How long should an elevator pitch be in words You can always take more time after your pitch to dive deeper if the people you’re speaking to are interested, but an elevator pitch itself should be a surface-level Apr 18, 2025 · A good elevator speech should be brief, interesting, memorable, and delivered confidently. Sep 25, 2023 · What Is An Elevator Pitch? An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech. Several factors can influence how long your pitch should be. It should be concise and engaging. You don’t want your pitch to be perceived as an elevator speech or dictation. ” An elevator pitch, also known as an elevator speech, is your 30-second introduction to who you are and what you do (or what you want to do, if you’re looking for a job). The average attention span has declined from 12 seconds in 2000 to 8 seconds today, a 33% fall. To begin with, I’d recommend making your oral pitch about 30 seconds long. Jul 9, 2016 · It should leave the reader wanting to pick up your book to find out the answers to the questions your pitch has set up. And that means: Actually do it! Or, in fact, it means: May 16, 2023 · An elevator pitch should be around 30 seconds long, or 75 words. It’s a great way to make a positive first impression and leave people wanting to know more about you. For one in writing, go for between 30 and 50 words. It should be enough for you to get your key points across and start a conversation. Apr 8, 2024 · In busy environments, when people are milling around, they can’t take in too much, so you should keep your elevator pitch to less than 30 seconds. Job Interviews Nov 25, 2024 · How long should an elevator pitch be? Let’s start by addressing the most asked question. Oct 18, 2023 · How Long Is an Effective Elevator Speech? As mentioned earlier, an elevator pitch should be no longer than a typical elevator ride — approximately 30 seconds. It aims to spark interest in a short time. Jun 5, 2024 · When We Should Use an Elevator Pitch? 1. Don't waste your shot. Surprise your reader. It aims to spark interest in what you do. The Elevator Pitch Myth. If you’re confused, start over. These shorter pitches can pique investors’ interest and earn you the chance to present a long-form pitch. Mar 4, 2025 · Having a strong elevator pitch is incredibly powerful for you as a professional since most professionals at networking events or in the general hiring process don't have time for long, detailed stories about what potential staff members or collaborators can offer. This may mean taking some time to pare your initial drafts down. What Is the Objective of an Elevator Pitch? May 26, 2023 · It’s called an elevator pitch because it should be something you could recite in the time you run into someone in an elevator. Confidence, authenticity, and engagement are essential qualities of a strong delivery. In addition to a verbal pitch , you may also want to prepare a written version that you can hand out after delivering your speech. Nov 20, 2023 · According to Winograd, an ideal elevator pitch should provoke interest, be interesting and memorable, and last about 30 to 60 seconds (the length of an average elevator ride, hence the name). It should leave the listener with a good sense of what you do without feeling like a monologue. . Avoid rambling on and writing a long pitch. How Long Should An Elevator Pitch Be? An elevator pitch should last between 30 to 60 seconds. Talking fast is not a Nov 26, 2024 · Anatomy of an elevator pitch. Keep your elevator pitch to roughly 60 seconds or less. If your pitch takes you longer than an elevator ride to say, it might be too long. How long should an elevator pitch be? A highly esteemed 30 seconds is the common industry rule for a winning first impression. This range ensures that you communicate key points effectively without overwhelming your audience. Forget "thirty second pitches" for a moment. Other Tips. A good rule of business etiquette is to make it as short as possible by carefully selecting the most important points. The hook: This element doesn't need to be fancy or complicated. Networking Events. How long should my elevator pitch be? 30–60 seconds. You're golden if you can convey the necessary details in under 30 seconds. Is Your Elevator Pitch Any Damn Good? And what you should do if it’s not. You can get away with slightly more depending on the book, as long as your query letter overall fits comfortably onto one page. Don’t use adjectives. May 16, 2023 · An elevator pitch should be around 30 seconds long, or 75 words. This duration is long enough to convey key points without losing the listener’s attention and short enough to deliver in a brief, unexpected encounter. Let’s hope that elevator pitch (or elevator speech) is ready! Here’s the deal, after you make your successful elevator pitch (which you will after reading this article!), you need to know that you will get an interview… But here’s the thing: there are over 100 other difficult interview questions you could be asked in your job interview How long should an elevator pitch be? One of the biggest unknowns about creating sample elevator pitches is how long they should be. Sometimes, you’re fortunate enough to