The Art of the Elevator Pitch
An elevator pitch is a short description of who you are, as well as what your credentials and goals are. Also called an elevator speech, this sort of pitch is helpful in a variety of situations in which you need to introduce yourself to a stranger in order to achieve a professional goal. This form of introducing yourself is particularly helpful during interpersonal communication, but it can also be used as an email or short cover letter. The best elevator pitch is one that delivers the most relevant information in a short amount of time.
Features
Elevator speeches contain four basic components: your background, accomplishments, goals and objective. Ideally, you should be able to relay this information in 150 to 200 words so that a person does not lose interest in a long pitch. Although this seems like a great deal of information to relay in a few words, you can get the most out of your speech by focusing on the most relevant pieces. Also, you will want to ensure that you relay your information with confidence and urgency, making sure that that the other person knows the pertinence of what you have to say so that they can take action.
Goals
The goal of an elevator pitch is to exchange information and services with another party. The particulars depend on what exactly your objective is. Some professionals prepare elevator pitches for networking purposes, while other people use the speeches in order to gain employment. By properly relaying your goal to the listener, there will be no questions as to what your objectives are.
Outcome
The preferred outcome is for the other party to pick up on your objective and to assist you, whether it is for a networking or a job opportunity. In order to achieve the best outcome, you might consider asking for an alternative form of help. For example, if you are asking for a full-time job position, also suggest a part-time one, or even an internship from the get-go. The odds of the other person denying you are decreased if you suggest multiple ways for him or her to help you. If the particular individual is not responsive to your elevator pitch, then reflect on ways in which you can make it better next time. Also consider the person in which you are pitching to, and adjust the speech accordingly€"you might need to change the formality of your information, depending on the individual. Finally, remember that not all elevator pitches are fool-proof, and that not every person you appeal to can necessarily help you reach your goals.
Features
Elevator speeches contain four basic components: your background, accomplishments, goals and objective. Ideally, you should be able to relay this information in 150 to 200 words so that a person does not lose interest in a long pitch. Although this seems like a great deal of information to relay in a few words, you can get the most out of your speech by focusing on the most relevant pieces. Also, you will want to ensure that you relay your information with confidence and urgency, making sure that that the other person knows the pertinence of what you have to say so that they can take action.
Goals
The goal of an elevator pitch is to exchange information and services with another party. The particulars depend on what exactly your objective is. Some professionals prepare elevator pitches for networking purposes, while other people use the speeches in order to gain employment. By properly relaying your goal to the listener, there will be no questions as to what your objectives are.
Outcome
The preferred outcome is for the other party to pick up on your objective and to assist you, whether it is for a networking or a job opportunity. In order to achieve the best outcome, you might consider asking for an alternative form of help. For example, if you are asking for a full-time job position, also suggest a part-time one, or even an internship from the get-go. The odds of the other person denying you are decreased if you suggest multiple ways for him or her to help you. If the particular individual is not responsive to your elevator pitch, then reflect on ways in which you can make it better next time. Also consider the person in which you are pitching to, and adjust the speech accordingly€"you might need to change the formality of your information, depending on the individual. Finally, remember that not all elevator pitches are fool-proof, and that not every person you appeal to can necessarily help you reach your goals.