Origin of the term “elevator” pitch
Time is money. It’s a common phrase you might have heard before. If you haven’t heard that before, don’t worry – that’s what the National Life Skills Academy is here for, to offer you opportunities to widen your awareness to concepts you hear daily but have little context for.
Time is money is said to emphasize the point that time is precious, and shouldn’t be wasted. It’s also the perfect saying to highlight, and think about when we talk about the elevator pitch. The elevator pitch is a useful tool, or skill to master, and one that you’re going to need if you have big ideas. In essence, the elevator pitch is a short and brief sales pitch given to someone who you might be able to help you achieve your big idea. Within a very short opportunity you’ll need to provide information that not only excites and intrigues, but informs an idea that is worth listening to as well. Nailing that small strategy down can go a long way to help boost your career, and can leave lasting impressions on people higher up. So, now you know what an elevator pitch is, how do you go about nailing it?
The term “elevator pitch” refers to a brief, persuasive speech that you can use to spark interest in what you’re offering, be it a product, service, or idea. The premise is that it should be concise enough to be delivered during a short elevator ride, typically 20 to 60 seconds.
The origin of the term is rooted in the Hollywood movie industry. Imagine a screenwriter accidentally running into a movie executive in an elevator. They’ve got only a few floors, or mere moments, to pitch their movie idea before the executive steps out. This short timeframe is all they have to make an impression and generate interest. Thus, the “elevator pitch” is born from the idea of having a quick, compelling speech ready for unexpected encounters like this.
Over time, the term has been adopted by various industries, especially in the startup and business world, to refer to a concise presentation or argument about a product, service, or idea.