Implementation

Elevator Pitch

When to use it

Use this tool to to build a convincing presentation with defined elements and clarity so that you can create a quick pitch that will help you ‘sell’ your idea to anyone (such as managers or investors).

What’s the purpose

No matter how great your solution is, it will never get off the ground unless you are able to effectively communicate it and gain the buy-in of key stakeholders. Use this template to create a pitch that will enable anyone new to your idea to quickly understand what it is, how it works, and why they should care about it.

How to do it

  1. Start by adding your How Might We question in step one.
  2. In step two, define your pitch by planning out the key messages you need to get across. You can tailor your own unique script around the following structure:
    • Define the problem and the context
    • Describe your solution and why it is different
    • Elaborate on the impact for the target user and any actions
    • Identify the broad competitive landscape
    • Calculate an financial overview
    • Who’s on the team
    • Present next steps and key milestones
  3. Using everything you just worked through and the diagram below to guide you, create a 30 second pitch that you could use anytime, anywhere to get your message across quickly and with impact.
  4. Do not hesitate to action the tip section in the bottom left corner, as this can help you to take your elevator pitch further.
Elevator Pitch template
Blank template
Elevator Pitch worked example
Worked example

Tips

Once you’ve defined your pitch, reach out to your graphic designer or writer to convert your pitch into a communication piece, such as an article, a presentation, a website page, a video, etc. Select visuals to illustrate your pitch. Your story length will vary. The degree of details that will be provided will not be the same for every audience. Create short, medium and a long versions.

In day-to-day work

When you next need to pitch an idea to colleagues or get buy in from stakeholders on something you’re working on, use this template to help you structure your thoughts and build it into a pitch that will help you communicate your idea clearly. Maybe your company is working on redefining their value proposition. The ‘Elevator Pitch’ template can help you to define your offering and a short punchy way to communicate it with your clients.

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