If you are able to introduce yourself to someone in a compelling way, it can help set you up for a successful professional conversation. One tool you can use to make introductions simple and effective is the elevator pitch. Let´s look into this: What is an Elevator Pitch?
Also called an elevator speech, an elevator pitch is a brief and concise speech that tells about who you are, what you do, and what you want to achieve. It is named as such since it should be short and compelling enough that you can introduce yourself during an elevator ride. The elevator pitch is a way to share your credentials and expertise quickly with individuals who don’t know anything about you. Elevator pitches are sometimes thought to be specific to an idea or a product, but you can also use it to sell yourself as a professional.
In this blog article, I talk about the why, the when to use elevator pitches and the formula behind it. At the end I will share how to prepare for this short presentation and tips how to deliver the speech so that you get what you want.

Elevator pitches are important

A good elevator pitch is important because it’s an effective way to demonstrate your professional aptitude, strengths and skills. An elevator pitch is also useful in multiple situations which makes it especially valuable. If possible, you should always have some talking points about yourself prepared (so you’re ready to take advantage of unexpected opportunities), but an elevator pitch is particularly helpful during a job search.

There are many occasions when you can use your elevator pitch

An elevator pitch can be used to outline your cover letter or a professional summary statement at the top of your resume. Both a cover letter and summary statement are intended to tell the reader who you are professionally, what work you are passionate about doing and why you are qualified to do it in a way that helps you stand out from other applicants. If you’ve already crafted an elevator pitch, then this is a great way to repurpose it.
You can use your elevator pitch when looking for a job, particularly during job interviews. It’s common for an interviewer to ask you to tell them something about yourself. You can use your elevator speech as an introduction of who you are and what you do. You can also use your speech in your LinkedIn profile to make it easier for your network to know who you are and what you do for a living.
You can use your elevator pitch as well for internal networking and coffee chats. Internal networking refers to exchanges you have with peers or leaders within your current workplace. An internal networking opportunity might occur spontaneously when you introduce yourself to someone in the minutes before a meeting, while collaborating on a project or maybe even when sharing an actual elevator or other common space like the coffee bar or canteen. This kind of interaction can also be planned.  A personal elevator pitch is also beneficial for any type of networking at an event.
An advantage of using an elevator pitch when speaking about your career or aspirations is that you can show you are capable of taking the lead. Instead of waiting on the other party to direct the conversation, and potentially away from what you’d like to discuss, you can assertively explain what you have to offer. In many interactions, such as a job interview or mentorship proposition, this can be impressive to your audience—they will be pleased to see you know both what you want and how to ask for it.

The magic formula to prepare an elevator pitch

Your elevator pitch should answer the following questions:
Who are you?
What do you do? State what makes you different.
What do you want? Include an attention-grabbing hook.
Start by introducing yourself
As you approach someone to pitch to at an event, interview or anything in between, start off with an introduction. Start your pitch by giving your full name.
Explain what you do and what makes you special
This is where you’ll give a brief summary of your background. Include the most relevant information such as your education, work experience and/or any key specialties or strengths. Remember this part needs to be adjusted to the occasion depending on whom you are meeting.
Explain what you want and end with an attention grabbing hook
This step will depend on how you’re using the pitch. The “ask” of your pitch could be a consideration for a job opportunity, internship or simply to get contact information. This is a good opportunity to explain the value you’ll bring, why you’re a good fit for a job, or generally what your audience has to gain from your interaction. Focus on what you have to offer during this section of the speech.
You should end your elevator pitch by asking for or stating what you want to happen next. If you don´t say what you want you will not get it - no one can read your mind!
End the conversation with a concise and action-oriented farewell. And if you promise to follow up: do so!

Some tips how to create a compelling elevator pitch

Keep it simple
The perfect elevator pitch is incredibly simple and can be understood by people who have no knowledge of your industry. Use the formula as presented earlier and standardize the building blocks.
Prepare different lengths for your elevator pitch
Depending on the situation, you may have different lengths of time to present your pitch. By creating pitches in varying lengths, you can always feel assured that you will be able to get your message across effectively and in an appropriate length of time.
Understand your audience
Research your audience, their background, the preferences and their pain points.

Some success factors on how to deliver your elevator pitch

Make It Sound Like A Part Of The Conversation
Even if you have rehearsed and tested your elevator pitch hundreds of times, deliver your elevator pitch with a conversational tone. Most of the time during an elevator pitch you will be nervous and most of the time speak too quickly. Talk normal, talk natural! Breath in, Breath out… Talk normal!
Tailor your pitch to the occasions
You may not need to customize your elevator pitch for all audiences but you need to tailor it to the occasion and the person you are talking to. The more personalized your ideas are, the more likely you are to get a positive result from the conversation.
Make it easy to understand
Use normal language in your elevator pitch, and ensure that you are using the right amount of technical language and industry-specific terms depending on your audience and the occasion.
Take care of your body language
Control your nervousness. Neither your body, your face nor your voice should show any sign of stress or insecurity. You can achieve this by rehearsing your speech and by taking a video of yourself.
Be Enthusiastic
Enthusiasm is the catalyst. They may not remember everything you say but may remember you because of your enthusiasm while speaking about the specific industry.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. It is recommended to invest time into your elevator speech and prepare it when you are not under pressure.

During my course SHOW UP! you will work on your Elevator Pitch and get feedback on it in a safe environment. This course is a good forum to prepare and practice. We start mid-September after the summer break. Visit the work with me page for more details or reach out to me via e-mail.

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7 Power Tips for Your Elevator Pitch — Katharina Engelhardt I Career coach for women