Five Words to Avoid in Your Elevator Pitch [2025 Guide]

Your elevator pitch can open doors or close them before you get started. The right words can spark interest, while the wrong ones weaken your message and take the edge off your first impression. Many business owners don’t realize a handful of common words can make their pitch forgettable.

Strong, simple language sticks with people. Choosing your words carefully helps you sound confident and get your point across faster. In this post, you’ll see which five words to cut from your next elevator pitch—plus get a few practical tips to sharpen your story for the right audience.

Twinkletales has more step-by-step guides to help with business communication, so if you want to keep improving, check out Founder’s Playbook blog content. For a solid starting point with messaging and planning, try our business plan template.

Why Word Choice Matters in Your Elevator Pitch

The words you pick for your elevator pitch can make or break how people see your business. You only get a few seconds to make an impression, so every word counts. Using the wrong language can confuse or bore your listener, while the right words keep things sharp and interesting. Think of your pitch as a quick handshake for your idea—it needs to be strong, direct, and memorable.

Your pitch isn’t just a script, it’s the first taste of your business story. Even a single weak word can slow down your message or send mixed signals about your brand. That’s why top founders, sales pros, and business owners all pay close attention to word choice. Keeping things simple and punchy helps you connect faster, sound more confident, and make people want to learn more about what you do.

First Impressions Hinge on Words

You wouldn’t wear pajamas to a business meeting—the same logic applies to your elevator pitch. The words you choose are like your outfit: they set the tone and can make people pay attention or tune out. If you fill your pitch with filler words or buzzwords, you sound less credible and less focused. Stick to clear, action-based language that tells people what your business does and why they should care.

• Simple language invites trust.

• Clear statements show you know your own value.

• Confident words stick in someone’s mind.

Want proof that word choice matters? Experts in communication and pitch coaching agree: cutting technical jargon and focusing on clarity is the fastest way to get your point across. For a few more practical examples on this, see this guide on giving an effective elevator pitch.

Words Can Either Open Doors or Close Them

When you have one minute—or less—using even one vague word can cost you the connection. Business owners who use strong, clear words turn conversations into opportunities. Weak or fuzzy language can close doors before you get to explain more.

• Direct statements invite questions and follow-up.

• Avoiding jargon keeps your message open to anyone.

• Action verbs prompt people to imagine working with you.

Thinking about how to avoid the traps of poor word choice? Communication pros highlight that simple, concrete pitches are remembered long after you walk away. If you want a few other perspectives, check out why keeping your pitch simple is so important from this insightful article on elevator pitches.

Better Word Choice Means Greater Clarity

Imagine telling your story in ten seconds. Every word that isn’t strong takes away from your message. The goal isn’t to impress with fancy language. It’s to be remembered, spark interest, and make people want to connect. This is especially important when talking to investors, new contacts, or anyone who doesn’t know you yet.

• Short, descriptive words set you apart.

• Skipping filler helps you sound more confident.

• Clarity leads to more meetings, callbacks, and deals.

Ready to go deeper and polish your pitch or business plan? The Founder’s Playbook blog has more step-by-step guides to help you level up how you present your business. And if you want the perfect starting point for your business story, check out our business plan template to sharpen your ideas even further.

The Five Words That Weaken Your Elevator Pitch

Even the strongest Elevator Pitch can lose its power with the wrong word choice. Some words sneak into your pitch and act like a flat tire—they slow momentum and shrink your impact without you even noticing. Learn which five words to skip, and watch how much more direct, confident, and impressive your message becomes. Let’s break down each one and see how you can swap them out for something better.

Just: Explain why "just" downplays your offer and suggest direct statements to replace it.

“Just” might sound harmless, but it often makes your pitch seem less important. By framing your offer as “just an idea” or “just a small business,” you end up shrinking your worth before the real conversation even begins.

• Saying “I’m just a consultant” minimizes your work.

• “We just launched” makes your achievement sound minor.

Replace “just” with simple, strong statements:

• “I’m a consultant for growing businesses.”

• “We launched our platform this year.”

When you cut “just,” you let your pitch stand tall—no qualifiers, no excuses. If you want to see where Elevator Pitches often derail, check out this article on common problems with elevator pitches.

Maybe: Discuss how "maybe" signals doubt and uncertainty, and how to sound more confident without being pushy.

