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| Create an Elevator Pitch - Introduce Yourself |
Even been stuck for words at a critical moment?
Have you ever been in the position where you've been stuck for words? Or maybe an opportunity arose for you to promote yourself, or your business, or your project but you didn't take full advantage of it? It happens to us all at times. It's the "if only, I had" syndrome and a feeling of regret that you didn't step up, get outside your comfort zone and introduce yourself and put your ideas forward.Have you missed opportunities to promote yourself / your cause
I've attended networking opportunities in the past where I've had a very nice time and met a lot of lovely people. I've enjoyed the food, the presentation, the speaker and walked away feeling happy. However, when I reflect on the interactions I had at the event, I realized that I missed , some opportunities, and I had to get honest with myself and ask if the people I engaged with actually knew what I did and how I could help them or add value to them or their organization.
Planning and Preparation
I got to thinking that when I've had success in any venture, it has always come down to planning and preparation. This situation should be no different. To ensure that you come across professionally, and are remembered, you need to ensure that your message is clear, concise and to the point so that you will be in someone's mind when they think about utilizing the skills, services or products that you offer.
The Elevator Speech
This is where an elevator speech can be an invaluable tool for yourself, your colleagues, and your students. It is something that should be prepared in advance for any given situation. It should be put to memory and practiced, so that it can be easily used in any situation. This may help: Elevator Speech Powerpoint - how to create one
An elevator speech is like a super quick and concise summary of who are are or what you do. It's called an "elevator speech" because it's meant to be so short that you can say it to someone during a quick elevator ride.
Picture this: you step into an elevator with a person who could be important to your career or business and you only have a few seconds to impress them or get your point across. That's when you unleash your elevator speech?
How do I create an Elevator Speech?
- Start
with a clear objective: Determine what you want to achieve with your
elevator speech. Are you trying to introduce yourself, pitch a business
idea, or promote a product? Having a specific goal in mind will help you
craft a focused message.
- Identify
your key points: Think about the most important aspects of yourself, your
business, or your idea that you want to convey. What sets you apart? What
value do you offer? Select two or three key points that highlight your
uniqueness or the benefits of what you're offering.
- Craft
a hook: Grab the listener's attention from the start by creating a catchy
and engaging opening line. It could be a thought-provoking question, a
surprising fact, or a compelling statement. The goal is to pique their
curiosity and make them want to hear more.
- Develop
your message: Using your key points, create a concise and clear message
that explains who you are or what you do. Keep it simple, avoiding jargon
or technical terms that the listener might not understand. Focus on the
benefits or impact you can bring.
- Keep
it short and sweet: Remember, an elevator speech should be brief, typically
lasting around 30 seconds or less. Practice condensing your message into a
concise and compelling pitch. Use simple language and make every word
count.
- Inject
enthusiasm and passion: Deliver your elevator speech with confidence,
enthusiasm, and passion. Show your genuine excitement about what you're
sharing. Your enthusiasm can be contagious and leave a lasting impression.
- Adapt
and refine: Test your elevator speech on friends, colleagues, or mentors
and gather feedback. Refine it based on their input, making adjustments to
improve clarity, impact, and overall effectiveness.
Remember, an elevator speech is meant to be adaptable to
different situations and audiences. Customize it as needed to fit the specific
context or person you're speaking to. Practice regularly to become comfortable
and natural when delivering it.
Examples of Elevator Speeches
Elevator Speech for Business Professional:
"Hi, I'm Sarah. I'm a marketing
specialist with a passion for creating impactful digital campaigns. I've
successfully increased brand awareness and customer engagement for several
global brands. With my expertise in social media strategy and data
analytics, I help businesses drive results and grow their online presence.
I'd love to chat more about how I can help your company reach its
marketing goals."
Elevator Speech for High School Student:
"Hey, I'm Alex, a high school student
with a knack for problem-solving and a passion for technology. I've been
coding and building websites since I was 14, and I recently developed a
mobile app that simplifies school scheduling for students. I love finding
innovative solutions to everyday challenges, and I'm eager to pursue a
career in software engineering. I'm currently exploring internship
opportunities to gain hands-on experience and continue expanding my
skills."
Elevator Speech for Entrepreneur:
"Hi, I'm Mark, and I'm an entrepreneur on a
mission to revolutionize the fitness industry. I've developed a smart
wearable device that tracks workout performance and provides personalized
training recommendations. With this technology, fitness enthusiasts can optimize
their routines, avoid injuries, and achieve their goals faster. I'm
passionate about empowering individuals to take control of their health
and fitness. Let's connect and discuss how we can reshape the way people
approach their fitness journey."
Free Elevator Speech Teaching Resource
If you're not sure how to create one, or how to go about teaching students to create one, download this free resource that has all the information that you need. It contains a step by step PowerPoint with examples and exercises that you can put into practice straight away, so that you can start using your Elevator speech.
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