How To Craft The Perfect Elevator Pitch With A Formula

Aug 7

How To Craft The Perfect Elevator Pitch (With A Formula)

Sarah Koszyk, MA RDN and Stacey Dunn-Emke, MS RDN

You meet someone new - maybe at a networking event or on a Zoom call - and they ask, “So, what do you do?” Or "What type of work do you do?" That’s your cue to deliver a memorable elevator pitch that not only explains what you do as a dietitian, but makes them want to know more.

Your elevator pitch is a short, clear, and engaging way to describe what you do, who you help, and the value you bring.

But here’s the bonus: your elevator pitch isn’t just for conversations — it also makes a perfect foundation for your LinkedIn “About” section (that underused space right under your name and headline).

Why It Matters

Your “About” section is searchable on LinkedIn — meaning the right keywords can help recruiters, clients, or collaborators find you. And when they do, your pitch helps them understand what you do in seconds.

Think of your pitch as your personal brand intro. Use it for in-person conversations and in your LinkedIn “About” section.

But you want your elevator pitch to strategically attract opportunity. You need a formula!

Try my simple elevator pitch formula as a template:

1. Who you are (your role, specialty, or focus)

2. Who you help (your audience or clients)

3. The problem you solve or outcome you deliver

4. A relatable example or proof (optional)

5. Share your next steps (or invite engagement, or a soft call to action, if applicable)

Example:
“I’m a sports dietitian who helps teen athletes fuel for performance without fad diets or confusion. I work with parents and teams to build strong nutrition habits that translate to better energy on and off the field. I just wrapped up a workshop with a local soccer league and saw a huge shift in how those athletes approach food. I’d love to chat more if you work with athletes or active kids!”

Keep it clear, confident, and conversational—you’re just telling a mini story about what you do and how you help.

Elevator Pitch Tips From The Professionals

Here are some tips and strategies from Jane MacKeen, MS, RD, with over many years of professional experience in media sales and management, and Barbara Spalding, MA, MS, RDN, with over 25 years of professional experience in sales and marketing.

You have 30 seconds to make a strong, long-lasting impression:

“Frame the elevator pitch around your potential client’s point of view.
Your goal is to grab their interest.
Focus the pitch on a problem you can help this person solve.
Speak in relatable terms. Keep it simple by avoiding complicated phrases and words.
Use urgency & inflection.
Practice the pitch so you can say it in your sleep.”

MacKeen and Spalding also provide the following guidelines on how to write the perfect pitch.

“Introduce yourself and make a compelling case for what you do.
Introduce yourself and quickly describe your role as a dietitian.
State how you can help this person by using examples that they can identify with.
Wrap up with a call to action such as, ‘Would it make sense to meet for a cup of coffee to discuss specific ways to help your kids get on a healthier track so they can perform better on the field?’
End by providing your business card and asking if they have one.”

Examples of Elevator Pitches for Different Dietitian Jobs (for Inspiration)

Clinical Dietitian
I’m a registered dietitian specializing in [your specialty – such as renal, critical care, or oncology]. I help [patients, medical teams, etc.] by translating complex nutrition needs into realistic and effective care plans. I'm developing a clinical screening tool with our hospital medical records system that I hope to implement to our regional systems. Right now, I’m also expanding my skills in [example: advanced clinical nutrition support or interdisciplinary team leadership] as I work toward [goal such as CNSC certification or a clinical leadership role].

Sports Dietitian
I’m a sports dietitian working with [youth athletes, collegiate teams, or endurance athletes] to improve performance, recovery, and overall nutrition habits through personalized strategies. One of my clients recently [example: reduced recovery time significantly during competition season]. I’m currently developing a group program focused on [topic such as fueling for teen athletes or optimizing recovery] and exploring opportunities to collaborate with athletic organizations.

Telehealth / Private Practice Dietitian
I run a virtual private practice supporting [busy professionals, women over 40, or individuals with prediabetes] in building confidence with food without restrictive diets. My clients share that they finally feel in control of their meal planning for the first time in years! I’m currently expanding my practice to include [offering such as digital courses, group coaching, or specialty services] and working toward building more strategic referral partnerships.

Corporate Wellness Dietitian
As a corporate wellness dietitian, I partner with companies to improve employee energy, focus, and well-being through engaging nutrition programs. I recently led a workplace wellness challenge that increased healthy lunch choices by over 60 percent. I’m now designing a new on-demand wellness series and exploring ways to bring data-backed programming to more remote and hybrid teams.