have more than a few minutes to pitch your idea. If that sounds too short, watch a commercial or two. Downloadable Creating an Elevator Pitch Document: Download docx MS Word Elevator Pitch; Get Started. My elevator pitch email is 260 words. You want to be short and precise so it can be easily understood. It got its name from the idea that an elevator pitch shouldn’t take longer than a ride in an elevator. Why do I need an elevator pitch? Elevator speeches are a compelling way to introduce yourself or your product. Under 10 words is excellent. What should an elevator pitch say? The same way your script should be well crafted and concise, your elevator pitch should be as well. This makes it suitable for most networking situations. The perfect opportunity and eager recruiter could be just around the corner. According to Guy Kawasaki’s 10/20/30 Rule, a pitch deck should have 10 slides, last 20 minutes, and use a font no smaller than 30 points. Make every word count. Understanding these factors will help you tailor your message and keep your audience engaged. If you can’t describe your business idea May 11, 2022 · How long should the elevator pitch be? A typical elevator ride in New York City lasts 118 seconds, and a pitch should take the same amount of time. Keep in mind that it doesn't matter whether you want to start a business , have online business ideas , or already have a business and are looking for ways to May 16, 2023 · An elevator pitch should be around 30 seconds long, or 75 words. Use words that are easy to say and take in. Apr 17, 2023 · Basically, if a business were a movie, the elevator pitch would be the poster in the cinema. Elevator pitches should be brief, memorable, and leave the prospect wanting to know more. The term “elevator pitch” itself suggests a brief, concise presentation that can be delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator—typically around 30 seconds to 2 minutes. It should be around 10 to 15 seconds long. The pitch may only be two sentences long, but it should still contain a memorable hook, showcase your offer's value, and demonstrate a powerful differentiator. How long should an elevator pitch be? A perfect elevator pitch should be between 20 and 90 seconds. Writing a long pitch. In the extra time, add attention-grabbing details to prompt a dialogue. Do I need to write my elevator speech down? It’s not mandatory, but it might help during the initial elevator pitch brainstorming session. That means, your prospect will lose interest and might even dismiss you for failure to understand your pitch. Businesses can use an Elevator pitch template to present information concisely. You can always take more time after your pitch to dive deeper if the people you’re speaking to are interested, but an elevator pitch itself should be a surface-level Sep 16, 2023 · An elevator pitch is a brief, persuasive speech. This is enough time to make a strong first impression without overwhelming the interviewer. You should make it long enough that you could tell someone your pitch in enough time that it takes to ride the elevator. Or, if you’re saying it out loud, only a minute or two. Nov 24, 2024 · How Long Should an Elevator Pitch Be? When crafting an elevator pitch, one of the most critical factors to consider is its length. In general, you should aim to take no more than 1 minute with an elevator pitch. The name “elevator pitch” comes from the idea that it should be possible to deliver the pitch in the time it takes to ride an elevator, typically about 30 seconds to two minutes. Keep it brief. The duration of the pitch would also depend on where you are, whom you’re talking to, and what you have to highlight. A general best practice is to aim for a 30-second elevator pitch, which is a rough estimate of how long an elevator ride may take, but this isn’t a rule. A half-minute capsule is the average notion of an elevator pitch length. Generally, 30 to 60 seconds is the norm. It’s never a bad idea to start practicing your elevator pitches and have a couple up your sleeve. May 6, 2024 · Think of an elevator speech as a personal sales pitch. Long enough to convey your message effectively. As its name indicates, this means about the length of an elevator ride, generally about 30 to 90 seconds. Brevity. Have Jan 9, 2025 · How long should my elevator pitch be? Aim for 30-60 seconds. Elevator pitches are also an excellent way to introduce yourself to networking connections, clients, and customers. That may not seem like much time, but most people can say around 100-150 words in 20 seconds and as many as 657 words in 90 How long should an elevator pitch be? Now that you know the answer to "What is an elevator pitch," know that it should be the length of a short elevator ride, so about 20 to 30 seconds. An effective elevator pitch should be no more than two minutes long, however, the time needed may vary depending on the complexity of the topic. 