Crafting an effective 60-second elevator pitch requires a combination of storytelling and clarity. Here are some of the key elements:
- Keep clear, concise, compelling, and tailored to the listener
- Practice often to ensure timing and smooth execution are achieved
- Solicit feedback externally and continuously refine based on responses — pitch with friends, family and others
- Write out talking points in advance
- If needed, take courses such as Toastmasters
(available in many cities and online) to help yourself present with confidence
- Avoid spending too much time on your personal background — talk about the company
- Avoid spending too much time on historical market context — talk about the current problem you are solving
- Avoid trying to cover everything — remember this is the start of a conversation to pique interest and invite questions
- Avoid making your ask difficult — start with an easy request such as chatting further instead of asking for money (fully closing a deal in a mere 60 seconds is unlikely for most entrepreneurs)
- Avoid being too pushy — again, your goal is to move toward the next step in your process
- Intro (0-15 seconds): Your name, company name, and company 1-liner/tagline/mission
- Problem Statement (15-25 seconds): Challenge/pain points of customers
- Solution, Value Proposition, Proof of Success (25-55 seconds): Your product’s solution to the problem, your unique differentiators, supporting case studies/data, and growth
- Ask/Call to Action (55-60 seconds): Request further conversation, demo, or next steps
Using and practicing a pitch framework can be immensely beneficial. Employ this guide to enhance your storytelling and clarity the next time you pitch.
