You might be asking yourself how to create a good elevator pitch?
An elevator pitch is a quick summary of yourself. It is usually 75-100 words long and takes 30-45 seconds to be delivered.
Note that the terms ‘elevator pitch’ and ‘elevator speech’ are interchangeable.
This article will cover: When elevator pitches are used, a little perspective on creating a good elevator pitch, the 6 steps to create a good elevator pitch and what to do after elevator pitch.
You could think of an elevator pitch as your professional story.
You should try to create a clear case for what you do. And also make a great case for why someone should be involved with you in whatever capacity you are asking.
Here are the 6 steps you need to do to create a perfect elevator pitch:
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- Introduce Yourself
- Give a Little Background
- Give Some Context to Your Story
- Make a Connection
- Call to Action
- Close
Where are Elevator Pitches Used?
Elevator pitches can be used for a variety of reasons. From trying to get a job to trying to sell a product or pitch a new idea.
Heres a list of some common places elevator pitches are used:
- Conferences
- Sales Pitch for Product or Service
- Talking to an Audience
- Poster Presentations
- Career/Internship Fairs
- Tabling Events
- Communication with Public
Elevator pitches no matter the reason, are usually going to be pretty similar for these various reasons to use them.
(Related – The Guide to Getting a Good Internship in Graduate School (MPH))
A little Perspective on Creating a Good Elevator Pitch
The best elevator pitches are ones that can be as personalized and relevant to the person you’re speaking to.
So whenever possible you should try to get more information about a individual or organization before approaching with your elevator pitch.
For a good elevator pitch you should be:
- Memorable
- Calm
- Clear
- Minimal (simple)
- Precise
- Actionable
Before creating your elevator pitch make sure you are clear on what you want your purpose to be.
Some thoughts to have are: What are we trying to do in careers? What are you trying to accomplish by meeting new people?
The 7 Steps to Create a Good Elevator Pitch
1. Introduce Yourself
“Hi, I’m Jane Doe.”
Say your name. Make sure you say it as clearly as possible.
Don’t forget to smile. Try to make a great first impression.
2. Give a Little Background
In university:
“I graduated from the UF with my Bachelors in Public Health.”
In career world:
“I’m the Director of Early Childhood Education Program at the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.”
Background is important so that the person you are speaking to can better understand more about yourself. This information should be catered to who you are talking to and what you are trying to achieve from the encounter.
3. Give Some Context to Your Story
“That’s the University of Florida which is ranked the #7 Public University in the US and has a great BSPH program.”
Sometimes you will need to give extra context. Though this won’t be the case all the time, it could be used to leave a lasting impression.
This is especially if you go to a school that isn’t widely known or work for a company that isn’t a household name. Ensure that you provide that extra relevant context.
You are ultimately going to decide if it will be important to give more context or not when creating your elevator pitch.
4. Make a Connection
“I know all about your company and I’m a huge fan of the work you all do on health equity in South Florida.”
Remember that you are making your elevator pitch to an actual person. That being obvious, you will want to ensure that you try to make a try human connection with this person.
Think about: Why do you want the person you’re talking to to listen?
Maybe you’re an undergraduate student studying Public Health and you are talking to a CEO of a local non-profit. In this case you will want to connect yourself to something that individual or their organization embodies.
A connection could be simply saying that you are familiar with something the person’s organization does or talking about aligned interests.
5. Call to Action
“I am looking for an internship next semester and I would love to connect to hear about the application process and how I can be a competitive applicant.”
This is the most important step of a good elevator pitch.
I know this might be a little intimidating. However, you will want to be clear and intentional about what your call to action is.
Some relevant call’s to action for your elevator pitch are:
- Asking for mentorship
- Wanting to connect for continued conversation
- Asking for a internship
Additionally, you may want to think about how you could connect someone you know to the person you are speaking with. This can be used to benefit both parties to help them achieve a mutual goal.
6. Close
“Thank you so much for you time. I’ll be sure to email you right after this event so we can stay in touch. It was a pleasure meeting you.”
Be nice and polite. Always remember to say thank you.
This could be the beginning of the next step in your career or professional development. So make sure to end on a good note.
What to do After the Elevator Pitch
After your elevator pitch you want to continue to build a relationship with the person.
Ask things like:
- What inspired you to get in this field of work?
- What do you like most about what you do?
- How do you approach [a certain situation] now?
If applicable, introduce them (person you met) to someone you know already if their work or projects align. This will mutually benefit both parties to help them achieve their goals.
“I think you should really meet this person (your why). I think it will really help you both.”
When you help people, there is a greater level of connection than just talking.
Additionally, during your elevator pitch you could offer to send something information or of value to this new connection. This can help create a sense of good character and allows you to give before you go in for you ask.
Conclusion
In concluding, a good elevator pitch is a necessary part of university life and life in the job market.
To reiterate, the 6 steps to create a good elevator pitch are:
- Introduce Yourself
- Give a Little Background
- Give Some Context to Your Story
- Make a Connection
- Call to Action
- Close
You should ensure that you are practicing your elevator pitch beforehand so that you know what to say. Do any relevant research before meeting with persons.
Be present in the moment so that you are absorbing information that can benefit you and learn how you can be of more value to this new connection.
What are your perspectives on elevator pitches?
