Elevator pitch examples: 15 30-sec scripts + template

A good elevator pitch can be the difference between landing your next big opportunity and falling short of the competition. But the reality is, people want to have meaningful conversations without the forced sales pitch. So, how do you pitch yourself authentically during a job interview or client meeting?

We've put together 15 creative elevator pitch examples that will help you nail your next client meeting or virtual networking event. Whether it's your first time or you're a seasoned professional, our examples cover any situation you might find yourself in.

These examples can help you make a great first impression, whether you're at a career fair, on a short elevator ride, or even crafting your LinkedIn profile. You'll also learn about additional operational resources to keep your business running efficiently using team collaboration tools.

First things first: What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech, typically 30 seconds or less, that summarizes who you are, what you do, and why it matters. Also called an elevator speech, it's your chance to make a memorable first impression and spark a meaningful connection, whether you're at a networking event, job interview, or chance encounter.

In reality, most people have given an elevator pitch, whether they realize it or not. That's because there are many different types of pitches, from interviews to new business opportunities. This includes situations where you need to answer the question "tell me about yourself" to recruiters or hiring managers.

When it comes to figuring out who to deliver your pitch to, you should aim for the best point of contact, not just the highest point of contact. Choosing connections that are related to or interested in what you're offering will give you a better chance at making your sale.

How to write an elevator pitch

Writing an effective elevator pitch means knowing what to include and what to leave out. Skip the history lesson and focus on recent, relevant details. Every strong pitch includes these five components:

• Introduction: A brief, personable greeting that establishes who you are

• Problem: The challenge your audience faces that you can help solve

• Solution: How you or your product addresses that problem

• Value proposition: What makes your approach unique

• Call to action: A clear next step to continue the conversation

To learn more about crafting clear messages, explore how to effectively communicate in the workplace.

Step 1: Introduce yourself

All good pitches start with a short introduction. It could be as simple as stating your name and who you work for if those details apply. But the more personal you can make it, the more natural your elevator pitch will seem.

Nonverbal communication skills, such as body language and eye contact, are also important parts of a solid introduction. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when introducing yourself to a new prospect:

• Greet your audience in a compelling, appropriate way for the occasion.

• Use a formal greeting for a business pitch or when meeting with hiring managers.

• Opt for a more casual greeting for a fun event or informal networking opportunity.

• For virtual business meetings and professional networking events, get creative with your introductions over video chat.

• In virtual networking events, focus on making a strong first impression, as it can be more challenging than in-person meetings.

Consider starting with a lighthearted joke to break the ice, ensuring it's relevant to your target audience. This can be particularly effective at career fairs or when giving your elevator speech to recruiters.

Step 2: Present the problem

All solutions start with a problem. Whatever you or your business is trying to solve, it's important to get the point across early on in your elevator pitch to set the theme for the rest of your speech. An example problem: coordinating work between teams is chaotic.

If possible, relate the problem back to your audience by using real-world examples. This will help make the problem more relevant and, hopefully, grab your audience's attention. If your problem isn't easy to explain, try using more than one example or a visual to really paint a picture for your audience.

Step 3: Offer the solution

If the problem is what draws the audience in, then the solution is what hooks them. This is your time to show them why they need your help. Here's an example solution: Asana gives teams a system to organize and manage work so they know what to do, why it matters, and how to get it done.

The solution is arguably the most important part of an elevator pitch, so spend time perfecting it. If you're pitching for a business, it's likely that the quick solution pitch has already been created. But again, it's always better to personalize your pitch, so don't be afraid to tweak it to fit your audience.

If pitching for yourself, talk about the unique skills you've developed and why they would be beneficial to your prospect.

Step 4: Explain your value proposition

Now that you've piqued your audience's attention, it's time to seal the deal by explaining why your solution is better than anyone else's. An example value proposition is: Asana is the only platform that connects goals with the work needed to achieve them.

The value proposition differs from the solution by explaining why your audience should choose your solution over a competitor's. If you don't have that answer just yet, perform a competitive analysis to compare your offerings or look to your executive summary.

• If you're pitching during a job search or to build your network, your value proposition should highlight your unique skills, career path, and how they align with the company's or individual's goals.

• If your market is extremely niche and you don't have a clear differentiator or significant competition, look to communication and interface capabilities. Consider why your idea or solution is original enough that someone would want to use it.

Step 5: Engage the audience

While most of the hard work is done, it's important to engage your audience with a compliment or a question before you part ways. Always err on the side of being genuine rather than delivering a scripted goodbye.

