Understanding the components of an elevator pitch is key to building one that hits the mark. A strong pitch isn’t built in one go, it’s layered with intentional elements that together create clarity, confidence, and curiosity.
In this article, we’ll break down the must-have parts of a pitch and explain how each one works. Think of this as your elevator pitch blueprint.
Start strong by introducing yourself with your name, role, or area of expertise. This is the first part of your pitch where you create the foundation for your credibility. Think of it as setting the stage, you’re establishing who you are and why you matter.
Answering the Who You Are Question
At the heart of the “Who You Are” component, you’re answering the “Who am I?” question. Keep this introduction simple, clear, and focused on building confidence. The goal is for the listener to immediately understand your background or area of expertise without unnecessary details.
Key Elements to Include
Your Name: Always start with your name. This personalizes the pitch and gives the listener something to remember.
Your Role/Expertise: Clearly state what you do. Are you a consultant, entrepreneur, freelancer, or specialist? Make it clear and impactful.
Your Unique Angle: If relevant, mention what makes your role or expertise stand out, even briefly.
Examples
“I’m Sarah, a freelance digital strategist, helping small businesses build their online presence.”
“I’m Tom, a leadership coach, specializing in helping professionals break through career stagnation.”
Tips for Crafting This Component
Keep It Clear: Don’t overcomplicate this part. One or two sentences should suffice.
Stay Confident: Avoid apologizing or downplaying your expertise. Own your role and the value you bring.
Tailor It: Adjust the way you introduce yourself based on the setting. A networking event might require a more detailed explanation than a casual conversation.
Pro Tip: Your name and role should convey immediate relevance and spark curiosity. Keep it short, but ensure it aligns with the rest of your pitch.
Component 2 – What You Do
Now that you’ve introduced yourself, it’s time to explain what you do. This part of your pitch is about articulating the value you offer. You’ll need to highlight not just your job title or what you specialize in, but the results you create.
Answering the What You Do Question
In this section, you are answering the “What do I do?” question. Focus on the outcomes you deliver, not just your role. Potential clients or partners are more interested in how your work benefits them rather than just hearing your job title. A well-crafted explanation emphasizes value, impact, and results.
Key Elements to Include
Explain the Service or Product: What are you offering, and why is it valuable? Keep it relevant to the listener’s needs.
Highlight the Outcome: Talk about what people can expect from your service or product. This is where you differentiate yourself from others by showcasing the real impact of your work.
Use Simple Language: Avoid jargon or overly technical descriptions. Make it easy for anyone to understand the value you bring.
Examples
“I help small businesses develop custom digital strategies that increase their online sales and customer engagement.”
“I work with professionals to build leadership skills that lead to career advancement and higher satisfaction.”
Tips for Crafting This Component
Focus on Outcomes, Not Titles: Shift the focus from your job title to what you achieve. People connect with results.
Be Specific: Instead of saying “I work in marketing,” explain what type of marketing you specialize in, like social media, SEO, or content strategy.
Use Examples: If possible, include a quick example of how your work has made a positive impact, even if it’s in broad terms (e.g., “I helped a startup increase their web traffic by 50% in 6 months”).
Pro Tip: Use outcome-driven language. Instead of just stating “I help businesses grow,” explain how you help them grow and what they can expect.
Component 3 – Who You Help
Now that you’ve introduced yourself and explained what you do, it’s time to show who your work benefits. This component is crucial for ensuring that your audience understands who your services or products are tailored for.
You need to make it clear who you are speaking to and who would benefit most from what you offer.
Answering the Who You Help Question
In this section, you are answering the “Who do I help?” question. The goal is to define your target audience in a way that resonates with the listener, making them feel understood and drawn to what you offer.
This is where specificity is key, be as clear as possible about the people, businesses, or groups you work with. The more relevant your description, the more likely it is to grab attention.
Key Elements to Include
Target Audience: Identify the groups, industries, or individuals you specifically serve. Whether it’s small businesses, corporate leaders, or a particular niche, make sure it’s clear.
Pain Points or Needs: Focus on the challenges your audience faces, which your services aim to address.
Relatable Terms: Use language that resonates with your audience. Make sure the listener can quickly grasp who you are helping.
Examples
“I work with entrepreneurs in the tech industry who need help scaling their online marketing strategies to attract more clients.”
“I specialize in working with non-profit organizations looking to optimize their fundraising efforts and improve donor engagement.”
Tips for Crafting This Component
Be Specific About Your Audience: Avoid vague terms like “everyone” or “anyone.” The more specific you are, the more you’ll stand out. Instead of saying “I help businesses,” specify the types of businesses, e.g., “I help e-commerce businesses increase their conversion rates.”
Focus on Needs: Explain the specific challenges your target audience faces and how you can solve them. This establishes a connection and shows that you understand their needs.
Relate to the Listener: If possible, frame your audience in terms the listener is familiar with. For example, instead of “I work with nonprofits,” say “I work with organizations that fight homelessness.”
Pro Tip: The clearer you are about who you help, the more the listener will be able to identify with your pitch. Avoid being too broad, and instead, describe your audience’s needs, problems, or goals.
