Elevator Pitch: Definition, challenges, and explanations

An elevator pitch is a short, prepared speech, usually lasting 30 to 60 seconds, whose purpose is to present an idea, product, service, or person in a clear and convincing manner. The expression comes from the image of an elevator ride, symbolizing the brevity of the time available to make a powerful presentation.

This technique is part of communication and sales methods, particularly valued in the business world and entrepreneurship. It is used to quickly spark interest in order to initiate a conversation or further exchange.

An elevator pitch must be precise, impactful, and easy to understand, tailored to its target audience and the context in which it is used.

Using an elevator pitch is essential for quickly capturing the attention of your audience, especially in professional settings where time is often limited. It allows you to convey a clear and compelling message in a minimum amount of time.

This approach facilitates the initiation of discussions, connecting with potential partners, clients, or investors, and increases the chances of generating genuine and lasting interest.

In addition, a well-prepared elevator pitch boosts self-confidence and allows you to control your speech, avoiding hesitations or digressions during conversations.

In concrete terms, an elevator pitch is built around several key elements: an eye-catching introduction, a clear presentation of the idea or project, highlighting the advantages or benefits, and a call to action or an opening for further discussion.

The speech must be tailored to the situation and the target audience, using simple and direct language. It is also important to practice your pitch to gain fluency and naturalness.

During an interaction, the speaker must capture attention from the very first seconds, maintain interest with relevant content, and then conclude effectively to encourage further discussion.

The advantages of an elevator pitch include the ability to quickly communicate a key idea, generate interest from the outset, and facilitate professional networking.

This method also promotes discipline in communication, forcing you to summarize the essentials and prepare an impactful message.

However, there are some drawbacks. The very short format can limit the depth of the content presented, making it difficult to convey complex or nuanced details.

In addition, a poorly prepared pitch can seem mechanical or unnatural, which can distract rather than capture attention.

Finally, the context may not always lend itself to this type of rapid approach, thereby reducing its effectiveness.

A classic example of an elevator pitch is presenting your business project at a networking event in less than a minute to attract the attention of a potential investor.

In recruitment, a candidate can use an elevator pitch to introduce themselves effectively during an interview or at a job fair.

In addition, a salesperson can use this technique to quickly attract a customer by highlighting the key benefits of a product or service.

• Princeton University: PDF document explaining the basics of the elevator pitch.
• Harvard Catalyst: Resources for mastering and delivering an authentic elevator pitch.
• Kent State University: Guide and tips for preparing a one-minute elevator pitch.
• Southern New Hampshire University: Concrete examples of elevator pitches in a professional context.
• The Balance: Articles and tips for writing and delivering an effective elevator pitch.