Nutrition Communicator / Media Dietitian
I’m a media dietitian who helps brands and audiences navigate nutrition with clarity. I create evidence-based content that educates and engages, including [examples like local TV segments, brand partnerships, or online articles]. Currently, I’m working on a content series around [topic such as sustainable eating or intuitive nutrition] and pitching ideas to expand into podcast guesting and digital media training for RDs.

Freelance Writer / Content Creator Dietitian
I’m a registered dietitian and freelance writer specializing in content creation for [health brands, wellness companies, or media outlets]. I turn nutrition science into easy-to-understand blogs, guides, and social media posts. One of my recent articles on [topic] reached over 10,000 readers. Right now, I’m writing a long-form guide on [topic] and exploring ways to branch into ghostwriting and editorial consulting.

Dietetic Student / Intern
I’m a dietetic student passionate about [your focus area: clinical care, community nutrition, sustainability, etc.]. I’m currently interning with [organization or program], where I’ve had the opportunity to [experience or responsibility]. I’m especially interested in [career path or specialty area] and am currently looking ahead to my supervised practice rotations and exploring mentorship opportunities.

How To Turn Your Elevator Pitch into Your LinkedIn “About” Section

Now that you know how to craft your elevator pitch for conversation, you can also have it do double duty as your LinkedIn Profile "About" Section. Clever! This can be expecially helpful if you have been struggling to write your About section.

It's the same template idea, but with a few tweaks:

What to Include in Your LinkedIn “About” Section:

Elevator Pitch Paragraph
Use this to introduce yourself clearly:

Who you are
Who you help
The problem you solve or outcome you deliver
A relatable example
Invite connection or collaboration

Highlight Key Skills or Services

Add a bullet list or short paragraph of services, programs, or skills so people scanning your profile see your range quickly.
(Example: Medical Nutrition Therapy • Sports Nutrition • Writing for Wellness Brands • Media Appearances)

Add a Personal Element
Include a line about your approach, values, or why you do what you do.
(Example: I believe nutrition should feel empowering, not overwhelming.)

Include a Call to Action
Let them know how to connect or work with you.
(Example: DM me to collaborate or visit [yourwebsite.com] for more.)

Example Format for LinkedIn About Section:

I’m a registered dietitian who helps busy professionals simplify nutrition so they can feel better, perform better, and prevent burnout. I specialize in sustainable weight management and digestive health, combining science-backed strategies with real-life solutions.

My work includes 1:1 virtual coaching, group programs, and wellness workshops for corporate teams. I recently helped a client reduce bloating and fatigue within 4 weeks by adjusting her meal timing and fiber intake — and she hasn’t looked back.

Let's connect if you’re looking for a nutrition expert who blends compassion with evidence-based care.

👉 Services: GI Health • Virtual Coaching • Group Workshops • Wellness Writing

💬 Message me to collaborate or visit www.yourwebsite.com

Takeaway

Communication is essential to getting your message across. The perfect elevator pitch will let people know more about you and what you offer. Make it concise, clear, engaging, and fun to attract more people and make them want to come back for more.

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About the Authors

Sarah Koszyk is founder of Family. Food. Fiesta. A family-based wellness program and blog focusing on recipes, family health tips, and videos with kids cooking in the kitchen. She is a Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Coach specializing in sports nutrition and adult and pediatric weight management. Connect with her on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, or LinkedIn.

Stacey Dunn-Emke, MS, RDN, is the Founder Owner of NutritionJobs and DietitianSalaries.com and is an established dietetic career expert. She helps steer dietetic and nutrition professionals to a successful job search process with the top-ranked dietetic job board platform, NutritionJobs.com. Stacey is the author of The Dietetic Resume Guide and numerous dietetic career action-ables. She gives the tools to create a modern standout dietetic resume to land that job interview, help with job interview prep, and with creating Compelling LinkedIn profiles. Stacey has interviewed and hired many dietitians. Since running NutritionJobs in 2000, she has reviewed thousands of dietetic resumes. She works closely with dietetic hiring managers and recruiters to know the standout elements on a resume that land a job interview. Stacey speaks on successful compensation negotiation at professional conferences and frequently consults with the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics at FNCE and co-created the webinar series, Dietetic Career Hack: The Complete Networking and Resume Guide and Dietetic Career Hack Part II: Interviewing Tips and Tricks. Her previous dietitian jobs have been in clinical, nutrition support, and research.

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