How to Write an Elevator Pitch
Everyone should have an elevator pitch. This is an under-one-minute summary of why you're the perfect candidate, or why your business idea is a winner. The concept is that you could deliver your "pitch" within the duration of an elevator ride-- to your boss, an interested future employer or an investor. Even if you never use it, it's a great way to sharpen your thinking about your career or a particular project. And if you ever do find yourself face-to-face with a key decision maker--you'll be prepared.
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Instructions
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Know your message. You are trying to achieve something with an elevator pitch. Be clear on exactly what this is. As you are writing, keep that aim in mind.
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Think of your "hook"--even from a one-minute presentation, your listener is probably only going to retain one idea. Make it a good one. Craft that perfect soundbite phrase that sums you up and that you want her to be repeating a week after you meet her. Be intriguing.
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Target the listener. Make it clear what you can do for him--why he, in particular, should be interested in you. Make your pitch less a laundry list of your achievements and more a message about what specific solutions you can offer or what unique competitive advantage you represent.
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Cut out the details. One or two key facts make you seem serious and well-informed. A whole paragraph of figures and details will just make your listener glaze over. Keep things high level and conceptual for the most part, but avoid jargon or meaningless phrases.
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Make your spiel conversational. After all, you're trying to engage just one person, so don't sound as if you're standing at a podium. A person is far more likely to warm to you if you're friendly and personable than if you're stiff and formal.
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Be passionate and exciting. A boring structure or a boring delivery will get you nowhere--find your inner passion for your idea, and let it shine through.
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Ask for something. You're making your elevator pitch because you need something. Do you want the person's contact number or business card? Do you want them to commit to meet with you again? Make a concise, but polite request at the end of your pitch.
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Get feedback--and practice. Try out your pitch on friends and family and get them to help you hone it until it's perfect. The more times you deliver your pitch, the more at ease you will feel and sound.
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