(Photo: Bird’s Eye View)
Word on the street is elevator speech = elevator pitch = elevator statement.
Word on the street is your elevator speech should be 30 seconds.
Word on the street is your elevator speech should be 20-30 seconds.
Word on the street is your elevator speech should be 15 seconds.
(By the way, I Googled “what is the average attention span” and the result was 8 seconds).
Needless to say, these workplace streets can be confusing when you lack clear direction. I say once and for all- ditch the pitch. At some point, stating your value confidently in a matter of seconds should roll off your tongue as easily as your response to “What’s your name?”
The most common mistake: we focus on communicating the aspects of the “pitch” all at once. You can communicate value during the conversation in a matter of seconds but try engaging the person on the elevator vs selling them on you in 20 seconds when you lose them in 8.
Gentleman in the elevator: “Hi. What’s your name and what do you do?”
Me: “Good morning! I’m Ericka Spradley and I help women uplevel their careers by improving their interviewing skills. To know that 84% of those I reach have secured a role they desired is extremely rewarding as their Coach.”
Him: “Oh? Uplevel?! I like that.
Me: “Thank you. What’s the most rewarding part of your role and please tell me your name.”
I’m prepared to engage him on what he loves and what I do best. In addition, I know the industry so I’m prepared to have a business conversation, exchange contact information and see where this goes.
Here’s what I suggest when you’re considering what to convey conversationally in a matter of seconds:
- Know your role: In other words, what problem do you solve and how does that benefit the employer? You can have variations of what you do but confidently state the issue you resolve, which should be your area of expertise and the positive impact that benefits the employer.
- “I help women elevate their interviewing skills so they can uplevel their career and land their dream job.”
- “I help women improve their interviewing skills so they can find a job they love and enjoy a fulfilling career.”
- Know your value: What metric can you share that affirms your expertise?
- 95% of my workshop attendees state their interviewing skills improved
- 84% secure the job they seek
- Know the industry: What’s happening in your own back yard? In other words, if a conversation extends beyond the elevator, can you speak to the business?
- Who’s leading your department beyond your immediate supervisor?
- Who’s leading your line of business? Senior leadership? The organization?
- Where does your employer rank in the industry?
- Who are their competitors?
- What are the industry trends?
In summary:
- What’s your goal meaning what will you communicate in a matter of seconds that leaves a favorable impression and solidifies your brand?
- Know your role
- Know your value
- Ask a question
- Engage
- Know your industry
Practice this week for 5 minutes/day. Record yourself and by Friday, you’ll know EXACTLY what to say when in an elevator as well as after the door opens.
Be prepared, stay confident and get hired!
E