Give an Elevator Pitch
Practice giving a short 30-second elevator pitch about a favorite idea or invention. Learn to organize key points, speak clearly, and get feedback.
Step-by-step guide to give an elevator pitch
Step 1
Pick your favorite idea or invention you want to talk about.
Step 2
Write a one-sentence attention-grabbing hook about your idea.
Step 3
Write one sentence that explains the problem your idea solves.
Step 4
Write one sentence that shares the main benefit of your idea.
Step 5
Write one sentence that tells what makes your idea special or different.
Step 6
Write a one-sentence call-to-action that says what you want the listener to do next.
Step 7
Put all your sentences together into one short script.
Step 8
Read your script aloud while using the timer to see how long it takes.
Step 9
Edit your script so it fits close to 30 seconds and still sounds natural.
Step 10
Practice saying your edited script out loud focusing on speaking clearly.
Step 11
Practice delivering the script while using one friendly gesture or a smile.
Step 12
Ask your friend or family member to listen and give one suggestion.
Step 13
Make one small change to your script based on their suggestion.
Step 14
Rehearse your final pitch once while timing it to make sure it is 30 seconds.
Step 15
Share your finished elevator pitch on DIY.org.
Final steps
You're almost there! Complete all the steps, bring your creation to life, post it, and conquer the challenge!
Help!?
What can we use instead of a timer or if we can't upload to DIY.org?
Use a smartphone's stopwatch when you 'Read your script aloud while using the timer' and save or share your finished elevator pitch as a short video or email if you can't upload to DIY.org.
My pitch keeps running over 30 seconds—what should I do?
When your timed run is longer than 30 seconds, trim or combine sentences (for example merge the problem and main benefit) and practice speaking more slowly while timing again until the script fits close to 30 seconds.
How can I adapt this activity for younger or older kids?
For younger kids, limit the task to choosing an idea, writing a hook and benefit, and practicing to a 15–20 second goal with a parent listener, while older kids can add a quick visual, evidence sentence, and aim for a polished 30-second delivery before sharing on DIY.org.
How can we make the elevator pitch more interesting or personal?
Enhance the pitch by adding one simple prop or a one-line personal story to highlight the main benefit, practice the friendly gesture and smile during rehearsal, then incorporate the listener's suggestion before the final timed run and upload to DIY.org.
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What happens when you share an idea?
Facts about public speaking and presentation skills for kids
⏱️ A 30-second pitch is roughly 60–75 words spoken at a normal pace — enough for a hook, one main benefit, and a clear next step.
🎤 Glossophobia, the fear of public speaking, is one of the most common anxieties people report — many surveys find a large portion of adults feel nervous about speaking up.
🎥 Recording or getting feedback after each practice helps you spot filler words, pacing, and body language — and improves confidence fast.
🧠 Simple structures win: a quick hook, the problem, your solution/benefit, and a call-to-action is all you need for a memorable short pitch.
🚀 The phrase “elevator pitch” comes from the idea of explaining your idea in the time it takes to ride an elevator — about 30 seconds.
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