Elevator Speeches

An elevator speech is a 30 second to 1 minute personal statement that provokes the person you are speaking with to want to learn more about you. It is a useful tool that you can use in any number of situations from networking events to voicemail messages to interview introductions.

Main Components:

•  I am (personal introduction)
  • Name
  • Graduating with a _____ degree in ____ from _____
  • Looking for a position as a ____________
• My interests are (relevant to the listener's needs)
  • In the field of ______________
  • Providing _____________ service
• I know about your organization (I have done my research)
  • I've researched your company and learned ____
  • You produce _____________
  • You are a leader in ________
  • You need _______ in your company
• My skills/accomplishments are (I can do what needs to be done)
  • I excel at ________
  • I can bring _________
  • My previous supervisors have said I ______
  • I produced _______
  • I can deliver _________
  • In my last position I accomplished _______
•  I would like an interview/meeting/referral (I feel confident you will benefit from the meeting)
  • You must make a request at the end of your speech
  • e.g. Do you mind if I connect with you on LinkedIn? Email you?
  • Don't ask for a position or about benefits
  • You want to discuss further:
  • your skills
  • the company
  • a project
  • obtain career advice
  • a referral

An example of an Elevator Speech:

"Hi, I'm Mary Smith. I'll be graduating from USF in May with a bachelors degree in marketing and I have a real passion for the environment. I love creating outside-the-box marketing strategies for new products, especially environmentally-sensitive ones.

I understand that your company has produced some new green products that aren't on the market yet. Last semester, while interning for a local firm I created an aggressive marketing campaign for a new product, which improved their sales.
I'd love to talk to you about how I might be able to use the skills I've learned to help your company. Are you available for a brief meeting on Monday or Tuesday?"

Do:

• Rewrite your speech in order to sharpen its focus.
• Make it sincere and provide a glimpse into your personality.
• Speak confidently and enthusiastically.
• Practice your speech until you're comfortable with it from beginning to end.
• Maintain eye contact with your listener.
• Prepare different versions for different situations.

Don't

• Use more words than necessary.
• Include industry jargon or acronyms.
• Rush breathlessly through it.
• Make a "canned" presentation.