The JCU Elevator Pitch Competition

An Elevator Pitch is a quick way of putting across the fundamental elements of a project, a business idea, a social cause or even one's professional qualifications and capturing the other person's attention to prompt him/her to action. The JCU Elevator Pitch Competition is intended as a vehicle to encourage students to develop this specific skill and test it in a competitive environment.

In our contest, the Elevator Pitch takes the form of a one-minute, no visuals presentation in front of a jury. This is the most brutal form of pitch, students who master this can face anything! Intimidating as it might seem, the Elevator Pitch is an opportunity for students to become better speakers in a world that requires a high level of persuasive abilities.

The Pitch is designed to reinforce one of John Cabot graduates' watermark characteristic: poise and an ability to interact with the outside world in a professional manner. It is embedded in several courses as part of the overall assessment, to guarantee appropriate training. In addition, students are provided with the opportunity to practice their pitch and receive feedback by attending sessions organized by SpeakUp.

Participants can choose among these three categories:
Business: you aim to persuade investors to support your business idea financially
Personal: the candidate's answer to the interviewer's question "Why should I hire you?"
Social Innovation: a business idea that incorporates social impact. This category includes Advocacy (a pitch for a social or charitable cause, with a strong call to action eg. donate, join, change habits, promote, etc.) and Think Design (a pitch on how to solve a problem in the design of any type of system. Topics have ranged from redesigning the workplace, creating a community engagement plan to address bias in policing, rethinking the Los Angeles bus ticketing system, and proposing how best to support the introduction of bio based plastics in the American market.) You can also pitch about one of the JCU Student Clubs under this category!

The winners in each of the three categories will receive a certificate and prize of either a €100 Amazon voucher or a donation of €100 in their name to a charity of choice.

To participate

1. REGISTER HERE before midnight on Friday, February 28, 2020
2. Prepare a 1-minute pitch
3. Attend a workshop (optional)
4. Practice, practice, practice!
5. Compete in Round 1 (Tuesday, March 31, 6pm IFE Office Tiber)*
6. The top pitches will be selected and invited to participate in the FINAL on Tuesday, April 7, 6pm Aula Magna**

Key Dates Spring 2020

EPC Workshop I: Thursday, February 20, 10:00am (BUS 305, T.G.3)
EPC Workshop II: Thursday, February 20, 4:30pm (MGT 498, T.2.4)
EPC Workshop III: Wednesday, February 26, 6:00pm (Aula Magna) - SPECIAL lecture by Ruggero Frisina, Business Development at MICROSOFT

EPC Closed Doors Round 1, Tuesday, March 31, 6:00pm, IFE Office (Tiber 1st floor). 2-3 professors judging.

EPC FINAL: TUESDAY, APRIL 7, 6.00-7.00PM, AULA MAGNA (followed by pizza)

For any questions, contact us at [email protected]

*In the first round, students present their pitch in front of a jury, without an audience (closed doors event). The specific day and time will be communicated to students individually after the Registration deadline. You should dress as you would for a business occasion or for a job interview. ONLY in the event of a conflicting class you will be either be able to attend the alternate day or submit a video (no later than midnight on Friday, October 18). Upload the video to Youtube and send the link to [email protected]

**A panel of judges will evaluate the pitches based on:
Substance: clarity and persuasiveness of the argument presented
Delivery: attention to tone, volume, pronunciation and pace
Non-verbal communication, including attire and background
Timing: pitches will be cut off after 60 seconds

Meet some of our past winners