An elevator speech is a clear, brief message or "commercial" about you. It communicates who you are, what you're looking for and how you can benefit a company or organization. It's typically about 30 seconds, the time it takes people to ride from the top to the bottom of a building in an elevator. The idea behind having an elevator speech is that you are prepared to share this information with anyone, at anytime, even in an elevator. At a career fair, you can use your speech to introduce yourself to employers. It is important to have your speech memorized and practiced. Rehearse your 30 second elevator speech with a friend or in front of a mirror. The important thing is to practice it OUT LOUD. You want it to sound natural. Get comfortable with what you have to say so you can breeze through it when the time comes.

This elevator speech is:

• absolutely not longer than 25 to 30 seconds
• or - in words - 80 to 90 words
• or - in sentences - 8 to 10 sentences (around 10-15 words/ sentence on average).

Both your hard copy and presentation of your Elevator Speech are due by the assigned Canvas deadline

• Written Assignment: 75 Points
• and then Oral Delivery: 75 Points (Do in class based on written assignment).

A SAMPLE ELEVATOR SPEECH OUTLINE

These 10 speech topics will help to write a carefully planned and prepared presentation that grabs attention and says a lot in a few words. This format suggestion helps you to avoid creating a sales pitch. Use each idea to write one short powerful sentence.

ABOUT YOU

• Smile to your counterpart, and open with a statement or question that grabs attention: a hook that prompt your listener to ask questions.
• Tell who you are: describe you and your company.
• Tell what you do + show enthusiasm.

WHAT DO YOU OFFER

• Tell what problems have solved or contributions you have made.
• Offer a vivid example.
• Tell why you are interested in your listener.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS

• Tell what very special service, product or solutions you can offer him or her.
• What are the advantages of working with you? In what do you differ from competitive companies?

HOW DO YOU DO IT

• Give a concrete example or tell a short story, show your uniqueness and provide illustrations on how you work.

CALL FOR ACTION

• What is the most wanted response after your elevator speech? Do you want a business card, a referral or an appointment for a presentation after your elevator speech?

OTHER BUSINESS QUESTIONS

These are other points, questions and business subjects you could ask yourself:

• Who is your target?
• How large is your market volume?
• How do you make profits?
• What are the background, major milestones and achievements of your team?
• Who are your competitors, how do they solve a problem? What is your strength and advantage compared to them? What is your Unique Selling Proposition? Are there special patents or technology? Do you have a special approach in client management? And so on.

CHECKLIST FOR FINETUNING

STEP 1: First write down all what comes up in your mind.

STEP 2: Then cut the jargon and details. Make strong short and powerful sentences. Eliminate unnecessary words.

STEP 3: Connect the phrases to each other. Your elevator address has to flow natural and smoothly. Don't rush.

STEP 4: Memorize key points and practice.

STEP 5: Have you really answered the key question of your listener: What's In It For Me?

STEP 6: Create different versions for different business situations of your elevator speech. Note them on professional business cards.