6 Steps to a Concise Elevator Speech

An elevator speech is a business tactic that people use in various situations to pitch themselves to potential employers, networking contacts, and clients.

It is called an elevator speech because you should be able to say it during your brief time spent in an elevator. This pitch should be between 30 and 60 seconds which allows you to convey something significant about yourself and what you do, to the listener.

The point of the elevator speech is to give the right amount of information in the shortest amount of time possible. It is meant to be an introduction to you from a business perspective.

Here are six steps to build a well-executed elevator speech.

Step 1: Establish what you are currently doing. This is important because you will always be recognizable by your field of work or study, whether it be the trucking industry, nursing, or even retail. It doesn’t have to be glamorous. Even if it’s not where you want to end up, that’s okay. You’ll be conveying future goals in Step 3.

Step 2: Tell them where you’re from. This will give a general idea of your background and will help the listener relate to you. It’s also a great way to find connections in your area. It’s usually going to be the city and state you’re currently working.

Step 3: What are you passionate about? Tell them what you want to be doing or what you’re proud of. Whoever you talk to may have some insight or an opportunity that you can take advantage of. People are always willing to share knowledge and opportunities might come from surprising places.

Step 4: Give them your business card. If you have a business card, it’s important that you hand them out so people can contact you. Business cards can also be passed down through the grapevine. They may know someone that could use your services.

Step 5: Take time writing your elevator speech. When you’re in an interview or at a conference, this is what people will be hearing when you tell them about yourself. It also helps if you have a friend to listen to it so they can give you feedback.

Step 6: Repeat your speech. You want to have it polished and memorized so you don’t forget anything important. This way, you won’t be nervous about what you should say when the opportunity presents itself.

Use the above steps to make your elevator speech specific to you. Below, I’ve provided an example of my elevator speech.

“I’m a pharmacy technician with a hospital based out of Waco, Texas. I’m passionate about creative writing involving fantasy, horror, and adventure. I’m close to finishing my first novel, so I’m looking for an editor that can help me get my work published.”