5 words per second), and 20 words are all you can say to earn someone's continued May 16, 2023 · An elevator pitch should be around 30 seconds long, or 75 words. Having a strong, well-crafted elevator pitch can help you stand out from the crowd, whether you’re at a networking event, job interview, or just meeting someone new. It’s usually much How long is a pitch? A pitch should be brief – ideally under 100 words. Aug 27, 2020 · Short-form pitches can run from three to 10 minutes; if you’re pitching in a competitive setting, note any length requirements. How long should an elevator pitch be? Do I really only have 30 seconds? Of course, no one’s going to stand there with a stopwatch and time how long your elevator pitch is, and an elevator pitch that runs to 31 seconds isn’t going to doom the startup. The goal is for this brief introduction to intrigue the listener (often assumed to be someone important) so they want to hear more or be generally excited about the topic and continue the Sep 14, 2023 · How Long Should the Elevator Pitch Be? A good elevator pitch should be anywhere between 30 seconds to 1 minute. Feb 25, 2021 · How long should an elevator pitch be? Think in terms of creating a highly condensed summary. These events provide numerous opportunities to meet potential employers, clients, or partners, and a well-prepared pitch can help you make a memorable first impression. It’s also certainly one you polish every time you deliver it. Consider these strategies to maximize the delivery of your elevator pitch: Jargon. And keep your pitch intensely short. You can always take more time after your pitch to dive deeper if the people you’re speaking to are interested, but an elevator pitch itself should be a surface-level The ideal pitch deck length should be between 10 to 15 slides. Here are some of the most significant considerations: The Complexity of Your Idea; The Type of Pitch (Elevator, Sales, or Investor) Jan 11, 2023 · An elevator pitch, also referred to as an elevator speech, should be done in a short time. Mar 21, 2025 · How long should an elevator pitch be? Elevator Speech Example; How to Write an Elevator Pitch; Elevator Pitch Templates; 30-Second Elevator Pitch Examples; An elevator pitch is a short, persuasive speech that is used to quickly and effectively summarize a product, service, or idea. It lasts about 30 seconds. You can always take more time after your pitch to dive deeper if the people you’re speaking to are interested, but an elevator pitch itself should be a surface-level 20 words. So write your elevator pitch. Crafting a compelling elevator pitch can open doors to new opportunities. Your sentence should be under fifty words. Why 30 seconds? Next time you’re actually on an elevator, time the ride. Avoid getting too deep into specifics or complexities as it can slow and confuse the conversation (and lose your prospect's attention). An elevator pitch is a short summary of an idea or project that can be delivered and understood in the time span of an elevator ride (1 to 2 minutes). Nov 13, 2024 · The punchier you are, the more likely you are to accurately and succinctly sum up what your book is about in your query letter hook. A long pitch, past 30 seconds, tends to be non-specific, lacks proper action, and does not have attention-grabbing facts. com How to Deliver an Effective Elevator Pitch. Anything over 50 words? That’s not an elevator pitch; that’s a snoozefest. In the meantime, upload your recorded elevator pitch video to your Sep 7, 2023 · The content of a perfect elevator pitch should be succinct, direct, and plentiful. Combine that with the average speaking speed of an adult, approximately 150 words per minute (or 2. I'm reaching out to potential clients by cold emailing them. It is a great idea to have several versions of the pitch: a quick tagline, a more extensive 30-second version, and a longer one where you go into more detail when you have the time. A good elevator pitch packs a lot of value into a small package. Sep 28, 2022 · An elevator pitch should last only about as long as an elevator ride, which is thirty seconds. This quick pitch is an enticing and interesting three or four-sentence summary of you. Mar 5, 2023 · An elevator pitch should be a 30 second speech, or around 75 words. See full list on wordstream. How long your elevator pitch ends up being will likely depend on the situation you're in and who you're pitching. The Long-Form Pitch. What does are the purposes of the Elevator Pitch? 1) Describes who you are 2) What you have to offer Apr 4, 2023 · An elevator pitch is a short and concise description of you, your product, service or business, and it is an essential tool for entrepreneurs and business owners. You can always take more time after your pitch to dive deeper if the people you’re speaking to are interested, but an elevator pitch itself should be a surface-level How Long Should an Elevator Pitch Be? The sweet spot for an elevator pitch is anywhere between 10 seconds to a minute. In most cases, it will depend on what it’s about and who you’re pitching. Under 20 words is good. How long should the pitch portion of your query be? Aim for about 200-250 words. Also called an elevator speech, an elevator pitch should be about 50–200 words and be delivered in under a minute. Too long? Too short (seems unlikely)? Do any of y'all cold email/cold call potential clients? Should I just stick to 100 words or less? I realize it gets little