What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch is essentially a concise and compelling summary of who you are, what you do, and what makes you unique or valuable, typically delivered in about 30 seconds to a minute. It is designed to capture the interest of the listener quickly, as if you were on an elevator with them for a brief moment. The goal of this speech is to leave a lasting impression and to convey your professional identity effectively, whether you're networking, preparing for a job interview, or seeking to make connections in a business environment.

The other options describe different concepts. A detailed overview of your career history would take much longer than what an elevator pitch allows and would not be persuasive in the way that a brief pitch is. A formal presentation meant for large audiences typically involves extensive preparation and visual aids, deviating from the personal, direct nature of an elevator pitch. Lastly, a written proposal for a business plan focuses on formal documentation of a business idea or strategy rather than the spontaneous and personal nature of an elevator pitch.