Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself. Rumi
Idea Transcript
Elevator Pitch An elevator pitch ( or elevator speech) is a short summary used to quickly and simply define a person, product, service, or organization and its promise of value to be delivered. The name “elevator pitch” reflects the idea that it should be possible to deliver the summary in the time span of an elevator ride, or approximately thirty seconds to two minutes. The business school at Pepperdine University suggests knowing your audience and knowing yourself, including key strengths, adjectives that describe you, a description of what you are trying to let others know about you, and a statement of your interest in the company. Armed with that knowledge, the job-seeker can then outline the Elevator Speech using these questions: • • • •
Who am I? What do I offer? What are the main contributions I can make? Why should the listener remain interested as a result of hearing this?
5 Speech Topics These 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 bad sales pitch. Use each idea to write one short powerful sentence.
1. About You • Smile to your counterpart, and open with a statement or question that grabs attention: a hook that prompts your listener to ask questions. • Tell who you are. • Tell what you do and show enthusiasm.
2. What Do You Offer • Tell what problems you have solved or contributions you have made. • Offer a vivid example. • Tell why you are interested in your listener (looking for a great company to make help a difference and add value to).
3. What Are The Benefits • Discuss what very special service, product or solutions you can offer him or her. • What are the advantages of working with you? • What are your best qualities?
4. How Do You Do It • Give a concrete example or tell a short story, show your uniqueness and provide illustrations on how you work.
Elevator Pitch 5. Call For Action • What is the most wanted response after your elevator speech? Do you want a business card, a referral or an interview for a job after your elevator speech?
Checklist for Fine Fine-Tunning 1. Write down everything that comes up in your mind. 2. Then cut the jargon and details. Make strong short and powerful sentence. Eliminate unnecessary words. 3. Connect phrases to each other. Your elevator address has to flow naturally and smoothly. Don’t rush. 4. Memorize key points and practice. 5. Have you really answered the key questions of your listener: What’s in it for me? Why should I be interested in this person? Why hire this person? 6. Create different versions for different situations of your elevator speech.
Sample Elevator Speech “ Hi, my name is Jane Doe. I am currently a sophomore student attending University of ArkansasFort Smith. My degree is in Business Administration with a minor in Art. I have volunteered with the student credit union throughout my first two years at college. Last summer I completed an internship with Fort Smith Regional Art Museum, and I am hoping to find an internship in finance this summer in the Northwest Arkansas area. I have always had an interest in art and I am as finding that I have a knack for business. In the future I am hoping to combine these two very different disciplines and find myself a career that includes them both.” “Nice to meet you, I am John Doe. I am a senior year studying Information Technology. I hope to become a computer programmer when I graduate. I have had a couple of internships where I worked on several program applications with a project team. I enjoy developing computer applications for simple business solutions. The position you have listed in CareerLink seems like it would be a perfect fit for someone with my skills. I would like to hear more about the type of project teams in your organization.” “ Hello my name is, Jane Doe. My core skill sets are in Psychology and Rhetoric and Writing. I am endlessly curious and all my friends, family, and colleagues look to me for answers on everything from mood swings to mindcraft. As I have always been exceptionally passionate about social issues, I am looking to write for publications and websites focused on climate change so that I can create content and campaign urging others to take action and increase sustainability future generations.”