There is no right or wrong way to engage your audience. While ending with a question can create a dialogue between you and your audience, a genuine compliment can go a long way. Think about what made you want to pitch them in the first place and use that to end the conversation.

Don't forget to include a clear call to action, whether it's scheduling a follow-up meeting, exchanging business cards, or connecting on LinkedIn. Lastly, don't forget to swap contact information if you don't already have it.

The 3 C's of an effective elevator pitch

To make your pitch memorable, focus on the three C's:

When you combine all three, you create a pitch that resonates and leaves a lasting impression.

How long should an elevator pitch be?

Aim to keep your elevator pitch around 30 seconds, though the exact length can vary by industry and context. A good rule of business etiquette is to make it as short as possible by selecting only the most important points.

Why so brief? A study by Microsoft found that the average attention span is around eight seconds. You'll need to capture interest quickly and make every word count.

Pitch length varies by industry and context:

• Marketing: Keep it ultra-brief. Customers encountering your brand have seconds to engage with text, video, or imagery.

• Sales: You may have more time at networking events, where people are willing to listen for longer than 30 seconds.

• Job interviews: Recruiters expect a concise "tell me about yourself" response, aim for 30–60 seconds.

Ultimately, it depends on your medium and your audience's eagerness to listen. Can't cut your pitch to 30 seconds? If you're pitching to the right audience, people in your industry or a related field, they'll grasp your message faster. Whether you're pitching a product, a startup idea, or your own experience, target listeners who can quickly interpret what you're offering.

Elevator pitch template

Now that you know the components of a pitch, it's time to build your own. We analyzed templates from industry experts, from Harvard research to Guy Kawasaki's art of pitching, to create a foolproof elevator pitch template that works for any situation, from job interviews to startup pitches.

Plug your information into the template below to draft a quick speech. You won't recite it word for word, but it's a solid foundation when you need to pitch on the spot.

General elevator pitch template

Use our elevator pitch template to start constructing your speech by adding statistics and personalized greetings where needed. This template incorporates the four parts explained above to cover all the key details of a good elevator pitch.

• Introduction: "Hi, I'm [name], a [position title] at [company name]. It's great to meet you!"*

• Problem: Since you work with [company name or industry], I figured you'd be interested to know that [problem + interesting statistic]."

• Solution: "The great part about working at [your company's name] is that we've been able to fix just that problem by [solution]."*

• Value proposition: "In fact, we're the only company that offers [value proposition]."

• CTA: "I think our solution could really help you. Are you available this week to speak further on this?"

Don't be afraid to change up your pitch template based on your personality and professional expertise. We've also included personalized 30-second elevator pitch examples below to inspire personal facts you can add to make your speech more engaging.

30-second elevator pitch examples

Let's dive into the best 30-second elevator pitch examples to help you create a pitch that's both engaging and informative. Our examples draw on the four elements in the template above to show how you'd pitch project management software to increase productivity. Try a few or try them all to find one that best fits your personality and value proposition.

Example 1: Short and sweet

This example is one of the most common you'll come across. It's a great example of a quick and easy pitch that fits almost any situation. When working on this type of elevator pitch, keep it as short and to the point as possible, and try to stick to the 30-second rule or less.

• The problem is that work is chaotic, no matter what industry you're in or how good you are at your job. But good project management software can help improve productivity and communication. I haven't missed a deadline in years. If you're interested in how it can help your team, give me a call and I can take you through some numbers.

Example 2: Relatable over reliable

Sometimes the best way to grab your audience's attention is to reel them in with a personal anecdote they'll relate to. While it's still important to drive home your solution, this approach places more weight on making a personal connection than on an immediate sale.

• It's so great to finally meet you. How is business going? I heard you've been struggling with communication issues. My team and I struggled with that, too. It wasn't until we added project management software to our routine that we really saw improvements in teamwork and overall communication. I hope you find a solution that works for your team.

Example 3: Savvy with stats

Start your pitch off with a hook by dropping an attention-grabbing statistic. It's important to have hard data to back up your statistics to ensure their accuracy before pitching. When it comes to a statistics pitch, it's a good idea to come full circle at the end and connect how your solution can help solve that statistic.

• Did you know that despite having more ways to connect remotely, 60% of workers' time is spent on work coordination, with just 26% on skilled work and 14% on strategy? No wonder teams need help with project management. Implementing project management tools can decrease time spent on work coordination and help increase skilled work.

Example 4: Question everything

This example uses questions to make your pitch easier to understand. It also forces the audience to join in on the conversation rather than just presenting them with a speech. Try starting and ending with a question that makes the audience think about your pitch long after you leave the room.

