The 60 Second Pitch: A Quick Guide for Success
Crafting an effective 60-second elevator pitch requires a combination of storytelling and clarity. Here are some of the key elements:
Overview/Tips
- Keep clear, concise, compelling, and tailored to the listener
- Practice often to ensure timing and smooth execution are achieved
- Solicit feedback externally and continuously refine based on responses — pitch with friends, family and others
- Write out talking points in advance
- If needed, take courses such as Toastmasters (available in many cities and online) to help yourself present with confidence
Avoid
- Avoid spending too much time on your personal background — talk about the company
- Avoid spending too much time on historical market context — talk about the current problem you are solving
- Avoid trying to cover everything — remember this is the start of a conversation to pique interest and invite questions
- Avoid making your ask difficult — start with an easy request such as chatting further instead of asking for money (fully closing a deal in a mere 60 seconds is unlikely for most entrepreneurs)
- Avoid being too pushy — again, your goal is to move toward the next step in your process
Example Framework
- Intro (0-15 seconds): Your name, company name, and company 1-liner/tagline/mission
- Problem Statement (15-25 seconds): Challenge/pain points of customers
- Solution, Value Proposition, Proof of Success (25-55 seconds): Your product’s solution to the problem, your unique differentiators, supporting case studies/data, and growth
- Ask/Call to Action (55-60 seconds): Request further conversation, demo, or next steps
Using and practicing a pitch framework can be immensely beneficial. Employ this guide to enhance your storytelling and clarity the next time you pitch.
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Kaego Ogbechie Rust is CEO at Foresight Advisors — working with foundations, investment firms, non-profits, and for-profit ventures — offering comprehensive support across vision & strategy, investing & financing, and operational planning during critical periods of your growth.
If you’re looking for help, contact kaego@foresightadvisors.com or visit www.foresightadvisors.com.
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Read More:
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• The Venture Fund Blueprint — Our #1 Best Selling book helps you learn to build, launch, and grow your organization — with step-by-step guides from crafting messaging and operations to running finance and legal.
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• How to Write an Investor Update (With Example)
• How to Write a One Pager
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• The 10-Point Checklist to Launch Your Business
• A Launch Checklist for Emerging Manager Funds
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• Know Your Niche & Cost
• How To Measure Results
• The 9 Point Due Diligence Checklist for Fund Investments
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• 7 Steps To Assess Your Competition
• Competitive Advantages That Last
• Developing a Go-to-Market Plan (GTM)
• 5 Ways to Productize Your Business
• Finding The Right Customer Profile
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• A Simple Way to Track Your Business Finances
