Thoughts on the Elevator Speech
by Chuck Castagnolo, Founder and Executive Director, Bridges to Jobs
An ʹelevator speechʹ has its roots in the early days of the dot com boom
when web development companies needed venture capital. The term comes from a scenario of an accidental meeting with someone important in an elevator. If the conversation inside the elevator in those few seconds it took to go from one floor to another was interesting and value adding, the conversation would continue after the elevator ride, ending in an exchange of business cards and a scheduled meeting with a venture capital firm.
In other words, an elevator speech that worked was able to describe and
sell an idea in 30 seconds or less. Today, anʹelevator
speech’can be any kind of short speech that sells an idea or promotes you as an individual; it’s a commercial about you, a door opener or advertisement, if you will, that draws the listener in by getting their attention and wanting to hear more.
When creating your ‘elevator speech’ keep in mind that you are introducing yourself to possibly a complete stranger so put yourself in their shoes and think about how much time they have, what they would be thinking about you and what they would want to hear.
Here is a simple example:
“Hi, my name is Mary Jones and I’m looking for a position as a __________
in the local area. If your company is hiring for that type of position, or if you know of someone who is, I’d appreciate a referral to possibly interview for it.”
Short, sweet and to the point.
when web development companies needed venture capital. The term comes from a scenario of an accidental meeting with someone important in an elevator. If the conversation inside the elevator in those few seconds it took to go from one floor to another was interesting and value adding, the conversation would continue after the elevator ride, ending in an exchange of business cards and a scheduled meeting with a venture capital firm.
In other words, an elevator speech that worked was able to describe and
sell an idea in 30 seconds or less. Today, anʹelevator
speech’can be any kind of short speech that sells an idea or promotes you as an individual; it’s a commercial about you, a door opener or advertisement, if you will, that draws the listener in by getting their attention and wanting to hear more.
When creating your ‘elevator speech’ keep in mind that you are introducing yourself to possibly a complete stranger so put yourself in their shoes and think about how much time they have, what they would be thinking about you and what they would want to hear.
Here is a simple example:
“Hi, my name is Mary Jones and I’m looking for a position as a __________
in the local area. If your company is hiring for that type of position, or if you know of someone who is, I’d appreciate a referral to possibly interview for it.”
Short, sweet and to the point.
