How to Make an Elevator Pitch (Template + Examples)

Chances are, you’ve heard the term “elevator pitch” before. It’s not just a buzz phrase that people use. 

But what does it mean? And more importantly, how can you create your own? 

What’s an Elevator Pitch?

Generally speaking, an elevator pitch is a concise summary of you: your experience, your background, and your aspirations. However, the catch is that it does have to be brief — thorough enough to get your point across but short enough to the point that you could present it during a quick elevator ride. Hence the name “elevator pitch.” As such, you’ll need to be comfortable with impromptu speaking and public speaking in general.

To learn more about impromptu speaking strategies, explore Lisa Kleinman’s course on the subject — one of Yoodli’s collection of free courses.

It’s the perfect answer to the prompt, “Tell me about yourself.” You can learn more about elevator pitches and how to best respond when someone asks you about yourself through Yoodli’s crash course below.

Elevator pitches are extremely useful, whether you’re actively job searching, trying to get your name out there, or promoting your business or start-up. 

Because much of the workforce has shifted to taking advantage of virtual options — such as online meetings or interviews — you’ll also be able to use this technique virtually, not just in in-person situations. 

This isn’t a time to ramble, however. Make sure you’re speaking clearly and at an appropriate pace. Even though elevator pitches are short in length, you shouldn’t speak faster just to get in more information. After all, the goal isn’t to chat their ear off. You want to be engaging, confident, and effective. Plus, you’ll want to give them a moment to process and respond.

Elevator Pitch Examples

Here are a few elevator pitch examples to get you started:

• Hi! My name is Anila. Because I have decades’ worth of experience as a staff engineer, and I just passed my professional engineering exam, I’m looking to start my own engineering firm. If you know any young engineers looking for a new position, feel free to send them my way!
• Last year, I earned my master’s degree in information security. I spent time as an intern for a small cybersecurity company, and I’m currently looking for a position where I can capitalize on my knowledge and skills in cybersecurity and information security analysis.  
• I’m the founder of a new therapy start-up, Lumitherapy. We offer counseling and therapeutic services, both in-person and online. Feel free to reach out for a consultation or for more information. 
• I’m a journalist with a master’s in health journalism and a specialty in queer health. I’ve dedicated my life thus far to educating people about LGBTQ health, and I’d love to lend my expertise to your company.
• It’s nice to meet you! I’m Inyene, and I’m a local chiropractic specialist. I’m also a member of the American Chiropractic Association and have years of experience in providing spinal manipulations. If you or anyone you know are having pain in your joints or muscles, I hope you’ll send them my way!

These examples are just that — examples. Feel free to use these as inspiration or even as a basis for your own elevator pitch.

Keep in mind that elevator pitches are most effective if you’re comfortable with impromptu speaking. To improve your communication skills, sign up at http://www.yoodli.ai and get AI powered feedback on your body language, eye contact, filler words, pacing, and much else. You can also access Yoodli’s many courses on elevator pitches – all free of cost.

Elevator Pitch Templates

If you’re still looking for a bit more direction, try using one of these three templates. 

1. It’s great to meet you! My name is [your name], and I’m a [your current job] with [number of years of experience] years of experience. I’d love to help you with [a problem to which you have a solution] if you ever need another pair of hands.
2. Hi, I’m [your name]. After graduating from [your university] [year you graduated], I decided to dedicate my life to [your aspiration]. If you know anyone looking for [services you offer], please send them my way.
3. My name is [your name], and I spend my time doing [your area of work] for [your target audience]. Due to my extensive experience in [your specialty], I think I’d be the perfect person to join your team. 

The Bottom Line

Elevator pitches are a great way to help get your name and expertise out there, especially if you’re job searching. You’ll also get the opportunity to build your confidence and practice your effective communication abilities.