We’ve all been there — that moment when someone asks, “So, what do you do?” and suddenly, your mind starts flipping through a mental script. You’ve practiced your elevator pitch a dozen times, maybe even nailed it in front of the mirror. But when it comes out too polished or robotic, the connection falls flat.

Here’s the truth: the best elevator pitches don’t sound rehearsed — they sound real. They don’t feel like a script; they feel like a conversation.

At Pitch59, we believe the best introductions start with genuine human connection. So, here are five tips to help you turn your elevator pitch from a memorized monologue into a natural, engaging conversation — one that feels authentic every time you share it.

Why sounding like a conversation matters

People connect with people, not performances.

When you recite a memorized line, it shows. You might have great content, but if it doesn’t feel genuine, it doesn’t land. On the other hand, when you sound like yourself — confident, conversational, and curious — people lean in. They listen. They remember you.

A conversational pitch:

• Invites your listener to join the dialogue, not just sit through it.
• Feels natural in today’s networking spaces — from LinkedIn intros to PitchCard videos.
• Builds trust faster than any “perfectly crafted” line ever could.

Because at the end of the day, people don’t want a pitch — they want connection.

Tip 1: Ditch the “business-speak.”

Let’s be honest — we’ve all used a buzzword or two when we get nervous.

❌ “I’m a dynamic, results-oriented professional leveraging strategic frameworks to deliver scalable solutions.”

✅ “I help growing teams turn everyday chaos into simple systems so they can focus on the work they actually love.”

See the difference? The first sounds like a résumé. The second sounds like a real person.

Use everyday language. Talk like you would to a friend. Keep the focus on how you help people, not on the jargon. The goal is to sound like you, not like a corporate brochure.

Tip 2: End with a question — not a period.

Once you’ve shared who you are and what you do, pause. Then ask something that opens the door to conversation:

“How about you — what’s been the biggest challenge for your team lately?”

That one question changes everything. Suddenly, it’s not just your story — it’s a shared one.

This approach also shows that you care about them, not just about what you can sell. And when you use your Pitch59 PitchCard, your video can even invite that same response — encouraging people to reply, connect, and keep the conversation going.

Tip 3: Listen and adapt in real time.

A great pitch isn’t one-sided — it’s fluid.

If someone says, “We’re struggling to keep our new hires engaged,” you might respond with:

“I totally get that — I’ve worked with teams who had the same challenge. What’s been the toughest part for you?”

You’re showing that you heard them, you care, and you can relate. That’s where connection happens — not in your script, but in your response.

Tip 4: Practice with variety, not repetition.

Practicing your pitch is great — but repeating it word-for-word over and over? That’s what makes it sound robotic.

Instead, mix it up:

• Record yourself saying it a few different ways. Watch for tone, pacing, and authenticity.
• Try different settings. Give your pitch at a coffee shop, over a Zoom call, or at a networking event. Notice what feels natural in each.
• Ask for feedback. Have a friend tell you one thing that sounds too formal or too stiff. Then rework it.

If you’re using Pitch59, record your 59-second video and rewatch it until it feels conversational. That’s the beauty of it — you can show your authentic self before you even meet someone in person.

Tip 5: Lead with empathy.

The best pitches don’t start with you — they start with them.

Before jumping into your story, think about who you’re talking to. What challenges do they face? What pressures or goals might they have?

Then shape your message around that. For example:

“I help small business owners who feel overwhelmed by marketing find simple ways to connect with new clients.”

That simple shift — focusing on their world first — makes your message feel relatable, not rehearsed. It humanizes your pitch, showing that you understand before you try to impress.

Your quick pre-pitch checklist

Before your next introduction or networking event, ask yourself:

• Am I opening with something relatable?
• Did I clearly explain who I help and how?
• Do I sound like I’m talking to someone — not at them?
• Do I have a follow-up question ready?
• Can I make it shorter if I only have 15 seconds?
• Am I ready to listen and adapt?

If you can check those boxes, you’re not just ready to pitch — you’re ready to connect.

Conclusion: Turn your pitch into a real conversation

Your elevator pitch isn’t just a way to tell people what you do — it’s a way to start a relationship.

So next time someone asks, “What do you do?”, try this:

“I help [your audience] solve [their problem] so they can [their outcome]. How about you, what’s something your team’s focused on right now?”

That small change, from script to conversation, is what turns first impressions into lasting connections.

And if you want to make it even easier, your Pitch59 PitchCard helps you do exactly that. It’s your chance to introduce yourself in a way that feels human, genuine, and memorable — every single time.