The 30 Second Elevator Pitch Guide: Templates, Examples & More

photo of an elevator in a business center

Stepping into the elevator with just 30 seconds to make an impact? That’s where the art of the elevator pitch becomes your strongest ally. It’s not just any summary; it’s your chance to spell out the unique value your company offers, all before the doors open again.

This lightning-fast pitch is indispensable, whether you’re aiming to snag a meeting or seal a deal on the spot. Born from the hustle of entrepreneurs vying for investors’ attention in fleeting moments, the 30 second elevator pitch symbolizes the essence of strategic brevity.

We’ve walked this path (as you can see here), mastering pitches in bustling convention halls, during surprise encounters in office corridors, and yes, even over Zoom calls where every second counts. At Veloxy, we’ve distilled our experiences into a streamlined pitch framework, complete with five key elements that cut through the noise.

What are you waiting for? Get started with these popular sections:

There’s so much more! Let’s start by making sure you get your hands on the FREE 30 second elevator pitch worksheet 👇

Download Now: The Best 30 Second Elevator Pitch Worksheet

Quickly and easily create 1 to 3 of the best 30 second elevator pitches at your company with our worksheet. Be sure to share it with other sales reps!

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The Best 30 Second Elevator Pitch Template

salesman taking an elevator

Reflecting on my journey and countless pitches I’ve given, I realize how much the game has evolved. Imagine, a world so filled with noise that grabbing someone’s attention becomes akin to a high-stakes heist.

That’s the backdrop against which we’re pitching in 2024.

Here’s a thought: what if we could cut through that noise, not with louder shouts, but with precision and relatability?

That’s where a polished 30-second elevator pitch comes into play, crucial for any sales professional eager to make their mark.

Let me share with you a revamped template, a lifeline in our overcommunicated world, honed by years of refining pitches in tradeshows, office spaces, and, yes, even Zoom calls. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill advice; it’s a blueprint for success, ensuring every second counts.

Here’s my simple 5-step structure that any sales rep can remember, and we break it down below.

  1. Use Enthusiasm and Motion
  2. Begin with a Pain Reliever or Creative Catch (5 seconds)
  3. Choose One Word or Phrase to Focus on and Repeat (2.5 seconds)
  4. Follow the NSV Method (20 seconds)
  5. Deliver the Call to Action (2.5 seconds)

Download Now to Your Smartphone > The 30 Second Elevator Pitch Structure

1. Use Enthusiasm and Motion

Reflecting on the many pitches I’ve given over the years, I’ve learned one undeniable truth–enthusiasm is your secret weapon.

Remember that scene from “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” where Ben Stein’s monotone roll call of “Bueller? Bueller?” is met with glazed-over eyes? That’s a lesson in what not to do. 

Now, picture the dynamic energy of comedians like Jerry Seinfeld or Dave Chappelle. They’re masters of engaging their audience, not just with their words but with their lively movements and expressive gestures. It’s no coincidence; it’s pure strategy.

When crafting your 30-second elevator pitch, let your belief in your message shine through not only in your tone but in every gesture (like I’m doing here). 

Suppose you’re illustrating the significant time your prospect could save with your solution. Why not visually represent this with your hands? Or subtly shift your stance as you transition through your pitch? 

These movements aren’t just for show; they’re powerful tools for keeping your listener hooked, signaling transitions between ideas without saying a word.

In the compact world of an elevator pitch, even the smallest action, like showing the number “2” with your fingers to highlight a key point, can make a big impact. It’s all about making every second—and every movement—count.

photo of two businessman on an elevator

2. Begin with a Pain Reliever or Creative Catch

Diving into the countless pitches and messages that flood our daily lives, I’ve noticed they mostly fall into two camps: the vitamins, promising growth and reach, and the painkillers, addressing the very real issues we face. 

And here’s the kicker, the majority lean towards being vitamins, like “Expand your reach!” or “Grow faster with us!” But honestly, those messages? They just don’t cut it.

Why? Because when you’re in pain, you’re not looking for a vitamin; you’re searching for a painkiller. You’re seeking something that says, “Tired of being bogged down by tasks that don’t drive sales?” or “Is your team drowning in busywork instead of closing deals?” That’s where the gold is. Because pain demands attention, demands a solution, now.

