What do you do if your elevator pitch is falling flat?

1 Assess Impact

When your elevator pitch isn't resonating, take a step back and evaluate its impact. Ask yourself if it's truly reflecting your strengths and the value you bring to the table. Consider whether it's tailored to the audience and if it's clear and concise without industry jargon that might confuse listeners. Your pitch should answer the listener's unspoken question, "What's in it for me?" If it doesn't, it's time to revisit the content and structure of your message.

2 Refine Message

Refining your message is crucial if your elevator pitch isn't hitting the mark. Focus on the core elements: who you are, what you do, and why it matters. Ensure that your pitch is not only informative but also engaging. Think about storytelling elements that can make your pitch more relatable and memorable. Avoid overwhelming your audience with too much information; instead, aim for a balance between being informative and sparking curiosity.

3 Practice Delivery

The delivery of your elevator pitch can be just as important as the content itself. Practice your pitch out loud until it feels natural and confident. Pay attention to your tone, pace, and body language, as these nonverbal cues can significantly impact how your message is received. A well-practiced pitch will flow more smoothly and help you remain calm and collected in networking situations.

4 Seek Feedback

Seeking feedback from trusted friends or colleagues can provide valuable insights into how your elevator pitch is perceived. Encourage them to be honest about what works and what doesn't. Use their critiques to make adjustments, and don't be afraid to test multiple versions of your pitch to see which resonates best. Remember, constructive criticism is a powerful tool for improvement.

5 Adjust Strategy

If feedback indicates that your elevator pitch needs a significant overhaul, don't hesitate to adjust your strategy. This might mean changing the focus of your pitch to highlight different aspects of your experience or tailoring it more specifically to different industries or roles. Flexibility and adaptability are key; be willing to experiment with different approaches until you find one that feels right.

6 Monitor Results

After refining your elevator pitch, monitor the results closely. Pay attention to how people react during networking events or job interviews. Are they more engaged? Do they ask follow-up questions? These are positive signs that your revised pitch is effective. Continuously monitoring and tweaking your pitch will ensure it stays fresh and continues to make a strong impression.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?