You only have one chance to make a good first impression.
In today’s networking environment we business people have a lot of opportunities to make good first impressions.
It’s all about the elevator speech.
What’s an elevator speech?
I love this definition from Blayzer:
“An elevator pitch is the most minimalist interpretation of the products or services that a company or individual offers.”
Whatever you call it —elevator speech, elevator pitch, 30-second commercial —it can be a cause of stress for many of us. Because, it’s really hard to condense everything you want people to understand about your business into a few seconds.
I know because I used to really struggle with mine.
The good news is this:
There is a formula to creating a brilliant elevator speech. Once I figured out the formula, my networking efforts became productive.
I can’t share the entire formula, but here’s a list of tips that will really help.
Print them out.
Try to incorporate at least a few into your next elevator speech. You may see a huge transformation.
And feel way more confident, too.
12 Tips That Will Supercharge Your Elevator Speech
(Note: These tips work exceptionally well when you’re in front of a group or conducting a webinar or workshop. And, they’re super helpful if you’re a member of a networking group, such as BNI.)
- Pretend your favorite customer is in the room and you’re speaking only to that person.
- Choose someone in the room who is your ideal customer (but still a prospect) & pretend you’re speaking to them.
- Imagine your audience has absolutely no idea who you are or what you do (even if you present in front of the same group all the time).
- Project your voice.
- Breathe.
- Annunciate.
- Slow down.
- Record yourself on your phone during the meeting.
- Practice at home.
- Do not read it.
- Don’t be afraid to sing your own praises— it’s not bragging – it’s credibility!
In case you’re wondering whether it’s worth the time and effort to get your elevator speech up to par, check out what Forbes Magazine has to say:
“Just as you prepare for presentations or speeches, you must also put that same amount of love, energy, and practice into your elevator pitch. For some people, “selling” yourself can be a difficult thing, but you need to own your abilities! Now is the time to shine and show the world, and yourself, what you have to offer.”
Thanks for reading!
