Developing an Elevator Pitch

Getting your pitch just right can take some time. You’ll probably go through numerous drafts before settling on one that is both intriguing and natural in conversation. To make a fantastic pitch, follow these steps, but keep in mind that your approach will need to change depending on the topic of your pitch.

1. Identify Your Objective

Begin by considering the purpose of your pitch.

2. Describe what you do

Begin your pitch by defining your organization’s mission. Concentrate on the issues you resolve and the ways you assist others. If possible, include data or a statistic that demonstrates the value of what you do.

Remember that your pitch should thrill you first; after all, if you’re not excited about what you’re saying, your audience won’t be either. Your pitch should make you grin and make your pulse beat faster. Even if they don’t remember everything you say, they will remember your excitement.

Consider the following scenario: You’re writing an elevator pitch to describe what your company does. It’s something you’re going to use during networking events. That’s a lot more intriguing because it demonstrates the value you provide to these organizations.

3. Make Your Unique Selling Proposition known.

Your elevator pitch should also include your (unique selling proposition). Determine what distinguishes you, your company, or your concept. After you’ve talked about what you do, you’ll want to communicate your USP.

4. Involve yourself in a discussion by asking a question.

You must engage your audience after you have communicated your USP. Prepare open-ended questions (questions that cannot be answered with a simple “yes” or “no”) to engage them in the discussion. Make sure you’re prepared to respond to any queries he or she may have.

5. Put everything together

Put it all together once you’ve finished each element of your pitch. Then read it aloud and time how long it takes using a stopwatch. It should take no more than 25 seconds to complete. Then, strive to eliminate anything that isn’t absolutely necessary. Remember that your pitch should be succinct and captivating, therefore the shorter the better!

Here’s an example of how your pitch might look:

“My organization creates accessible space for youth to apply for jobs globally to work, teach volunteer in different spaces physically or remotely. As a result, the global economy will be busted with dedicated youth in different industries ” 

6. Exercising

Practice, like anything else, makes perfect. It’s vital to remember that how you say something is just as significant as what you say. If you don’t practice, you’ll probably speak too quickly, sound unnatural, and forget crucial aspects of your pitch.

Make it a point to practice your pitch on a regular basis. Your pitch will become more natural the more you practice. You want it to sound like a relaxed discussion rather than a pushy sales presentation.

Points to Remember

An elevator pitch is a short, compelling speech that you can use to pique people’s interest in your company’s work. You can also utilize one to generate excitement for a project, an idea, or a product.

It must be concise while communicating critical information.

• Follow these steps to create a great pitch.
• Determine what you want to achieve.
• Describe what you do.
• Make your unique selling proposition known.
• Start by asking a question.
• Assemble everything.

What to Avoid Saying and Doing in an Elevator Speech

Don’t talk too quickly. Yes, you have a limited amount of time to express a great deal of information. However, don’t try to solve the problem by speaking hastily. This will just make it more difficult for people to understand what you’re saying.

Stay away from rambling. This is why practicing your elevator speech is so vital. While you don’t want to over-rehearse and seem stilted, you also don’t want your pitch to have unfocused or confusing words or veer off track. Allow the person you’re conversing with to respond or interject.

Avoid frowning or speaking in a monotonous manner. One disadvantage of rehearsing is that it can cause you to focus more on memorizing the specific phrases you want to use and less on how you carry yourself. Maintain a high level of energy, confidence, and enthusiasm.

To keep listeners interested, modulate your voice, maintain a friendly facial expression, and smile.

References

Business News Daily Editor (2017). What Is an Elevator Pitch? [online] Business News Daily. Available at: https://www.businessnewsdaily.com/3937-elevator-pitch.html [Accessed 25 Aug. 2021].

Mindtools.com. (2017). Crafting an Elevator Pitch: Introducing Your Company Quickly and Compellingly. [online] Available at: https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/elevator-pitch.htm  [Accessed 25 Aug. 2021].

Pagana, K. (n.d.). Ride to the top with a good elevator speech. [online] . Available at: http://woundcareadvisor.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/BC_M-J13.pdf  [Accessed 25 Aug. 2021].

Proquest.com. (2013). Develop an Elevator Speech – ProQuest. [online] Available at: https://www.proquest.com/openview/e2e8b65b4b1fb58a7e05f30450c4765a/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=33050  [Accessed 25 Aug. 2021].

https://www.facebook.com/thebalancecom (2017). When and How to Use an Elevator Pitch. [online] The Balance Careers. Available at: https://www.thebalancecareers.com/elevator-speech-examples-and-writing-tips-2061976  [Accessed 25 Aug. 2021]