International Business Skills (Business English & Business Skills)

There are hundreds of web pages and sources about the elevator pitch. But when you don´t have time you need an expert to guide you and help you practice.

One of the most useful and practical “Elevator Pitch Models” that we´ve found and we use as part of our “Elevator Pitch” training program for Spanish Internet Entreprenuers wanting to pitch to European Investors in London and Berlin and to American Investors in Silicon Valley is K.Stone´s model.

Essential Elements of a Powerful Elevator Pitch

1. Concise. Your pitch should take no longer than 30-60 seconds.
2. Clear. Use language that everyone understands. Don’t use fancy words thinking it will make you sound smarter. Your listener won’t understand you and you’ll have lost your opportunity to hook them.
3. Powerful. Use words that are powerful and strong. Deliver the “Sis-Boom-Bang” to grab their attention!
4. Visual. Use words that create a visual image in your listeners mind. This will make your message memorable.
5. Tell a Story. A short story, that is. A good story is essentially this: someone with a problem either finds a solution or faces tragedy. Either type of story can be used to illuminate what you do.
6. Targeted. A great elevator pitch is aimed for a specific audience. If you have target audiences that are vastly different, you might want to have a unique pitch for each.
7. Goal Oriented. A kick-ass elevator pitch is designed with a specific outcome in mind. What is your desired outcome? You may have different pitches depending on different objectives. For instance do you want to: make a sale, gain a prospect, enlist support for an idea, or earn a referral.
8. Has a Hook. This is the element that literally snags your listener’s interest and makes them want to know more. This is the phrase or words that strike a chord in your listener.
9. Intercultural differences. The Americans want you to entertain them (tell a story), to get to the point and to be passionate and enthusiastic when you speak. While German investors in Berlin will appreciate a more structured approach with specific facts and figures. While in London in the UK, the British prefer the American approach.
10. Remember to practice, ask for feedback, practice and ask for feedback! We suggest recording yourself using your webcam and to ask for specific feedback (you choose the criteria) from colleagues, friends and a trainer if you have one.

Read more about our The Practice Office´s courses Habilidades Comerciales en Inglés.