In today's job market, there's no doubt that one of the most helpful tools career professionals need is a powerful, effective elevator speech. Yet, it's a hard skill to master. I've watched seasoned executives fumble and break out in sweat because they were asked to share their elevator speech and weren't prepared to respond. I've attended quite a few networking meetings. Some require you to present your elevator speech in 45 seconds or less. There's usually a timekeeper tracking your performance. When you hit 45 seconds, s/he politely begins clapping which triggers the audience to join in applause. When that happens, you know it's time for you to shut up and sit down. If you haven't gotten your message out...well, that's just too bad!

What is an elevator speech?

An elevator speech or pitch is a short and effective means of verbally communicating your value or motive to another person to attract them to want to learn more about you. It's called an elevator speech because it should take no longer than the time required to step into an elevator and ride up a few floors. It should be between 30 and 60 seconds long—no more! That's about 50 to 90 words maximum. That's not a lot of time and very few words to tell your story.  Of course, if you are five time world record holder Fran Capo, listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the fastest talking female, clocked at 603.32 words per minute (wpm), it's a piece of cake. Now her's would be an interesting elevator pitch!

Create Your Elevator Speech

Step 1: Begin with a greeting and your name. Use an appropriate greeting for the time of day and location. Example:

Step 2: State your profession and experience in 3 sentences maximum. Explain what your general occupation is, who you worked for and one achievement. This is where many people lose focus on the purpose of the pitch and begin to ramble. Nail this down! Example:

Step 3: Your approach will be different here depending on whether your audience is a decision maker or job seeker. Create both versions and practice them.

A. If you are talking to a decision maker or influencer, ask a question about a challenge they may have experienced. Example:

B. If you are talking to another job seeker or networker, tell them what you are looking for, list two or more companies you are targeting and tell them how they can help you. Example:

Step 4: Make your closing statement, offer your business card, repeat your name, spelling it if necessary, and tell your audience where they can learn more about you. As in Step 3, what you say will differ depending on to whom you are speaking.

A. If you are talking to a decision maker or influencer:

B. If you are talking to another job seeker or networker:

Both of these elevator speeches are exactly 90 words. Use them as guides to write your own, then read Nailing Your Elevator Speech Delivery to polish the skill.