Elevator Speech

1
Elevator Speech

• Terry Knox, CFRE
• Girls and Boys Town of Central Florida

2
An elevator speech does not necessarily mean it
is a speech in an elevator, although it could be.

• It is the presentation of an organizations
  message given verbally to an external audience
  without rehearsal or preparation on the spot
  on the que tee.

3
It is essentially

• A brief moment of approximately 5-10 seconds to
  respond with a general statement to the question
  what do you do what is that?
• This question is often times associated with the
  term elevator speech due to the short response
  time. The time an elevator travels between
  floors.
• Disclosure some are faster some are slower

4
Why should staff in an organization develop an
elevator speech?

• Often times organizations have limited time to
  get their message, mission and case statement
  transmitted to a receiving party that will
  generate interest to further engage the
  transmitter in learning more about the
  organization.

5
Clarity and Brevity is Critical

• Incorporating some of the elements of a direct
  mail piece and elements of an organizations
  mission and case statement in plain language
  can illicit ones interest for further engagement.

6
The opening comment should

• Grab their attention
• Appeal to their emotions
• Statistics
• One liners
• Factual sensationalism
• Call for action

7

• There is no guarantee that interest will
  develop. But, a strong message has been sent.
  One must take the position that the message will
  reach someone and perhaps with the business card,
  interest will develop.

8
Is an Elevator speech this simple?

• NO Delivery is Critical, Visuals need to be
  formed

9
The rule, first impression is a lasting
impression, is protocol here.

• Enthusiastic
• Air of Confidence
• Personable
• Knowledgeable
• Extroverted
• Articulates well
• Is passionate about mission
• Tough skinned
• Respectful

10
Can anyone successfully deliver an elevator
speech?

• All staff should be prepared to deliver an
  elevator speech.
• Not everyone can effectively deliver one.