The Elevator Speech

Welcome to our final lesson in module one.

In this lesson, you will work on something called an elevator speech.

We will identify what an elevator speech is.

And after this lesson, you will create, deliver and post your own personal elevator speech.

In the professional world, networking or getting to know others in your field is very important.

At events like conferences and parties or in every day chance encounters, you will have the opportunity to network and create important personal connections.

Let’s look at what can happen when you meet somebody important and have a great opportunity to make a connection.

Mrs. Stephens.

Yes.

Hello.

Hello.

I’ve been trying to reach you since a long time ago.

And finally, I can reach you.

Great.

Nice to see you.

Nice to see you and-

Right.

I got to go.

Sorry.

No connection there.

So, what is the best way to make the connection?

In today’s business world, the elevator speech has become the way to both introduce yourself and make the other person want to talk more with you.

And remember, you in a positive way.

We call them elevator speeches, because they are short like an elevator ride.

Yes, they can take place in an elevator.

But in reality, they happen everywhere.

So what exactly should an Elevator Speech include?

Like any successful speech, it should tell a story, your story.

It gives your listeners facts about who you are and makes you someone they want to know.

It tells them how you are important to them.

At the end of your elevator speech, the person you’re talking to should want to know more about you.

Finally, end your elevator speech by telling your listener, you will contact them soon to continue the conversation.

What else should you remember when making your elevator speech?

Like every face to face encounter, how you sound and how you look is even more important than what you say.

What will help you sound and look good?

In addition to rhythm and intonation, you want to think about and practice speed and volume.

How fast should you speak?

How loud?

Speak slowly, so your listeners understand you.

When you speak slowly, you show that you are aware of your listeners and are trying hard to connect with them.

Second, you pauses or short stops to highlight important information and help your listeners to hear key points.

Change your volume and voice energy.

As you speak louder and softer to emphasize important words or phrases it helps if your listeners understand you and connect to what you’re saying.

Lastly, what else makes you look good?

Body language.

Your body’s nonverbal way of communicating.

Use it to let listeners know that you are confident, enthusiastic, friendly, knowledgeable and organized.

Although body language is different in different cultures, some is universal.

Your face reflects your emotions.

When you smile and look friendly, your listeners know how you feel.

Just like your voice, your face shows your energy.

Generally, it helps to make eye contact with your listeners.

It says that you are thinking about them and talking to them.

Stand tall.

Add hand gestures to emphasize important points and look natural to your listeners.

Use your body language to present your best self, friendly, enthusiastic and confident.

In this lesson, we identified what an elevator speech is and why we make them?

Let’s take a minute and review by looking at a successful elevator speech.

Hello, Mrs. Stephens.

I’m so happy to meet you.

My name is Roosevelt and I’ve been working in the accounting department for about two years.

I’ve studied new software applications and I think they will be great for us.

I would love to introduce them to you.

I would like that.

Why don’t you send me an email, and we’ll set something up.

I definitely will.

Thanks so much.

I look forward to going over these programs to help the company.

Thanks and see you soon.

And what made that speech successful?

It told a story and made us want to learn more.

It led to a future encounter.

It was easy to understand and it was friendly, energetic and natural.

There are many sample elevator speeches available to view online.

Before you make your own elevator speech, find one you really like on YouTube and watch it a few times.

Finally, for your last assignment in this module, create your own elevator speech.

Record a one to two minute video role play of an elevator speech and introduce yourself to the class.

Catch our attention, give us information about yourself and make us want to get to know you better.

Before you submit your speech, practice, practice, practice.

Do it in front of a mirror.

Do it for a family member or a friend.

Record and listen to it.

Elevator speeches are your chance to show off.

Put your best forward and have fun.

I look forward to seeing your elevator speech.