Business presentation template
Speaker cue cards for a general business presentation: a clear opening, the key message, three supporting points with evidence, a recommendation, next steps and a strong close with Q and A.
Speech9 cardsAbout 1 min to speakBeginnerWork
Elevator pitch template
Cue cards for a 30 to 60 second elevator pitch about yourself, your business or your idea: a hook, the problem, what you do, proof, what makes you different and a clear ask.
Free to use, edit, print and study. No account needed: your set stays on this device.
The cards
- 1
The six beats
- Hook
- Problem
- What I do
- Proof
- Why me or us
- The ask
About 100 to 150 words in total. One or two sentences per beat.
- 2
Hook
Pick one:
- A question: Have you ever [common frustration]?
- A surprising fact you can back up: [fact and its source]
- A one-line description: I help [who] [do what].
- 3
Problem
[Who] often struggle with [problem], which means [cost: time, money, stress, missed chances].
Use words your listener would use, not industry jargon.
- 4
What I do
I am [name], a [role or business], and I [what you do] so that [benefit for the listener or customer].
- 5
Proof
For example, [a client, project or result: e.g. I recently helped [type of organisation] to [outcome]].
One concrete example beats three adjectives.
- 6
Why me or us
What makes [me / us] different is [specific difference: a method, an experience, a focus, a background].
- 7
The ask
Choose one, based on who you are talking to:
- Could we set up 20 minutes next week to talk about [topic]?
- Do you know anyone in [field] I should speak to?
- I am looking for [role]; may I send you my CV?
- 8
Three versions to keep ready
- Careers fair: lead with the role you want and the skill that proves you can do it
- Client event: lead with the problem you solve for businesses like theirs
- Social chat: one friendly sentence on what you do, then ask about them
- 9
Practice version (write it out)
[Hook]. [Problem]. I am [name], and I [what you do]. Recently, [proof]. What makes me different is [difference]. [Ask]?
Time it: [seconds].
How to use this template
An elevator pitch is the short answer to 'So, what do you do?'. You need it at networking events, careers fairs, conferences, sales calls and the first minute of many meetings. This template breaks the pitch into six beats so you can build it one sentence at a time: a hook to get attention, the problem you solve, what you do, a piece of proof, what makes you different and a clear ask. The final card puts it together in one paragraph so you can time it. Write it first for one audience, then make one or two variations for other people you often meet. The aim is to start a conversation, not to finish one.
Tips
- Lead with the listener's problem rather than your job title; people remember what you can do for them.
- Read it aloud and cut any sentence you would not say in normal conversation.
- Keep the proof specific and true. A small real result is more persuasive than a large vague claim.
- End with a question or a small, easy ask. 'Can I send you a one-page summary?' is easier to say yes to than 'Will you invest?'.
- Practise until you can deliver it in 30 seconds and in 60 seconds, and decide on the spot which one the moment needs.
- Watch the listener. If they lean in after the problem beat, stop and ask a question rather than pressing on.
- Have a business card, a QR code to your profile or a short link ready, so the conversation does not end when the pitch does.
Make it fit
- For job seekers, make the 'What I do' beat about your skills and the ask about a referral or a short conversation.
- For founders, swap the proof for early traction, such as pilot customers or a waiting list, and keep numbers you can back up.
- For an online event or a video introduction, add your name and one keyword to the screen so people can find you later.
- In more formal business cultures, open with your name and organisation before the hook, and keep the ask polite and indirect.
- For a written version on a profile or email signature, use only the 'What I do' and 'Why me' beats.
Updated October 28, 2026