How to Craft an Effective 45-Second Elevator Pitch

Crafting a great 45-second elevator pitch isn’t about cramming your entire resume or business plan into a half-minute speech. It’s about capturing attention, sparking curiosity, and giving someone a reason to say, “Tell me more.” And doing all of that without sounding like you're delivering a sales pitch or reading off a script.

Start with the heart of what you do. Not your job title. Not the official name of your company. Get right into the value of what you offer. If you’re a consultant, don’t just say you “consult.” Say you help companies solve specific problems. If you’re an entrepreneur, talk about the problem your business exists to fix. People tune in when they can immediately relate to a situation or imagine themselves in it.

You want to sound like a person talking to another person, not like you're presenting on stage. Keep your language simple and real. If it feels stiff in your mouth when you practice it, it’ll sound stiff to everyone else. Try explaining what you do to a friend who’s not in your field. If they get it, you’re on the right track. If not, keep working at it until you can say it naturally and it actually lands.

A good pitch also touches on what makes you different. Maybe it’s your approach, your experience, or your results. But this part should feel like a confident observation, not a boast. Think of it as giving someone a reason to remember you.

And end with a soft landing. A natural pause that invites conversation. You’re not closing a deal here. You’re opening a door. You want them to want to know more. Something like, “I’d love to hear what you do,” or “It’s been exciting so far” can keep the flow going without pressure.

The best elevator pitches aren’t flashy. They’re clear. They’re honest. And they sound like something you’d actually say in the real world, maybe while waiting for coffee, not just in an elevator. Practice helps, but make sure you’re practicing being you, and not a version of you trying too hard to impress.

Keep in mind too, that you need tailored pitches for different audiences. Every key opens a different door, so highlighting varying aspects of your message will unlock unique opportunities in various situations.

Need help putting one together a “key chain” of elevator pitches? It’s all part of our presentation skills training and coaching. In just a few sessions, we can support you in feeling more confident when conveying your message!