• Do you ever feel like you spend too much time on tedious work? I've talked to so many people who share the same frustrations. I used to work long hours every day just trying to catch up. But do you know what? Ever since we started using project management software, I've been able to get so much more work done. Have you ever thought about using something similar?

Example 5: Comedic twist

If your pitch isn't about a serious topic, you can add comedic twists to engage the audience. This is especially useful when giving a presentation. Add a GIF or a quick, funny clip between slides to lighten the mood, just be sure it fits the occasion and the tone of your company.

• Did you know that the average person can only pay attention for eight seconds? That's not even long enough to place my coffee order in the morning. Maybe that's why my barista always gets it wrong. But seriously, I think that's why so many companies struggle to hit deadlines.

Example 6: Tell a story

Use customer testimonials or your own personal story to paint a picture for the audience. This can be especially helpful if your topic is hard to explain in 30 seconds or less. Telling a story is a great way to add a relatable twist.

• We have a customer who transitioned to a fully remote workforce this year and needed help making sure deadlines were met. With our help, they were able to get up to 10% of their time back and focus on more important tasks, like strategic planning.

Example 7: Emotionally driven

While this type of pitch may be more difficult to create, you have a better chance of winning over your audience if you can make your pitch emotionally driven. It's also more likely they'll be willing to share the experience with someone else down the road. It's important to keep the emotions on the lighter side to prevent the conversation from steering too dark.

• It may seem like any other tool, but when you look closely, it really is helping teams connect. And not just that, but it's helping cultivate teams that actually enjoy working together on new projects. That's something hard to come by, but everyone is looking for.

Example 8: Write it first

While most speeches start by writing a general outline, you can opt to write the entire pitch from start to finish. This tends to create a thought-provoking, poetic flow once you present your pitch. You'll have to memorize this pitch, so practicing is a key element to this strategy.

• Hi, my name is Kelly! It's great to meet you. You work for Apollo Enterprises, right? I've heard a lot about them. I actually heard that you're looking for project management help. In my experience, any organization, whether sales or suppliers, needs help coordinating work and team communication. Work can be rather chaotic, especially now, without it. That's why we've created a software tool that helps both individuals and teams organize their projects and communications all in one place. Have you ever thought about using something similar?

Example 9: End with a one-liner

Making a grand exit doesn't come easily, but if you can pull it off, your audience will be impressed. Stay away from cliché one-liners and make your closing authentic to you. The point here is to leave them with a thought they'll remember after the meeting ends.

• Over one-quarter (26%) of all deadlines are missed each week because of a lack of clarity. But with the right project management tools, that number could be much lower. So the question is, can your business afford not to use project management software?

Elevator pitch examples by scenario

Now that we've covered the types of pitch examples, let's dive into example elevator pitches for different scenarios. Whether you're pitching for your business or yourself, you can use an elevator pitch to organize your thoughts and prepare for the real deal. Let's look at key tips for any situation you may find yourself in.

Example 10: Networking event

A networking event is probably the most common scenario you'll run into. And with the new virtual-first culture, it may be even more challenging to make meaningful connections over video chat. That's why it's so important to prepare an elevator pitch that's compelling no matter where you're pitching it from.

• Great to meet you, I'm Kelly with Apollo Enterprises. We've improved productivity and collaboration for teams all over the world. If you ever need help with project management, just reach out. I think we could make a huge difference for your company. I'll make sure to keep your contact information handy as well.

Example 11: Job interview

Looking for a new job or have career fairs coming up? Most interviews, whether with human resources, a recruiter, or a hiring manager, start with some form of the phrase, "Tell me about yourself." This is an opportunity for job seekers to briefly explain themselves and their professional experience using industry buzzwords and key skills. Understanding the hiring process can help you tailor your pitch effectively.

• I'm Kelly, a specialist at Apollo Enterprises. I chose a career in project management because I had a passion for it, and now I can proudly say I've made a real difference in people's lives. That's why I'm looking to continue my career with an employer who shares those same values. I know my unique skills can make a big difference at your company because I've delivered results on a few key projects.

Example 12: Formal meeting

You've landed the meeting, congratulations! Now is the time to create a formal elevator pitch to really get them interested. When presenting a formal pitch, a presentation can be a great addition to traditional elevator speech examples, but whether or not you choose to create one, this meeting is about selling your product in the most professional way possible.

• I took a look at your current productivity figures and noticed an opportunity for improvement. With our project management software, you could get back up to 10% more of your workday. Not only would that mean more work getting done, but it would also positively affect your business's overall success. Not to mention, our tool is the only one in the industry that has goal capabilities to ensure teams stay on track.

