Mastering Your Elevator Speech

It is a well documented fact that the impression we make on someone happens in the first 60 seconds of our encounter with them. The first 10 seconds we are judged by how we look, the next 20 seconds by our behavior, and the final 30 seconds by the words we speak. So in one minute flat, the other person judges our appearance, our conduct, and our language. Bam. That first impression is set. And you only get one chance to make a first impression, so make that minute count.

Your elevator speech, although seldom given in an elevator, is a fundamental communication tool you will use in conversation throughout your search in networking and in interviewing. This 30-second speech will create a great opportunity to positively position yourself in the minds of the listener and accomplish your goal of establishing a memorable first impression. In addition, understand this is designed to be a conversation starter, not the entire conversation. Pique their interest with a key phrase that will encourage the conversation to continue. Don’t allow the conversation to wander on to unrelated topics like weather or sports, stay focused on being remembered.

Work on an outline addressing the following three elements and practice in front of a mirror until you feel confident.

1. First, write a one or two sentence summary of your recent career history. Be sure to include the name of the organization, how long your were there and your last title.
2. Second, write a one or two sentence summary of a single accomplishment that showed leadership and initiative. Mention specific results your employer achieved thanks to you. Don’t focus on products or services, but rather on outcomes.
3. Third, write a one or two sentence summary of what kind of career and industry you want to focus on next in your career. Give the listener a general idea of your target area and your place in that picture.

Write it out several ways, practice it in front of your family and friends, and get their feedback. Ask them if it sounds professional and does it clearly address these three key elements? Ask several business professionals to coach you on your presentation, are you smiling and making eye contact. Is your pace measured or rushed? Always stand up when practicing. Also practice projecting your voice across the room as if you’re talking to a group of 20, because at some point you will.

Here are several examples of elevator speeches that cover all three elements.

• For the last five years I have been the General Manager for one of the top three stores for Ace Hardware in the Colorado region. The last three years I consistently improved profits every year and decreased costs by reducing turnover. Last year I had the lowest turnover in the region. I am looking for an opportunity with a growing company in the retail industry. I have recently finished my business degree from Denver University and would be interested in building an effective team and watching them succeed in surpassing the company’s monthly goals.
• I am a professional in the finance field. For the last ten years I have been the Accounts Payable Manager at Smith Construction Company in Denver. I supervised six AP clerks and managed cash flow for the company. We have just completed a conversion to the newest accounting software and I led our accounting team of 14 people in the training and transfer of our records. I am looking for an opportunity to move up to an Accounting Manager position in a growing company since completing my degree from Metro State in Accounting.”
• I work in the construction field as a finish carpenter. I just left Rockies Homes as the lead carpenter after nine years when the company shut down the Arvada Square project. I was the team lead in finishing over 75 homes in the past 18 months on time and under budget. The company won a national award in 2007 for craftsmanship. I am now open to seeking other employment in the construction field in the greater Denver area. My specialty is finishing kitchens and baths.

A basic elevator speech is not difficult, just work the steps and practice, and you will come across as the professional you really are.