How do I write an effective elevator pitch?

Use this 5-line framework and you’ll have a pitch you can recite and adapt quickly.

1. Hook: one engaging sentence that names who you are and your role.
2. Problem: one sentence that states a clear pain your audience feels.
3. Solution: one sentence describing what you do and the key benefit.
4. Proof/differentiator: one short fact or metric that shows credibility.
5. Call-to-action: a simple next step (ask for a card, a meeting, or permission to send info).

Keep it 20–45 seconds, plain language, and quantify when possible (percentages, dollars, time saved). Practice aloud until natural; then create two variants: one for investors/clients and one for hiring managers. Example template: “I’m [name]. I help [who] [achieve X] by [how], which has delivered [metric]. Could we set a 20-minute call to explore this?” Trim any jargon and end with a question to engage.

Who’s the primary audience you’ll use this pitch with (investors, clients, or hiring managers)?