The Elevator Pitch - Essay Example

Chris O’Leary proffered the most important characteristics of an elevator pitch using the Nine C’s, to wit: “(1) Concise, (2) Clear, (3) Compelling, (4) Credible, (5) Conceptual, (6) Concrete; (7) Customized, (8) Consistent, and (9) Conversational” (O’Leary, par. 6). As indicated, the purpose of an elevator pitch is to relay crucial information to the person one is talking to in a most effective manner using the limited time, typically spent in an elevator ride.

In an article written by Pagliarini (2009), an elevator pitch must be designed to answer six particular questions: “(1) what is your product or service? (2) Who is your market? (3) How do you expect to make money? (4) Who is behind the company? (5) Who is your competition? And (6) What is your competitive advantage?” (Pagliarini, 2009, pars. 4 – 9).
Further, Pagliarini averred that the elevator pitch must contain characteristics that catch the attention of the person one is talking to; should be very concise to comprise approximately 150 to 225 words; delivered with genuine passion and enthusiasm; and aim to obtain a request in terms of networking through referrals (Pagliarini, 2009).
In contemporary business and an increasingly competitive environment, the majority of professionals are always in a hurry to go to one destination and transfer to another. As a consequence, communication tools, specifically designed to relay crucial information on business endeavors must be designed in a compact but holistic manner.
The elevator pitch is the most effective communication tool that professionals must be fully aware of to ensure that enough, yet comprehensive information is aptly relayed to prospective clients.