Let me break it down to the big three painkillers:

  • Time: Highlight the precious hours slipping through our fingers.
  • Money: Spotlight the potential revenue we’re not capturing.
  • Stress and Security: Talk about the peace of mind we’re all yearning for.

But here’s a twist: capture their attention with a story. Stories have the power to captivate like nothing else. Picture this: “Imagine, just last week, a CEO shared how his team saved $125,000 last year by having his team spend MORE time with customers.”

In those tight thirty seconds, especially if you’re sharing an elevator ride, why not use what’s around you? Take the elevator’s journey as your canvas. “Ever think how your team could revolutionize their day in the time it takes us to reach the 20th floor?”

That right there is how you make someone lean in during those first crucial seconds. It’s not just about stating a fact; it’s about striking a chord, right when it matters.

3. Choose One Word or Phrase to Focus On & Repeat

Reflecting on what truly sets a brand apart, it dawned on me: it’s all about owning that one word or phrase in your customer’s mind. 

Think about it—when you hear ‘Safety,’ doesn’t Volvo immediately come to mind? Or ‘Luxury with Performance’ and you think Mercedes? 

That’s no accident. These brands have mastered the art of simplicity and focus in their messaging.

In branding and positioning, the golden rule is to claim a word or concept not yet owned by a competitor but deeply rooted in customer experience. This becomes your beacon, guiding every conversation and interaction.

So, in your elevator pitch, it’s crucial to weave this word or phrase throughout, not once, not twice, but three times to truly embed it in the listener’s mind. Utilize anaphora to reinforce your message—beginning or ending consecutive statements with this key phrase.

Imagine saying, “Let’s cut through the clutter of lead prioritization. Let’s simplify CRM updates. Let’s clear the deck of everything that’s holding your sales back.”

Here, “Let’s simplify” becomes more than just words; it becomes a promise, a vision of a world where sales activities are streamlined, focusing solely on what moves the needle. This isn’t just about reducing workload; it’s about transforming the sales landscape, making “simplify” not just a word, but a mission.

Can you tell that I’ve spent years mastering my Veloxy elevator pitch?

salesman making a pitch on an elevator

4. Follow the NSV Method

Diving into the core of your elevator pitch, you’ve got just 20 seconds to make your mark, following the insightful NSV Method. It’s as straightforward as it gets, focusing on three pivotal steps:

  1. Need: Spark a realization in your prospect by highlighting a gap or need they weren’t fully aware of.
  2. Satisfy: Offer peace of mind by presenting your solution as the perfect remedy to this newfound need.
  3. Visualize: Engage their imagination with phrases like “Imagine this…” and “Now picture yourself…” to bring to life the transformative impact of adopting your solution.

Consider this scenario: “Your team is currently spending a staggering 1,372 hours annually on tasks that don’t directly contribute to sales (learn more here). What could your bottom line look like if those hours were redirected towards revenue-generating activities? Imagine, a year from today, you’re handing a sales report to your CEO showcasing a revenue surge—all for an investment of just $5,000 per year.”

The beauty of the NSV method lies in its seamless segue into your elevator pitch’s finale—the compelling call to action. It’s not just about stating facts; it’s about weaving a narrative that places your prospect at the heart of a success story.

5. Deliver the Call to Action

Now that you’ve laid the groundwork with your NSV pitch, your prospect’s curiosity is piqued, and they’re eager to dive deeper. This moment is your golden opportunity, not just to secure a spot on their calendar, but to subtly hint at the broader scope of solutions you bring to the table.

“Imagine, on top of slashing those time-consuming non-sales tasks, we could also streamline your sales cycle and expand your pipeline… Intrigued? Let’s chat more about this.”

This approach not only cements the connection you’ve just made but also opens the door wider, inviting a larger audience from their team into the conversation. With just a few words, you’re not just promising a fix to a singular issue but offering a comprehensive upgrade to their sales strategy.

Download Now: The Best 30 Second Elevator Pitch Worksheet

Quickly and easily create 1 to 3 of the best 30 second elevator pitches at your company with our worksheet. Be sure to share it with other sales reps!

