How to Prepare an Effective Elevator Pitch

The length of an elevator ride may be all the time you have to present your ideas.

The essential goal of an elevator pitch is to pique interest about you or your ideas in a short amount of time. The term "elevator pitch" comes from the idea of having to sell someone on an idea in the two minutes it takes to ride the elevator. Used in various situations, an elevator pitch could win you a meeting with a potential investor, an interview, or the sale of a product.

Instructions

1. Write down a few adjectives that describe the best things about your idea. Then think of less common ways to convey these same attributes. The term "cost-effective" is used commonly. Your initial list may be full of such terms, but find new ways to say the same things for your pitch.

2. Consider your audience. The more you know about the audience of your pitch, the better you can tailor it to say what they are listening for. If the pitch is to earn investment from a venture capitalist, for instance, you will want to convey the similarity of your idea to those of others they have funded.

3. Write an attention-getting statement or question that has to do with the problem your idea solves. Make the statement something the audience might connect with and it will be more effective. Begin your pitch with this question, answer, or statement.

4. Add just enough information about your ideas to make them want to hear more in a presentation. If your idea includes a twist on what others are doing, or an unexpected ingredient, use that interesting information as a teaser to get them interested now that you have their attention.

5. Keep it short and simple. Remember that an elevator pitch is one that works with impulsive thinking. You are either trying to get a quick sale, or get an appointment for a full-length presentation, during which you will want to say more to win the audience over.

References

• Business: Why your Business needs an Elevator Pitch