. your trade show booth. However, it applies only to consumers who purchased two or more items and were not previously in your database. You’d already be aware if you used our data and reporting tools. It generates reports instantly.”

Template 9: One-Liner

Avoid cliché one-liners and personalize your ending. It’s important to leave them with a lasting impression with a unique concept.

“Every week, more than a quarter (26%) of deadlines are missed due to a lack of clarity . However, using the appropriate project management tools might drastically reduce this figure. Can you afford not to utilize project management software in your company?”

Template 10: Mutual Understanding

“William Koch, I believe, is someone to whom we both have a connection. He’s one of our clients. By using our technology, his organization reduced the time it takes to build new software in half. Since your businesses are of a comparable magnitude, the outcomes will probably be the same. Interested in learning more about what we could do on his behalf?”

Template 11: Written Speech

Once you give your pitch, it produces a thought-provoking and lyrical flow. Because you’ll have to recite this pitch from memory, practice is essential to your game plan.

“Wendy here! Nice to meet you. Do you work for Apollo? I’ve heard good things. I heard you need project management assistance. Anyone in business—sales or suppliers—needs assistance managing tasks and teamwork. Without it, work may be a mess, particularly today. That’s why we built a software application that helps people and teams manage projects and communications. Have you considered utilizing anything similar?”

Template 12: The Advisor

“We’ve discovered that content marketing is a major challenge for fledgling B2B SaaS enterprises. We helped many of your colleagues produce, publish, and promote blog material last year, resulting in a 20% increase in leads. Want to know more?”

Template 13: Attention Grabber

“Have you ever been told to “whip up a short report before the day ends”? You say yes, but your heart sinks because it won’t be fast. As marketing professionals, my company’s founders had to deal with this issue repeatedly. So they built a program that consolidates data and generates reports in under 30 seconds.”

Template 14: Credibility Boost

“Every month, I speak with hundreds of marketers. And they despise writing reports. It’s tiresome, time-consuming, and not your priority. Our tool uses all your data to produce whatever report you want in less time than it takes to make a cup of coffee.”

Elevator Speech For Every Situation

Let’s look at some of the best examples of elevator speeches. An elevator pitch may help you arrange your ideas and prepare for the real thing.

1. Formal Meeting

A presentation might be a terrific supplement to typical elevator speech examples. Whether or not you produce a presentation, the goal of this meeting is to sell your product professionally.

“I reviewed your existing productivity metrics and saw room for improvement. Our project management software may help you reclaim up to 10% of your workday. That means more work gets done, and more work means greater success for your company. Not to add, our product is the only one in the business with goal-setting features.”

2. Job Interview

Whether with HR, a recruiter, or a hiring manager, most interviews begin with “Tell me about yourself.” Preparing an elevator pitch may help you be ready when the chance arises.

“The most common instance is a networking gathering. Establishing friendships through video chat maybe even more difficult in the emerging virtual-first society. That’s why creating a great elevator pitch is critical regardless of where you’re presenting.”

3. Networking Event

“Hello, I’m Orai from Apollo Enterprises. Around the globe, we’ve improved team productivity and cooperation. Reach out if you need project management support. Let’s create a big influence on your organization. I’ll also have your contact details available.”

4. Sales Pitch

Professionals frequently use sales jargon, but the trick is to create a personal connection while selling softly.

“Our team struggled to become a remote workforce. People struggled to locate the right information and communicate effectively. But happily, we discovered a solution. Using project management tools enhanced cooperation and production. Every firm has its preferences, but I can vouch for our software’s ability to link objectives to the effort required to attain them.”

5. Virtual Meeting

“Thank you! I saw your competition exceed you year-over-year. I ran a quick competitive analysis and found no major flaws. How’s it doing with remote work? If you’re curious, I can give you some productivity gains from adding project management tools to your present workflow.”

6. Meeting With Business Owners

There are significant differences between pitching a firm owner and an executive. They’re more difficult to market since they’re wary of making additional financial commitments.

“I enjoy your company’s goods. And I fully support your objective. I realized there might be ways to boost internal productivity and cooperation. Do you use project management software? It might significantly influence company growth today or in the future.”

What are some tips for refining your pitch delivery, body language, and voice?

Master your pitch by crafting a clear and concise message, practicing confident delivery, and projecting your voice from your diaphragm. Use VR for realistic practice, mirror checks for body language , and feedback from others to refine your presentation and leave a lasting impression.

What should be the focus of a pitch to set yourself apart and hook people in?

The focus of a pitch should be on highlighting what makes you and your company unique, what is fascinating about your story, and what will captivate the audience’s interest and make them eager to learn more.

What role do eye-opening statistics play in a pitch?

Leverage eye-catching statistics to supercharge your pitch. They grab attention, build trust, and showcase your value. Data appeals to both logic and emotions, making your message persuasive and memorable. Highlight expertise and achievements with impactful numbers to resonate with your audience.

How can you identify your goal for the pitch and your ideal audience?

Before crafting your pitch, solidify your goal (promotion, awareness, sales?) and target audience (who benefits most?). Research their demographics, interests, and needs to tailor your message and maximize engagement.

What should you consider before writing a pitch?

Craft a winning pitch: Know your goal (promotion, awareness, sales?) and target audience (who benefits?). Tailor your message to their needs, highlight your USP , and answer “What’s in it for them?”. End with a question to spark conversation and connection.

When should you use an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is your versatile tool to showcase yourself, your product, or your idea in 60 seconds. Use it for investors, website bios, social media, book blurbs, management pitches, or job interviews. Be prepared to strike anywhere and leave a lasting impression.

What are the advantages of using an elevator pitch?

The advantages of using an elevator pitch include being well-prepared for networking events, reducing nervousness, and building confidence . With a practiced elevator pitch , you have a clear and concise introduction ready, eliminating awkward pauses and ensuring a professional and polished delivery. This preparation allows you to make a positive first impression on new contacts, speak confidently without stumbling over words, and initiate conversations effectively.

Why is having a clear call to action essential in a pitch?

A strong call to action (CTA) is your pitch’s closer. It tells the audience exactly what you want them to do next, whether it’s contacting you, trying your product, or learning more. A clear CTA guides them toward your desired outcome, boosting engagement and conversions. It sets you apart, leaving a lasting impression and making them eager to connect.

Why is asking a question at the end of a pitch important?

End your pitch with a bang : surprise, intrigue, and a thought-provoking question . This sparks curiosity, engages the audience, and opens the door for a deeper conversation. A well-crafted question can build connections and turn your pitch into a valuable dialogue, paving the way for future success.

How do you get your pitch right?

Shine in 60 seconds! Craft your elevator pitch by considering your goals, audience, and USP . Engage with a thought-provoking question , address pain points with solutions , and use statistics, social proof , and your experience to stand out. End with a clear call to action and leave them wanting more.

How and where can you practice delivering an elevator pitch?

Master your elevator pitch with Passage_1’s tips: practice delivery , try the Orai app , or find online simulations for feedback. Explore additional resources and start practicing today!