Chapter 1: What is an Elevator Pitch?

In a recent conversation, my friend asked me, "What are you thinking about?" I must have appeared deep in thought. We were in Canada, where the penny is no longer in circulation. Did my friend mean to offer me a nickel, expecting four thoughts in return? Or perhaps he was considering sending me a cent electronically? I chose to share my thoughts freely.

"I’m contemplating the logarithm of two."

Naturally, my friend was unfamiliar with this concept and requested a brief explanation. "Can you give me your elevator pitch?" he asked.

I considered explaining that it represents the sum of the alternating harmonic series: 1 minus 1/2 plus 1/3 minus 1/4 plus 1/5, and so on indefinitely. While this is an interesting fact about the logarithm of two, it doesn’t truly capture its essence. The follow-up question would inevitably be, “Is there a logarithm of three? What does that mean?” I was at a loss for words.

Then, inspiration struck at 2 a.m. this morning. Dear readers, allow me to share this idea with you.

Imagine you have a plant that starts at 1 cm in height. The next day, it grows to 2 cm, then to 4 cm, and then 8 cm, continuously doubling in size each day. How quickly is it growing on the very first day when it is just 1 cm tall?

On the first day, the plant grows by 1 cm. On the second day, it grows by 2 cm, indicating it is accelerating. So, while the average growth rate on day one is 1 cm per day, the rate at the start of the day is slightly less than 1 cm, and a bit more at the end.

This initial growth rate, which is less than 1 cm per day, is actually a number — the logarithm of two.

What I find appealing about this definition is that it preempts the common follow-up inquiry regarding the logarithms of three, four, and so forth, which relate to concepts of tripling and quadrupling.

Then, my friend (now just a figment of my imagination at 2 a.m.) might ponder, “If the logarithm of two is less than one, and the logarithm of three is greater than one, is there a number with a logarithm that equals exactly one?”

With that thought, I can finally rest.

Important Footnotes:

• The pronunciation rhymes with “hoot.” Remember, we are in Canada!

** Just a reminder: we are in Canada, where measurements are in metric.

Section 1.1: Visual Representation of the Concept

Chapter 2: Engaging with Elevator Pitches

To further explore the concept of crafting an elevator pitch, consider this video that provides practical examples and tips on creating an effective pitch.

This video titled "How to create your elevator pitch - Elevator speech example" offers insightful guidance on how to succinctly present ideas.

Next, we have another video that delves into the art of delivering a concise elevator pitch.

Titled "How To Create Your 30 Second Elevator Pitch! | The Intern Queen," this video provides useful strategies for crafting a compelling pitch.