Example 13: Sales pitch

Professionals often use traditional sales jargon, but the real key is to create a human connection while lightly sprinkling in what you're selling. Start with a personal story or light-hearted introduction instead of the typical sales presentation. You can also prepare by creating sales team goal templates to ensure your team is on the same page.

• Our team really struggled to transition to a remote workforce. Communication wasn't organized, and people struggled to find the correct information to complete projects. But, thankfully, we found a solution to our problem. Implementing project management tools not only improved productivity but also improved overall teamwork. Every company prefers different tools, but I can say without a doubt that our software was the best at connecting goals with the work needed to achieve them.

Example 14: Social introduction

Now, more than ever, professionals are choosing to meet virtually rather than face-to-face. Whether you're chatting on LinkedIn or have a virtual meeting scheduled, it's important to make your pitch personal and use clear visuals to help sell your point.

• Thanks for connecting! I noticed that your competitors are outperforming you on year-over-year growth. I took the liberty of doing a competitive analysis and didn't find any outlying problems. I'm wondering if it could be an issue with productivity. How has the transition to remote work been? If you're interested, I could run you through some productivity figures if you were to add project management tools to your current processes.

Example 15: Entrepreneurs and business owners

Pitching to a business owner is much different than pitching to an executive. They can be harder to sell because they are often hesitant about new investments. The most important tip is to use examples relevant to the business when explaining a problem and its solution.

• I love your products at Apollo Enterprises. I'm a huge proponent of your goals. I did realize that there may be some opportunities to improve productivity and collaboration internally. Have you ever considered project management software? I think it could have a big effect on business growth now or even down the road.

4 tips to perfect your elevator pitch

A great pitch isn't just about what you say, it's how you say it. From posture to tone, here are four tips to nail your delivery.

1. Stick to your outline

To prevent getting off-topic, it's important to stick to your outline at least to some extent. While you don't need to recite it word for word, it's best to memorize the majority of your pitch. That way, you won't need to worry about checking your notes.

2. Speak slowly and clearly

Many professionals tend to talk quickly when they're nervous. Hey, we're only human. But it's important to enunciate and speak slowly so the audience can understand you. This is especially important when presenting over video chat.

3. Record your pitch

Record yourself reciting the pitch to work on any areas that need improvement. Practice your pitch a handful of times by playing the recording back and working out any pain points. A couple of key areas to focus on are speed and tone; it's better to sound overly energized rather than monotone.

4. Practice, practice, practice!

There's nothing more effective than practicing your pitch until you can recite it in your sleep. If possible, practice in front of friends and family to get constructive feedback on how you can make your pitch even better.

Common elevator pitch mistakes to avoid

Even with the best elevator pitch examples at your disposal, it's easy to fall into common pitfalls. Here are four mistakes to avoid when crafting your pitch:

1. Rambling and using too much jargon

One of the biggest mistakes in delivering an elevator pitch is exceeding the optimal time limit and filling it with industry jargon. Remember, the best elevator pitch is concise and easy to understand. Avoid technical terms that might confuse your audience, whether they're hiring managers, potential clients, or fellow professionals at a networking event.

2. Not communicating your value proposition in a compelling way

Your elevator speech should quickly and effectively convey your unique value. Whether you're job hunting or pitching a new business, clearly articulate what sets you apart. Your value proposition should be one of the key points that sticks with your audience long after the conversation ends.

3. Not tailoring your pitch to your target audience

A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works for an elevator pitch. Tailor your message to your target audience, whether you're at a career fair, a networking event, or even crafting cover letters. For instance, if you're pitching to a nonprofit, focus on meaningful outcomes and goal alignment rather than just profitability.

4. Forgetting to include a call to action

An effective elevator pitch should end with a clear next step. Whether it's exchanging business cards, setting up a follow-up meeting, or inviting them to subscribe to your newsletter, always include a call to action. This gives your audience a concrete way to continue the conversation and build your network.

Elevate your first impression with an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a chance to showcase your strengths and present your solutions. While it may sound nerve-wracking, using the 15 elevator pitch examples above will help you develop your own method using personal tidbits that tie into your innovative solutions.

While your pitch is an important part of leveling up your business, there are many avenues you can take to achieve growth. One of those ways is by determining whether project management vs. work management tools are right for your team. Not only will they help connect your team members, but the right tools and software can also help your organization set strategic goals.

Ready to improve how your team collaborates and communicates? Get started with Asana to organize your projects, streamline workflows, and keep everyone aligned on what matters most.

Frequently asked questions about elevator pitches