Component 4 – What Makes You Different
After explaining who you are and who you help, the next step is to show what makes you stand out. This component answers the crucial “What makes you different?” question, highlighting your unique selling point (USP).
It’s about demonstrating why your audience should choose you over anyone else in the market.
Answering the What Makes You Different Question
In this section, you are establishing why your work is unique and what sets you apart from others offering similar services. Instead of simply listing features, focus on benefits that show how your methods or results stand out.
This is your chance to make a lasting impression by focusing on what you do better or differently than others.
Key Elements to Include
Unique Method or Process: Highlight any special approach, technique, or methodology that you use to achieve results.
Proven Results: Show the outcomes you’ve achieved. Whether it’s an increase in revenue, engagement, or efficiency, your results can be a powerful differentiator.
Specific Niche or Expertise: If you specialize in a niche, make sure to mention it. Focusing on a specific market or type of service helps you stand out as an expert in that area.
Examples
“Unlike other marketing consultants, I specialize in data-driven strategies that rely heavily on analytics, ensuring that every decision is backed by real, actionable data.”
“I’m the only leadership coach in the area who uses neuroscience-based techniques to help professionals break through their leadership barriers and improve their team dynamics.”
Tips for Crafting This Component
Avoid Overly General Statements: Phrases like “I’m the best” or “I offer exceptional service” are too generic. Instead, explain how you are better, whether it’s your approach, technique, or results.
Back It Up with Evidence: Whenever possible, back up your differentiation with specific examples or data. Show the listener that your methods produce measurable results.
Be Clear on Benefits: Make sure the differentiator you mention speaks to a clear benefit your audience cares about. For example, if you’re a graphic designer, don’t just say “I design,” say “I create designs that increase customer conversion rates for e-commerce businesses.”
Pro Tip: When describing your difference, focus on why it matters to your audience. Instead of just explaining what you do differently, show how it addresses their specific pain points or helps them achieve their goals faster and more efficiently.
Component 5 – What You Want Next
The final component of your elevator pitch is the call to action (CTA), this is where you guide the conversation toward the next step. It’s your chance to direct the listener to take action, whether it’s scheduling a follow-up meeting, connecting on LinkedIn, or simply continuing the discussion.
Answering the What You Want Next Question
In this section, you’re answering “What do you want them to do next?” The key is to make this part clear and actionable. Without a clear CTA, your pitch can feel incomplete, and the momentum you’ve built might fizzle out. By giving your listener a specific action to take, you ensure that the conversation continues, and the opportunity is not lost.
Key Elements to Include
Clear Call to Action: Be direct about what you want the listener to do next, schedule a meeting, exchange contact details, follow up on LinkedIn, or learn more about your services.
Keep It Open-Ended: The call to action should feel like a natural next step, not a demand. It should be conversational, inviting a response or action without pressure.
Be Specific: Vague statements like “Let’s connect sometime” are too broad. Instead, specify the next step, “Would you be open to meeting for coffee next week to discuss how I can help your business grow?”
Examples
“I’d love to set up a time next week to discuss how I can help streamline your marketing efforts. Would Wednesday or Thursday work better for you?”
“If you’re interested in learning more, let’s schedule a follow-up call. How about we connect on LinkedIn so we can arrange that?”
Tips for Crafting This Component
Be Direct and Actionable: Don’t leave your listener guessing. A direct call to action will give them a clear next step and make it easier for them to say “yes” or take action.
Use Polite Language: While being direct, ensure that your CTA feels natural and respectful. It’s all about maintaining the conversational tone while inviting the listener to act.
Be Ready to Follow Through: Ensure you’re prepared for the action you suggest. If you want to schedule a meeting, have your calendar ready, or be prepared to follow up quickly if they agree.
Pro Tip: Tailor the CTA to the situation. If you’re in a casual networking environment, a less formal CTA like, “Let’s grab coffee and chat more,” might be more appropriate than a formal meeting request.
Mastering Your Elevator Pitch Components
Crafting a winning elevator pitch requires more than just a few words, each component plays a crucial role in making a strong impact. By clearly defining who you are, what you do, and who you help, you lay the foundation for a pitch that resonates.
Don’t forget to highlight what sets you apart and guide the conversation with a direct call to action. With these components in place, your elevator pitch will leave a lasting impression and open doors to new opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make my elevator pitch more memorable?
To make your elevator pitch memorable, focus on a unique, personal element that connects with your audience. Adding a brief, relatable story or using an engaging hook can create a lasting impression that sparks curiosity and encourages further conversation.
How do I adjust my elevator pitch for different industries?
Tailor your elevator pitch by aligning it with the specific challenges or goals of the industry you’re addressing. Highlight relevant expertise and adjust the language to reflect the terminology and interests common in that field to make it resonate more effectively.
What if I don’t know my audience well enough?
If you’re unsure about your audience, keep your pitch broad yet focused on universal value. Mention key benefits that can appeal to anyone, and be ready to adapt your pitch based on the listener’s responses or interest levels.