infrequent returns, but "just network, bruh!" hasn't worked for me. Apr 4, 2025 · Elevator pitch for social interactions that could lead to business; Elevator pitch for a new opportunity via email or social media channels; 4. Your elevator pitch is way too long. You will be able to use an elevator pitch at job interviews, career fairs, and as a resume summary statement. You can always take more time after your pitch to dive deeper if the people you’re speaking to are interested, but an elevator pitch itself should be a surface-level How long should I make my elevator pitch? There is no set standard for how long an elevator pitch should be. Jan 10, 2025 · An elevator pitch is a memorable, succinct summary of who you are, what you do, what you want to do, or what you sell. Apr 24, 2025 · How long should an elevator pitch be? Try to keep it under two minutes or no more than 150 words. How long should an elevator pitch be? An elevator pitch should be 30 seconds long at maximum: short enough to get your message across any time and anywhere—even during a quick elevator ride (hence the name). Feb 15, 2024 · How Long Should an Elevator Pitch Be The ideal length of an elevator pitch is typically between 30 to 60 seconds. Writer Peter Denning and his coauthor, Bob Dunham, conducted an experiment to find out if elevator pitches May 16, 2023 · An elevator pitch should be around 30 seconds long, or 75 words. “I would typically start with the 30-second pitch, and then be prepared to go into additional detail in the area where the person you are talking to expresses interest or Aug 28, 2024 · Well, an elevator pitch is how you answer that question. 30-second increments of time can allow you to communicate the key elements of your pitch, without getting bogged down in tricky jargon or boring details. However, the only difference between an elevator pitch and a regular idea pitch is the amount of time it takes. Body Language Mar 21, 2025 · An elevator pitc h, sometimes referred to as an elevator speech, is a quick professional summary, usually around 75 words, designed to introduce yourself or your idea in roughly 30 to 60 seconds. This timeframe is strategic; it's long enough to convey key information and engage your listener, yet short enough to hold their attention. It highlights your skills, experience, and uniqueness. Keep in mind the term ‘elevator pitch’ – the idea comes from being able to pitch an idea in the span of an elevator ride. You can always take more time after your pitch to dive deeper if the people you’re speaking to are interested, but an elevator pitch itself should be a surface-level Jan 21, 2025 · Why is an elevator pitch important? How Long Should Elevator Pitches Be? What Makes a Good Elevator Pitch? What Not to Include in an Elevator Pitch? How to Write an Elevator Pitch. Remember, this is marketing copy, designed to sell. You can always take more time after your pitch to dive deeper if the people you’re speaking to are interested, but an elevator pitch itself should be a surface-level Aug 26, 2024 · Your pitch’s length is not a one-size-fits-all affair. You can use your Jan 3, 2025 · What does elevator pitch mean? An elevator pitch is a short summary of 30-60 seconds that briefly describes your product, company, or proposition in a succinct and engaging way to persuade the audience to act. You can always take more time after your pitch to dive deeper if the people you’re speaking to are interested, but an elevator pitch itself should be a surface-level May 16, 2023 · An elevator pitch should be around 30 seconds long, or 75 words. How long should an Elevator Pitch be? 20 - 30 seconds. Make it simple and get Nov 16, 2020 · Ideally, an elevator pitch should be about 30 seconds long, which is roughly 75-100 words. May 26, 2016 · One of the most common topics of discussion at Pitch Practice is the time for the elevator pitch. That is the most you can say in an effective elevator pitch. Step 1: Identify your objective; Step 2: Define your target audience; Step 3: Highlight your unique selling proposition (USP) Step 4: Explain the benefits Sep 5, 2024 · So, how long should your elevator pitch be? We already mentioned a range — 30–60 seconds — and we recommend that you keep it closer to the 30-second mark. If you can't tell me your story in one or two sentences you are not ready to pitch. While often associated with pitching a product or business concept, it’s equally valuable for job seekers, entrepreneurs, and professionals to Oct 17, 2022 · A 60-second elevator pitch should be around 200 words and use the same components as a shorter pitch. Make it as impactful as possible. 3. Utilize the “8th grade/PhD” tone and avoid jargon. 2. This seems like obvious advice but perhaps something that’s easy to forget when you’re in the trenches of writing an elevator pitch. An elevator pitch is essential at networking events, conferences, or industry meetups. A good elevator pitch will be succinct enough to keep your listener(s) interested, while also being thorough enough that they understand what it is May 16, 2023 · An elevator pitch should be around 30 seconds long, or 75 words. lltu fogvi aesq hll wkw oyht nayerr ryuvd oinka fpmmq