Learning how to make a elevator script isn't just about memorizing a few lines; it's about making sure you don't freeze up when someone important asks, "So, what do you do?" We've all been there—standing in a hallway or a crowded room, and suddenly your brain decides to delete every piece of information about your career. It's awkward, it's frustrating, and it usually ends with you rambling about something totally irrelevant. But if you have a solid script ready to go, you can turn those brief encounters into actual opportunities without breaking a sweat.
The term "elevator script" usually brings to mind a high-stakes business meeting in a literal elevator, but in reality, you'll use this thing everywhere. Whether you're at a networking event, a family reunion where your aunt keeps asking about your job, or even just updating your social media bio, knowing how to condense your value into a few sentences is a superpower.
Start With the "Who" and the "What"
Before you even start writing, you need to strip everything down to the basics. The biggest mistake people make when figuring out how to make a elevator script is trying to include their entire life story. Nobody needs to know you won a spelling bee in the third grade or that you're proficient in Microsoft Excel (everyone says that anyway).
Start with your name and a very brief description of your current role. Instead of just giving a boring job title like "Marketing Manager," try to frame it in a way that shows action. For example, instead of saying "I'm a web developer," you could say, "I build digital platforms that help small businesses sell more products." See the difference? One is a label; the other is a solution.
Identify the Pain Point
Every good script needs a bit of drama—or at least a problem that needs solving. People don't really care about what you do as much as they care about what you can do for them or for a specific audience. Think about the biggest headache your clients or employers face.
If you're a graphic designer, the problem might be that companies have great products but look "cheap" or "outdated" to customers. If you're a project manager, the problem might be that teams are wasting money because they can't stay on schedule. By identifying the problem early in your script, you're creating a "hook" that makes the listener think, "Oh, I know someone with that problem!" or "Wait, I have that problem!"
The "Secret Sauce" or Your Solution
Once you've set the stage with the problem, it's time to deliver the hero moment. This is where you explain how you fix things. But here's the kicker: don't get bogged down in the technical weeds. If you're explaining how to make a elevator script for a tech role, don't start listing every programming language you know.
Instead, talk about the result. Talk about the "after" picture. "I use data-driven design to give brands a premium look that increases their conversion rates by 20%." That sounds way more impressive than saying you use Photoshop and Illustrator. You're selling the destination, not the plane ride.
Keep It Natural (And Brief)
The "30-second" rule is a bit of a cliché, but it exists for a reason. Most people have the attention span of a goldfish, especially in busy environments. When you're drafting your script, read it out loud. Does it sound like something a real person would actually say? If you find yourself using words like "synergy," "leveraging," or "proactive optimization," hit the delete key.
You want to sound like yourself, just the best version of yourself. If the script feels too stiff, you're going to sound like a robot, and people catch onto that immediately. Use contractions, keep your sentences relatively short, and leave room for the other person to breathe or ask a question.
What If You're Making a Literal Elevator Script?
Wait, there's a whole other side to this! Sometimes, when people search for how to make a elevator script, they aren't looking for a business pitch at all—they're looking for code. If you're a game developer in Roblox or Unity, making an elevator script is a classic beginner project that's surprisingly tricky.
If that's why you're here, the logic is actually pretty similar to a speech. You need a "trigger" (the button press), a "process" (the tween or movement of the elevator part), and a "destination" (the floor level). You have to account for things like door animations and making sure the player doesn't fall through the floor while the lift is moving.
Whether you're scripting in Lua or C#, the goal is a smooth experience. Just like a business pitch, if the "script" is clunky or takes too long to get to the point, the user is going to get frustrated and hop out.
The Call to Action (The "Ask")
Back to the verbal side of things: don't just stop talking and stare at the person once you've finished your pitch. That's how things get weird. You need a "call to action" or a way to keep the conversation going.
This doesn't always have to be a hard sell. It can be as simple as, "I'm actually looking to connect with more people in the fintech space—do you know anyone I should talk to?" or "I'd love to hear more about what your team is working on. Do you have a business card?" By ending with a question or an invitation, you're handing the ball back to them. It turns a monologue into a dialogue.
Rehearse Until It's Not Rehearsed
It sounds like a paradox, but the only way to sound natural is to practice until the words are second nature. You don't want to be "searching" for the next word while you're talking to a CEO. You want the words to flow.
Try recording yourself on your phone. It's painful to listen to your own voice, I know, but it's the fastest way to catch your "umms," "ahhs," and those weird nervous habits we all have. Check your pacing. Are you talking way too fast because you're nervous? Slow down. Are you trailing off at the end of sentences? Finish strong.
Tailoring for the Audience
One size rarely fits all. While you should have a "base" script, you need to be able to tweak it on the fly. If you're talking to a fellow creative, you can use more industry jargon. If you're talking to a potential investor, focus more on the money and the market.
If you're wondering how to make a elevator script that works every time, the secret is empathy. Put yourself in the shoes of the person listening. What do they actually care about? They probably don't care about your internal processes; they care about how you can make their life easier, their business more profitable, or their day more interesting.
Wrapping It Up
At the end of the day, a script is just a tool. It's a safety net that keeps you from falling into the "I don't know what to say" trap. Once you've got the structure down—the who, the problem, the solution, and the ask—you'll find that you're much more confident in high-pressure situations.
Don't overthink it. You're just telling a very short story about what you do and why it matters. Keep it light, keep it honest, and most importantly, keep it human. People do business with people they like and understand. If your script helps them understand you in 30 seconds or less, you've already won half the battle. So, grab a notepad, start jotting down those key points, and start practicing. You never know when that next "elevator ride" might happen.