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Activity

Technical elevator pitch

Craft and practice explaining technical concepts to non-technical stakeholders

Develop the skill of explaining complex technical concepts in simple, business-relevant terms. This activity helps you communicate more effectively with non-technical stakeholders.

30 minutes
practice

Overview

Develop the skill of explaining complex technical concepts in simple, business-relevant terms. This activity helps you communicate more effectively with non-technical stakeholders.

Learning objectives

  • Simplify technical concepts without losing accuracy
  • Connect technical work to business value
  • Build confidence in stakeholder communications

Instructions

Create and practice an elevator pitch:

1. Choose a current technical initiative 2. Identify the business problem it solves 3. Remove all technical jargon 4. Create a 60-second explanation 5. Practice with a non-technical colleague

Steps

1

Draft pitch

15 minutes

Write initial version focusing on business value

2

Simplify language

10 minutes

Remove jargon and technical details

3

Practice delivery

5 minutes

Rehearse and refine based on feedback

Pro tips

  • Lead with the problem, not the solution
  • Use analogies and examples
  • Focus on outcomes, not implementation

Example outcome

A polished 60-second pitch that clearly explains a technical initiative in business terms

Explore more resources

Check out the full stdlib collection for more frameworks, templates, and guides to accelerate your technical leadership journey.