In today’s competitive business world, an elevator speech is a great way to make your mark and demand attention.  It is an important networking tool that can be used to market you, meet people, or connect with future business opportunities. It briefly and memorably introduces you, spotlights your distinctiveness, and focuses on the benefits you or your business provide. Whether its 30 seconds or 2 minutes, an elevator speech is concise, clear, informative, and engaging. The goal is not to say as much as you can in a few seconds, but to start a conversation and generate interest in what you have to offer. First impressions can make or break you. It can give you the edge you need to succeed.  Here are just a few do’s and don’ts:

Do’s and Don’ts:

Do make your Elevator Speech sound conversational, memorable, and natural. Keys in doing so are practice, practice, practice. Write, and rewrite so you can eliminate awkward word structure. Don’t give a canned speech. Don’t ramble.

An effective elevator speech leaves the listener wanting to hear more. Not left saying, “so what?” Add a hook to the speech. I call it steak and sizzle. The hooks leave the listener intrigued, which could prompt the listener to ask questions, and keep the conversation going.

Be enthusiastic and confident. Smile, while using a strong firm voice. Don’t rush, but don’t go too slow. Think of this as a conversation. Use that pace.

Maintain eye contact. If you look around the room, you may appear like you are searching for words, or not being honest. Focus on how your services can benefit others. Remember as you deliver your Elevator Speech that the listener may be mentally asking, “What’s in it for me or my business.”  Always carry business cards, because an effective elevator speech may lead to them asking for one.

Have different versions of your speech. Different situations and different audiences require different speeches. Be prepared. Have stories available to support your speech. End Strong: Don’t let your elevator speech trail off.

Don’t focus just on yourself, an approach that will almost assure a “so what?” reaction.

Don’t use acronyms.

No Nitty Gritty: Don’t get caught in the details by only listing the facts. You might have the greatest skills and list of accomplishments, but describing too many details will sound as if you’re reciting a book.

Remember that an elevator speech is an evolving networking tool that you can adapt for any situation. You never know who you might share an elevator or taxi with, or who you will bump into in the hallways or walking down the street, or who you will see while you’re getting your coffee at the local shop. You need to be able to say who you are, what you do, and how you can be a benefit or resource to the listener. A person who cannot clearly state what they do and why anyone should care, in a minute or less, will miss great opportunities. It is an indispensable tool for promoting your work and the business you represent.

Over the past 30 days, I have been in situations to use my elevator speech 3 seperate times.  Having been prepared, I turned a moment of silence, into an opportunity, and hopefully into a long term possibility of new business.  Only time will tell…