A well-crafted elevator pitch is a gateway to creating a lasting impression on others.
We all want to sound smart and interesting. This is true in work settings, social events, or personal meetings. We want to add value to those we’re speaking with and leave them with a positive impression. Fruitful conversations lead to meaningful connections and can foster impactful relationships.
If all of this sounds great, but overwhelming, no worries. We’ve got you! Creating a well-crafted elevator pitch doesn’t need to feel overwhelming. Like any task that appears grand, breaking the steps down into bite-sizes nuggets can help.
In this article, we’ll break the process into 10 simple tips. But before we head there, let’s first discuss what an elevator pitch is.
So what is an elevator pitch?
An elevator pitch is a short and engaging summary of who you are. It explains what you do and the value you provide. You should deliver it in about 30 seconds.
You can make it stronger by focusing on what the listener needs or likes. It’s not just about you; it’s about what they care about.
10 Simple Tips to Create an Elevator Pitch
Know Your Audience
It’s important to know who you’re talking to and what the situation is. If you shape your intro to fit the moment and the people there, you’ll connect more easily.
At a networking event, keep it professional—say what you do and how you help. In a casual setting, like talking to a neighbor or at a party, keep it light. Share what you love or a fun project you are working on.
A simple formula you can use is: Who I am + What I do + Why it matters (to them). This helps you adjust your pitch depending on where you are and who you’re talking to—so it always feels natural and clear.
And example of this at a Professional Setting – Business Networking Event
“Hi, I’m Maya. I run a small company that helps local businesses grow through social media marketing. We make content that truly connects with customers. This helps our clients get more engagement and sales without being online all day.”
Start with a Strong Opener
Start with something that grabs attention right away. You want to say something memorable that gives people a quick sense of who you are. This could be a surprising fact about your work, a short personal story, or even a quote that reflects your vibe. That first line sets the tone—so make it count.
Tips to help you apply this:
- Striking fact: “I’ve helped over 50 small businesses double their online reach in under a year.”
- Personal story: “I began this business after helping my aunt’s bakery during the pandemic. I saw I could help others too.”
- Quote: “I live by the idea that people don’t buy products—they buy stories.”
Try writing 2–3 versions of your opener and test them with real people. See which one gets the most curiosity or follow-up questions—that’s usually your strongest start.
Clearly State Your Name and Profession
Right after your opener, say your name and what you do. Keep it short and clear so people instantly get who you are and what you’re about. No need to overthink it—just be direct.
How to apply it:
- “I’m Jordan, and I run a photography business focused on personal branding.”
- “My name’s Alyssa—I’m a wellness coach who helps busy moms feel more energized and balanced.”
- “I’m Daniel, a software developer who specializes in building apps for small businesses.”
Don’t bury this info in a long story. Get to it within the first 10–15 seconds so your listener doesn’t wonder, “Wait, what do they actually do?”
Express Your Passion and Purpose
Let people feel your energy. Share what you love about your work and why it matters to you. This helps your pitch feel more real—not just like a job title. When people hear your ‘why,’ they’re more likely to remember you.
How to apply it:
- “I love helping small businesses grow because I grew up watching my parents struggle to keep theirs open.”
- “What drives me is making wellness feel simple and doable—not overwhelming or out of reach.”
- “I get excited when I see someone’s idea come to life online—it’s why I started my design business in the first place.”
This part makes the difference between informative and inspiring. Even one sentence about why you care can turn a pitch into a connection.
Highlight Relevant Accomplishments
Share something you’ve done that shows you know your stuff. Pick an achievement or experience that fits the situation—it helps people trust that you’re the real deal.
How to apply it:
- “Last year, I helped a local bakery triple their Instagram following in three months.”
- “I helped over 30 clients with brand storytelling—including one who landed a feature in Forbes.”
- “10 schools are using an app I created to track student engagement.”
One well-chosen example is better than a long list. Keep it short, and make sure it relates to the listener’s world or what they might care about.
Express Your Unique Qualities and Values
Let people know what makes you different. Maybe it’s your creativity, your grit, or how you always find a way forward. Share the values that drive you—what you believe in or stand for. The goal is to be real and let your personality come through.
How to apply it:
- “I’m all about finding creative ways to solve problems—especially when budgets are tight.”
- “I believe work should feel meaningful, which is why I only take on projects that help people.”
- “I act calm under pressure—I actually enjoy turning chaos into clarity.”
This is your chance to go beyond your role and speak to your character. A little honesty here builds trust fast—especially in short conversations.
Connect Your Elevator Pitch to Your Audience
Make it about them, not just you. Try to connect what you do to something they care about or something you have in common. That way, your pitch feels more like a real conversation—not a speech.
How to apply it:
- “Since we’re both in education, I thought you might relate to how I help teachers use tech without the overwhelm.”
- “I saw your company works with startups—I help small teams build strong brands from day one.”
- “I enjoy meeting other creative people at events like this. I care about storytelling, so I’m excited to hear what you are working on too.”
Even a small nod to shared interests or context makes a huge difference. It shows you’re paying attention—not just waiting to talk.
Maintain Your Confidence
Say it like you mean it. Speak clearly, don’t rush, and look the person in the eye. If you seem calm and confident, they’re more likely to take you seriously—and believe in what you’re saying.
How to apply it:
- Take a breath before you start—this helps you slow down and stay grounded.
- Practice out loud a few times so it flows naturally, not like you’re reading a script.
- Smile and make eye contact—it shows warmth and confidence without saying a word.
Confidence isn’t about being loud—it’s about being clear, calm, and comfortable in your own skin. Practice builds that.
Practice and Refine
Practice your pitch out loud until it feels natural—not robotic. Pay attention to your tone, pacing, and whether it flows. Ask a friend or mentor for honest feedback so you can tweak it and make it better each time.
How to apply it:
- Record yourself and listen back—does it sound clear and confident?
- Try saying it in different settings (mirror, video call, networking event).
- Ask someone you trust, “What part sticks with you the most—and what felt flat?”
Don’t aim for perfect. Aim for comfortable and real. A few rough edges are fine if it sounds like you.
Be Genuine and Approachable
Just be yourself. People connect with real, not perfect. Speak like you would in a normal conversation, and don’t be afraid to show your personality. Being open and friendly makes it easier for people to respond and engage with you.
How to apply it:
- Use words you’d actually say—skip the buzzwords.
- Let your tone match your vibe (warm, excited, calm—whatever’s natural to you).
- Smile and leave space for the other person to talk—make it a two-way moment.
A genuine pitch is more memorable than a polished one. Think of it as starting a relationship, not just delivering a speech.
Conclusion
A great elevator pitch isn’t just for job interviews—it’s useful anytime you want to make a strong first impression. When you network, meet someone new, or explain your work, speaking clearly and confidently can create opportunities. When you understand your audience, start strong, and stay authentic, you set the stage for real, lasting connections.