“Maybe” is the verbal equivalent of a handshake that doesn’t quite grip. It suggests that even you aren’t sure about your offer. When you say “maybe this could help you,” you plant uncertainty instead of inspiring trust.

• It sounds like you’re not committed to your business.

• Uncertainty doesn’t make listeners want to invest or ask more.

To sound more confident, keep statements direct but friendly:

• “This service solves that problem for growing teams.”

• “We help businesses save time and money.”

Confidence isn’t about being pushy—it’s about being clear. Confidence in your elevator pitch makes it easier for people to trust and remember you.

Honestly: Show why "honestly" can undercut trust and feels unnecessary. Give tips for building credibility.

When you preface with “honestly,” it’s natural to wonder if everything before that was less truthful. Listeners may question your motives, even if you mean well. Skip empty assurances and let your facts and stories do the heavy lifting.

What builds real credibility?

• Share results and success stories.

• Be clear about what you do best.

• Back up claims with facts or outcomes.

For practical steps, review these ways to establish credibility in your pitch.

Try: Highlight why promising to "try" weakens your reliability as a founder and what to say instead.

“Try” sounds like you might not finish the job—and most investors, partners, and buyers look for reliability. “We’ll try to help” feels noncommittal.

• Use of “try” makes listeners question your follow-through.

• Strong founders speak with action, not maybe’s.

Swap for “We deliver,” “We help,” or “We solve”—showing you’re committed to the outcome.

Everyone wants to back a go-to person, not someone who only promises to “try.” For more ideas on how reliable pitches win over even skeptical prospects, check these tips for winning risk-averse clients.

Stuff/Things: Point out how vague placeholders create confusion and reduce your value proposition. Give stronger, more specific word choices.

Words like “stuff” and “things” are clutter. They’re placeholders when you can’t be bothered to dig for the right word. In an Elevator Pitch, they look lazy and cloud the value you bring.

Compare:

• “We handle all your business stuff.”

• “We manage accounting, payroll, and client outreach.”

See the difference? Specifics help listeners picture working with you. Try swapping “stuff” and “things” for exactly what you do—services, solutions, products, outcomes.

If you need more proof, explore how specific words beat vague ones in business writing.

Every word counts when you only have seconds to make your case. Want more practical tips to fine-tune your pitch and stand out? Browse the rest of our step-by-step Founder’s Playbook guides for real-world advice. And if you want an easy starting point, check out our business plan template to organize your message for your next big pitch.

How To Strengthen Your Elevator Pitch

Your Elevator Pitch is like a handshake for your brand—short, quick, and meant to impress. Strong word choice is only one part of making it memorable. To really stand out when you introduce yourself or your business, you’ll want to strengthen every part of your pitch, from your body language to your closing line. Making every second count means thinking about not just the words, but also the way you deliver them.

Focus On Clarity, Not Complexity

Your pitch should make sense to anyone hearing it for the first time. The simpler your message, the easier it will be for others to remember what you do. Skip buzzwords—even if they sound impressive. Instead, choose short, clear phrases about the real value you provide. When you cut the fluff, your pitch feels sharper and more trustworthy.

Practice With Purpose

Rehearsing your pitch is key, but don’t just memorize the words. Practice saying it out loud until you feel comfortable and sound natural. Record yourself, or ask a friend to listen. Notice how your tone and pacing come across. Do you sound confident, or does your voice trail off? Polishing your delivery can make a good pitch sound great.

• Try saying your pitch while standing and using hand gestures.

• Experiment with different opening lines until one feels strong.

• Work on your closing—leave your listener wanting to know more.

If you want to dig deeper on how confident delivery makes a difference, this guide on how to craft and deliver an effective elevator pitch has practical advice on posture and tone.

Start With a Strong Lead

First impressions happen fast. Grab attention with a statement that’s bold but true. Introduce yourself and your business in one line, then move quickly to the problem you solve. Keep it short—nobody likes a rambling pitch.

For example:

• “I help busy founders reclaim ten hours each week with smart business tools.”

• “Our software takes the pain out of scheduling for small teams.”

Make your listener think, “Tell me more!”

Use Specific Examples

Vague promises make pitches forgettable. Specifics give your story weight. Share results, customer wins, or a metric that shows your impact. You don’t need a laundry list—just a clear, quick win.

