elevator speech August 20 2015 What is an elevator SPEECH An Elevator Speech is a brief persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in what your organization does You can also use them to create interest in a project idea or product or in yourself as a potential job candi ID: 559037
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Secrets to a Successful “elevator” speech
August 20, 2015Slide2
What is an elevator SPEECH?An Elevator Speech is a brief, persuasive speech that you use to spark interest in what your organization does. You can also use them to create interest in a project, idea or product – or in yourself as a potential job candidate. A good elevator speech should last no longer than a short elevator ride of 20-30 seconds, hence the name.
http://mindtools.com/pages/articles/elevator-pitch.htmSlide3
ATTRIBUTES OF AN EFFECTIVE ‘E.S.’
Succinct Lasts no more than 1-2 minutes
Persuasive/Compelling
Leads to follow up conversations or actions
Memorable/Interesting
Creates a lasting impression
Leaves your audience wanting more
Save the ‘secret sauce ‘for laterSlide4
When might you use this technique?Pitch yourself as a job candidate
Pitch your organization for consideration for fundingRecruit volunteersSell an idea to your bossIntroduce a new project at a meeting
Tell people about a change initiative you are leading
Sell a product to a customer
Share with a new acquaintance what you do for a livingSlide5
Getting startedSlide6
Steps to successIdentify your objective for the pitch
Explain what you do/your organization doesFocus on what problems you solve or how you help peopleAdd statistics here if possibleCreate excitementExample: My company sells widgets that change people’s lives for the better
Communicate your unique selling proposition (USP)
What makes you unique? Distinguishes you from the competition?
(e.g.
unlike others in our field, we do or
we
use….)
http://mindtools.com/pages/articles/elevator-pitch.htmSlide7
Steps to successEngage your audience with an open-ended question (e.g. So how does your company handle
“X” ,,,address…)Put it all together Read it aloud and time yourselfDoes it flow?
Practice makes Perfect
Practice in the mirror or on video
Cut out excess details – Less is more
As you get better, you may vary content each time
http://mindtools.com/pages/articles/elevator-pitch.htmSlide8
Things to rememberIt may take several iterations before you get it right
Ask for honest feedback from someone who knows nothing about your topic HOW you say it is equally important as WHAT you say.Non verbal communication: Pitch – Speed -Facial gestures -Eye contact – Sounds natural and conversational (not-prepared)
Enthusiasm is the “secret sauce”
–
People may not remember the pitch but they will remember your energy and enthusiasm
Consider an accompanying
“
Leave behind”
like a business card or chotskie item
WIIFM
– Remember to tailor your content to your audience Slide9
Useful FOrmatsSlide10
HOOK Did you know that 50% of businesses fail within the first 5 years?
PROBLEMMost small business owners have limited access to training and networking opportunitiesSOLUTIONOur company provides proven solutions and resources that help businesses stay open well beyond 5 years
CLOSE
Let me provide you with a phone number to call “Company X” to learn more
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CONTACT INFORMATIONLaura J. Vaccaro,
VP Community Relations & Events at Valero(210) 345-2500Laura.vaccaro@valero.com LinkedIn