Many alleged origin stories surround the beginnings of the elevator pitch, so let’s start with the elevator itself. Elisha Graves Otis introduced the safety elevator during an elaborate public presentation at New York City’s Crystal Palace Exposition in 1854. His use of theatrics worked, and the elevator pitch, or selling something in a short amount of time, was born.
Monday Motivation: Why You Always Need to be Elevator Pitch Ready
Continuing with the elevator theme, an elevator pitch is supposed to last the duration of an elevator ride, which ranges from approximately 15 seconds to two minutes. Having a go-to elevator pitch is critical because you never know who you might meet and need to impress quickly. This is the best trick to have up your sleeve to come across as polished, professional, and memorable. When the opportunity to change your life comes around, will you be ready?
Tips for a Knock-Your Socks off Elevator Pitch
• Think of the elevator pitch as a commercial for selling yourself.
• Include your unique selling point or what you have to offer.
• Mention why you are interested in your listener.
• Wrap up your pitch with a direct call to action (what is your goal?) or choose to engage with a question.
• Keep it short (30 seconds) and to-the-point.
• Use simple language, free from jargon that doesn’t distract the listener.
• Adjust your pitch based on the person who is listening.
• Practice your pitch out loud.
• Ask a friend to listen to your pitch and ask for their advice.
• Ride the elevator. Seriously! Practice your elevator pitch in your head and make sure you’re able to nail it by the time you reach your destination.
• Make sure you always have business cards on hand.
Do you have your elevator speech ready to pounce on whatever opportunity comes knocking? Tweet me @lorenridinger.