• “In the past six months, we’ve helped 50 businesses double their customer reviews.”

• “Our app cut onboarding time by 30% for a local restaurant group.”

If you’d like practical steps on how to tighten up your message, Developing Your Elevator Pitch offers examples you can use to structure and add focus.

Wrap Up With a Simple Ask

Know what you want from your listener—an intro, a follow-up chat, feedback, or support. Say it clearly. Avoid vague endings like, “Let me know if you’re interested,” and use something direct:

• “I’d love to share more. Can we set up a 15-minute call?”

• “Who on your team would be best for a quick intro?”

A strong closing makes it easy for the other person to take the next step.

Want to sharpen your Elevator Pitch or perfect how you present your ideas? Take a look at more step-by-step advice in our Founder’s Playbook articles. If you’re ready for a simple way to sort out your business plan and messaging, check out our business plan template—it’s built to help founders and teams like yours pitch and grow with confidence.

Resources for Founders: Take Your Pitch Further

Scrubbing your Elevator Pitch of weak words can set you apart, but true progress comes from using the right tools and inspiration. Founders who keep their pitch sharp revisit it often, tap into varied resources, and look for feedback from outside their circle. There’s no single magic formula, but there are plenty of trustworthy places and proven practices that can help you go the extra mile with your pitch.

Founders’ Favorite Pitch-Building Tools

If you want your Elevator Pitch to hit harder, don’t wing it—use resources built by people who have been there. Some of the most effective are:

• Pitch worksheets. Structure your message before you deliver it. Check out Developing Your Elevator Pitch for ready-to-use frameworks from people who’ve studied the art.

  
  

• Sample pitches and templates. Look over real examples to upgrade your own. MIT’s Develop your elevator pitch resource is packed with quick scripts and layouts that work.

  
  

• Investor one-pager guides. Your pitch is stronger when you can explain your entire business concisely. Resources like the Princeton worksheet or this small business pitch guide break down what investors actually want to see.

A good resource doesn’t just give you format—it sparks ideas for words, structure, and delivery.

Practice and Feedback: The Secret Weapons

It’s easy to think you’ve nailed your Elevator Pitch after one draft, but the best founders get outside feedback and rehearse often. Trusted investors, business mentors, and customers spot weak points that you’ll miss on your own.

Try these simple strategies for stronger results:

• Record your pitch on video and watch it back. Note places where your words might trip you up.

• Ask peers to listen and point out what’s confusing or unclear.

• Schedule mock presentations with your team to test how your pitch feels in a live, zero-risk setting.

Remember: it’s not about having the flashiest line. It’s about making sure anyone, no matter their background, can understand the value you bring.

Templates for Speed and Clarity

Founders often waste time reinventing the wheel. A strong business plan template doesn’t just polish your pitch—it solidifies your thinking and keeps you from going around in circles. If you’re ready to get your message and vision on paper, check out our business plan template. It’s designed for fast edits, plenty of guidance, and real-world examples that move your ideas forward.

If you want more strategies for researching your audience, sharpening your business ideas, or refining your pitch, our Guide to Using Market Research for Business Ideas can help you avoid guesswork and back your pitch with confidence.

Keep Growing: Stay Inspired by Other Founders

When you’re feeling stuck, sometimes the best boost comes from hearing how other business owners push their Elevator Pitch further. Our collection of blog posts is packed with case studies, step-by-step guides, and quick tips to help you find what works best for you. Browse the rest of our Founder’s Playbook blog content to spark ideas and level up your pitching game.

Conclusion

Avoiding words like “just,” “maybe,” “honestly,” “try,” and vague placeholders like “stuff” can make your Elevator Pitch far more powerful. These words tend to weaken your message and create doubt or confusion. Using clear, confident language puts your value front and center and makes people want to learn more about your business.

Every word counts when you have only seconds to make an impression. Revisit your Elevator Pitch today with fresh eyes. Focus on strong, specific words that reflect your commitment and clarity.

For more practical tips and step-by-step advice on sharpening your business message, explore the Founder’s Playbook blog content. Ready to organize your ideas and pitch with confidence? Check out our business plan template built to help entrepreneurs like you communicate clearly and grow.

Clear communication is what sets entrepreneurial success in motion. Take the time to get your pitch just right—it’s your first step toward opening doors.