What is the primary purpose of an elevator pitch?

The primary purpose of an elevator pitch is to deliver a brief, persuasive speech about an idea or product. This type of pitch is designed to quickly and effectively convey essential information in a concise format, typically lasting no longer than a minute or so—akin to the duration of a short elevator ride. The goal is to capture the listener's attention and interest, encouraging them to want to know more.

In professional contexts, this skill is crucial for networking, pitching ideas, or introducing oneself and one’s work to potential clients or investors. The effectiveness of an elevator pitch lies in its ability to summarize complex ideas into simple, engaging narratives that can persuade an audience to take action or engage further with the speaker.