What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is best described as a brief, persuasive speech outlining an idea, product, or business. The concept behind an elevator pitch is to deliver a compelling message in a very short amount of time—often the duration of an elevator ride—hence the name. It serves the purpose of engaging the listener and prompting further interest in the idea or offering being presented.

The effectiveness of an elevator pitch lies in its brevity and clarity, as it distills complex ideas into easily digestible points that highlight the unique aspects and value of the product or business. This skill is particularly valuable in networking scenarios, where conveying enthusiasm and key information quickly can lead to meaningful connections and opportunities.

In contrast, lengthy presentations, formal essays, or detailed reports tend to be comprehensive and exhaustive, meant for different contexts and audiences, and are not suitable for quickly generating interest or dialogue.