elevator-pitch-techniques

# Elevator Pitch Techniques

Quick reference for crafting verbal brand summaries that sound natural when spoken, using proven methodologies from pitch coaches and brand strategists.

> "The goal of an elevator pitch is not to close a deal but to spark enough interest for a follow-up conversation."

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## Foundational Statistics

| Metric | Value | Implication |
|--------|-------|-------------|
| Average attention span | **8 seconds** | Your hook must land immediately |
| Expected iterations | **20+** | Refinement is normal, not failure |
| First version quality | **8-10%** | You're only this far toward perfection |
| Success metric | **"Tell me more"** | The only reaction that matters |

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## The 6 Core Frameworks

### 1. StoryBrand Framework (SB7) — Donald Miller

**Core Principle:** "Your business is not the hero of your brand story. Your customer is."

| Step | Element | Question |
|------|---------|----------|
| 1 | **Character** | What does your customer WANT? |
| 2 | **Problem** | What PROBLEM stands in their way? (External, internal, philosophical) |
| 3 | **Guide** | How does your brand act as their GUIDE? |
| 4 | **Plan** | What STEPS do they need to follow? |
| 5 | **Call to Action** | What ACTION should they take? |
| 6 | **Success** | What SUCCESS will they achieve? |
| 7 | **Failure** | What FAILURE do you help them avoid? |

**Template:**
> "For [target customer] who [has this problem], [your brand] helps you [achieve desired outcome] by [your unique approach]. Unlike [alternatives], we [key differentiator]."

**When to Use:** Customer transformation is central to brand story.

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### 2. Sparkline Framework — Nancy Duarte

**Core Principle:** Great communicators create tension by contrasting "what is" with "what could be."

**The Process:**
1. Start with **"What Is"** — the current painful reality
2. Contrast with **"What Could Be"** — the better future
3. Alternate between the two throughout your pitch
4. End with **"New Bliss"** — the transfor