Elevator Pitches

Elevator Pitches

An elevator pitch is a concise description that leaves the impression of who you are and what you offer. It should be no more than 20 seconds long, or roughly the length of time in an elevator ride with someone you just met.

It should be confident and authoritative but not boastful or dictatorial. Deliver the message without faltering, stumbling or pausing. To be proficient you must practice. Don’t rely on an ad lib. Write it out in advance. Read it several times and edit if necessary. Read it aloud. Practice it in a conversational voice and in front of a mirror. The goal is a polished delivery but not robotic.

A successful elevator pitch will set the tone and interest your listener into hearing more about your qualifications. It should induce a longer conversation where you can unfold more details.