How to Elevate Your Elevator Speech

An elevator speech is a “commercial” about your company brief enough to deliver during an elevator ride. If you own or represent a business, it is smart to develop such a speech so that you are not at a loss when people ask, “What do you do?” You can also break out your elevator speech at networking events when it is time for introductions. Keep it to the point–just give enough information to get people to want to know more (Kevin Houchin, Esq. has posted a video about using your elevator speech to initiate conversations).

Here is an example of an elevator speech:

Final Draft Communications helps businesses to put their best word forward with polished, professional written documents, including web sites, brochures, newsletters, books, and more. We help clients develop a unique, authentic voice to use throughout all their promotional materials, and guide them through the entire document development process from the idea stage to the final draft.

Here are some tips to remember as you put together your own elevator speech:

The Basics

Your elevator speech should include who you serve, how you help them, and what makes you unique.

Going Up or Going Down?

Have different versions of your elevator speech for various time frames and audiences. Recognize how much time you have to deliver your speech, and tailor it accordingly. A 10-second version of the speech above might be, “Final Draft Communications helps businesses to put their best word forward.” Also, be aware of how much your audience already knows about your topic, and add explanatory comments if needed.

Tag It

If you have a tag line, use it and build on it in your elevator speech.

Say It

Though you may start by writing your elevator speech, it is meant to be spoken. So, say it out loud as many times as necessary to be sure you have it memorized. Also, use this part of the process to identify phrases that are hard to say, or don’t “sound” right, and revise as necessary.

“What, now?”

Each time you have an opportunity to use your elevator speech, you also have an opportunity to improve it. Don’t be surprised if you get strange expressions or glazed eyes during certain parts of your speech. Don’t be alarmed, just use these audience responses to adjust your speech for greater understanding and impact.

Survey: Have you ever used your elevator speech in an elevator? Let us know in the comments.

About the Author: Karen Marcus, M.A. is a Northern Colorado copywriter who has been helping clients in a wide range of industries to put their best word forward for 13 years.

Need assistance elevating your elevator speech? Karen can help! Click here for contact info.

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