4. 2
Why are
they
important?
Elevator pitch is:
• a good icebreaker to start a conversation.
• a good and concise summary of who you
are, your background, and of what you
want.
• a transition from a (phone) screen
impression of you to the in-person you.
• a useful tool during exciting opportunities.
• an opportunity to take the lead in a
conversation.
5. 3
How to
write an
elevator pitch
An elevator pitch has 4 parts:
• Introducing yourself
• Providing a summary of what you do
• Explaining what you want
• Finishing with a call to action
6. 3
How to
write an
elevator pitch
Who are you?
• Giving your full name
• Extending your hand for a handshake, or
bow, etc, (according to customs)
• Add a pleasantry like, ‘It’s nice to meet you!’
7. 3
How to
write an
elevator pitch
What do you do?
• Briefly describe your background
• Give a brief overview of your education
• Briefly explain your work experience
• Mention your specialities
• Mention your strenghts
9. 3
How to
write an
elevator pitch
What do you want?
• This part depends on what you are using the
pitch for.
• The ‘ask’ could be consideration for a job
opportunity, an internship, to simply obtain
contact information, etc.
• This is where you explain your ‘value’ or
what you audience has to gain from
interacting with you.
• This is where you explain what you have to
offer.
11. 3
How to
write an
elevator pitch
Finishing with a call to action
End your pitch by:
• Asking for what you want to happen next. (e.g.
asking for a meeting, expressing interest in a
job, etc.)
• If your request is agreed to, thanking your
audience for their time and getting their
contact information.
• Ending the conversation with action-oriented
farewell, like: ‘Thank you for your time. I will
send you a follow-up email tonight. Have a
great day.’
16. 5
Elevator
pitch
tips
After you have developed your pitch:
• Read it out loud to yourself to detect
mistakes, and opportunities for saying
things more concisely.
• Ask a friend to help you practice out loud
and to give feedback. This will help you to
polish your speech.
• Don’t rush through your pitch and keep it
around 100 words.
17. 5
Elevator
pitch
tips
After you have developed your pitch
• Make it conversational. Planning your pitch
in advance is good but avoid sounding
rehearsed in delivery. Focus on the
structure, not on the words.
• Avoid niche words and phrases. acronyms,
technical terms, industry specific words.
They can alienate your audience.
• Express confidence. Hold your chest high,
your shoulders back, and smile.