Overview

Estimated Time: 1 Class Period (50 Minutes)
Unit: Career In Focus
Lesson: 1.7
Theme: The Elevator Pitch

Students develop a concise, professional elevator pitch that communicates who they are, the skills they have developed, and their future career goals. Through guided practice, rehearsal, and presentations, students strengthen their verbal communication skills and prepare to confidently introduce themselves during future networking and professional interview opportunities.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson students will:

Develop an elevator pitch that clearly communicates their skills, experiences, and career goals.
Organize personal information using the "My Elevator Pitch" planning form.
Practice delivering an elevator pitch with confidence and professionalism.
Demonstrate an effective elevator pitch through rehearsal and presentation.

Indiana Standards

PCC-1.1 – Identify personal characteristics that contribute to career success.

PCC-1.2 – Identify personal interests, strengths, skills, and values that influence career choices.

PCC-1.3 – Reflect on personal experiences to support career exploration and planning.

PCC-4.1 – Use career information and resources to support career exploration and planning.

PCC-4.2 – Develop and maintain a personal career portfolio.

PCC-4.3 – Create and revise career-related materials that communicate personal strengths, interests, and goals.

PCC-6.1 – Investigate local and regional career opportunities.

PCC-6.2 – Identify workplace expectations and characteristics of successful employees.

PCC-6.4 – Explain how personal experiences and employability skills contribute to career readiness.

PCC-7.1 – Demonstrate employability skills through career exploration activities.

PCC-7.2 – Demonstrate professionalism through communication, collaboration, and personal responsibility.

PCC-7.3 – Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication appropriate for career and workplace settings.

Before You Begin:

Student Materials

Device with internet access
"My Elevator Pitch" sheet
Writing materials (pen or pencil)

Teacher Preparation

Print copies of the "My Elevator Pitch" worksheet.
Prepare one or more Mad Libs activities to introduce the lesson.
Review students' Agile Assessment results so they can reference their top workplace skills.
Prepare students to practice, memorize, and present their elevator pitches.

Lesson Flow

Hook / Warm-Up (Mad Libs Activity)
Mini Lesson: The Purpose of an Elevator Pitch
Completing the "My Elevator Pitch" sheet
Partner Practice and Rehearsal
Elevator Pitch Presentations and Class Feedback

Student Work Products

Students will complete:

"My Elevator Pitch" sheet
Elevator Pitch Presentation

The artifacts become part of each student's Portfolio in Unit 3.

External Resources

Printable Mad Libs (used as the introductory activity)

Teacher Tips

Emphasize that an effective elevator pitch is brief, well-organized, and authentic. Encourage students to focus on communicating their strengths, experiences, and future goals with confidence rather than memorizing every word. Provide multiple opportunities for students to practice with partners before presenting so they become comfortable introducing themselves in a professional setting.

Portfolio Connection

At the conclusion of this lesson, students should have:

Completed the "My Elevator Pitch" sheet.
Developed an elevator pitch that communicates their skills, experiences, and career goals.
Practiced delivering their elevator pitch with confidence and professionalism.
Demonstrated a polished elevator pitch that prepares them for future interviews and networking opportunities.

Lesson 1.7 - The Elevator Pitch Snapshot & Resources