Get Your Free Worksheet

Example of the Best 30 Second Elevator Pitch Template

Check this out (sales rep opens the stopwatch app on their phone, clicks start, and shows it to the prospect continuously)…

In the next 30 seconds, your sales team could have eliminated 100% of their non-selling activity…

I think you’d be interested to know that, on average, a sales rep spends 66% of their day on non-selling activities—that’s over 1,300 hours a year per rep…

Would you like to know how you can eliminate 100% of their non-selling activity?

Even better…

While keeping your sales team on the selling activities that produce revenue, what if I told you that the same \$49 solution can also shorten sales cycles and widen pipelines?

The important thing to remember is that this 30-second elevator pitch structure is here to help guide you in your own unique way. Making the elevator pitch your own is very important in ensuring that the pitch sounds authentic and natural.

Be sure to save the below picture to your smartphone for reference in real situations:

elevator pitch for smartphone image

Other Elevator Pitch Templates and Examples

Unfortunately, you can’t use the best 30 second elevator pitch for every unique scenario.

As you and I both know, creating a multitude of effective 30-second elevator pitches can be a daunting task. Luckily for you, you’ve come to the right place to find the right template with some inspiring elevator pitch examples. Get ready to craft a pitch that resonates with your audience and opens doors to new opportunities.

Let’s dive into some tailored elevator pitch templates and examples that will help you stand out.

The Basic Structure Template

Start with introducing yourself and your role, then succinctly describe your product, service, or value proposition. Conclude with a compelling call to action or a thought-provoking question.

Here’s a simple framework:

  • Introduction: “Hi, I’m [Your Name], a [Your Profession/Role].”
  • Value Proposition: “I specialize in [Your Service/Product], offering [Key Benefit].”
  • Call to Action/Question: “Are you interested in [Desired Outcome]?”

Example 1: Tech Startup Founder

“Hi, I’m Alex, founder of InnovateTech. We develop cutting-edge AI solutions that streamline business operations, reducing costs by up to 30%. Would you be interested in exploring how AI can transform your business?”

The Problem-Solution Template

Identify a common problem your audience faces and present your product or service as the solution. This template resonates because it directly addresses the listener’s needs or challenges.

  • Problem Statement: “Do you struggle with [Common Problem]?”
  • Solution Offer: “Our [Product/Service] solves this by [Solution].”
  • Benefit Highlight: “This means [Key Benefit for the Listener].”

Example 2: Health and Wellness Coach

“Do you struggle with maintaining a healthy lifestyle in a busy world? My personalized wellness coaching helps you achieve a balanced life, leading to improved health and productivity. Ready to take the first step towards a healthier you?”

The Storytelling Template

A brief, engaging story related to your business can make your pitch memorable. This template is especially effective in networking scenarios.

  • Setting the Scene: “When I started [Your Company/Project], I noticed [Issue/Opportunity].”
  • The Journey: “Through [Your Actions/Innovations], we’ve [Achieved Results/Impact].”
  • The Invitation: “Would you like to hear more about [Specific Aspect/Story]?”

Example 3: Educational App Developer

“When I started EdTech Innovations, I saw how children struggled with traditional learning methods. Our app makes learning fun and interactive, improving engagement and comprehension. Curious about how we’re revolutionizing education?”

5 Essentials of an Effective Elevator Pitch

Diving into the heart of perfecting that game-changing elevator pitch, we’ve distilled years of field-tested wisdom into five crucial elements that any sales pro, whether you’re fresh on the scene or seasoned in the art of the pitch, can’t afford to overlook.

Let’s unpack these keys together, ensuring your message not only lands but also leaves your audience eager for more.

professionals chatting after an elevator pitch

1. Accessible Language

Diving straight into the essence of what makes an elevator pitch not just good but truly impactful, let’s talk about the language we use. 

Imagine explaining your pitch to a friend who’s not in the industry, or even to a curious kid eager to understand what you do. 

The goal? Clarity and simplicity. 

We’ve all encountered pitches so bogged down with industry-speak that they lose their charm. For instance, developers often dazzle with technical lingo, saying something like, “I specialize in front-end design, e