Perfecting Your Elevator Speech

The elevator speech serves a variety of functions in the fast-paced modern business world. These quick summary speeches or brief written overviews can be used to land a coveted job, promote a project you've been working hard on, or get funding for your business. No matter what you're looking for in your professional life, perfecting your elevator pitch is an important part of achieving your goals.

One of the best ways to get your elevator speech off on the right foot is to explain the benefits of listening to the entire pitch right up front. People may want your pitch to succeed in the abstract, but few are likely to help you out directly unless they know there's something in it for them. Explain the benefits you or your company can offer, and, if possible, personalize your pitch to the problems of the person listening. Begin by being sympathetic to the listener's needs, and then present a solution in the form of your company or product.

Another common elevator speech error is trying to pack in too much information. The listener should be left with a general idea of what you and your company can do, but they should also be left wanting more information. Try to end your speech with some questions left unanswered to tantalize the listener into contacting you to find out more. If you can position your elevator pitch in his mind after the pitch is over, you are already well on your way to attracting his attention to your project.

Remember that you are giving an elevator speech because you want something, so don't hesitate to state clearly what your goals are. End your speech with a call to action that clearly states what you are looking for from the listener. If you want funding, say so. If you're looking for a job, clearly state that you want an interview. If you're looking for a company partnership, your listener may not know unless you tell him.

Finally, practice your pitch whenever possible. Get comfortable giving it and answering any follow-up questions. Ask your friends and family members if they are willing to give feedback, and try the pitch several different ways to find out what works best. After giving your pitch professionally the first few times, evaluate yourself honestly to determine what you did right or wrong.

Remember that your elevator speech should not sound like a script you've been rehearsing. Have a good idea of what you want to say and the information you want to convey to your listener, but don't be afraid to be flexible. If the listener asks questions and seems interested, don't hesitate to leverage your elevator speech into a longer conversation about your product.

Photo courtesy of Steve Snodgrass at Flickr.com