This page has resources to help Scholars develop an elevator pitch and navigate the pitch-related sessions during SRA

Elevator Pitch Examples

These are Elevator Pitch examples by our Alumni from their 1st Year as EXITO Scholars (2016). These videos are BONUS CONTENT and Scholars are not required to watch them.

My pitch is too long! How do I cut it down to 60 seconds?

Sulema (Cohort 2) had the same issue in 2020 while updating her pitch. Watch the two versions of her pitch for an example of how to shorten a pitch. Reminder: If Scholars have any issues that affect speech and/or are worsened by public speaking (a speech impediment, ADA accommodations, etc.) please email exito@pdx.edu in advance so that we can build in extra time!

IN 2020, Sulema

Days 2 & 3: Optional Pitch Help Sessions

There are 4 optional sessions scheduled during SRA for Scholars who have questions, concerns, or need help with their pitch. While these sessions are optional, Scholars are strongly encouraged to attend. You don't need to have a pitch ready to go! We can help you develop your pitch from the ground up.

• Optional sessions are offered before and after the required SRA times on Days 2 and 3. Check out the agenda on Days 2 & Day 3 for session times. Scholars may attend as many optional sessions as they wish. They may also attend part of a session if they only need a little help.

• In these sessions, Scholars will be placed in a small practice group with approximately 4-5 Scholars and an EXITO Staff/Faculty member.

• For more information about the Optional Sessions, please review the Elevator Pitch Sessions at SRA handout

Day 3: Required Pitch Practice Session

The required Elevator Pitch practice time on Day 3 will take place across 5 separate Zoom meetings, each with a different topic. Scholars choose which room(s) they want to go into based on their needs and are free to change rooms during the session.

• Scholars may move to any of the 5 themed Zoom rooms during this session, depending on their needs.

• The room 5 themes are:

  • I want to practice in front of a group

  • I want to practice in front of 1-2 other people

  • I need extra assistance or help choosing a research topic

  • I need help on one part of my pitch/fine-tuning

  • I need help working on my anxiety

• For more details about the rooms and goals of this session, please read the "Required Elevator Pitch Practice Time" section of the Elevator Pitch Sessions at SRA Handout

Day 4: Pitch Presentation Groups

Since we have so many Scholars in Cohort 7, the Elevator Pitch Presentations will take place in 4 separate Zoom rooms. Each group will have 15-20 Scholars from a range of institutions. Presenters will go in the order listed below with time at the end of the session for Scholars who missed their turn in the rotation.

You will be directed to these Zoom rooms from the Main SRA Zoom Room but we are including in case you need them.