Are you at a loss for words when someone asks you about your future plans?  Have you attended a job fair or networking event only to become tongue-tied or too shy to approach the employers?  Are you competing in the Business Plan/Elevator Pitch Competition? Then this Elevator Speech information is for you!

The origin of the elevator pitch/speech is attributed to the time it takes to ride the elevator to the top floor.  This is how much time you have to make an impression or to present your idea with the hope of an invitation to hear more.  The elevator speech consists of three parts:

• The Hook – A clear and concise opening that shows how you add value to the listener. This will change as your audience changes.
• Your Passion – How believable are the words you are saying?
• The request – What action do you want the listener to take?

Getting all this delivered in just 30 – 60 seconds will take time to create and practice.  Let’s look at the steps to create an elevator speech for a networking or job fair event.

1. Take a few minutes and write down short phrases or adjectives that describe you. Let the words flow.  You will pair these down later.
2. Write down the current targeted position or opportunities you are seeking (entry level or part-time job in your field of study, an internship, a volunteer opportunity). It is important to also write down your future career goals.
3. List your educational goal and any training you have completed.
4. What are your strengths and accomplishments? Do you have specific skills that are useful to your listener?  Can you use numbers or percentages to add value to these accomplishments?
5. Finally write down what you want from your listener.

Now it is time to edit your thoughts.  What is the most important information you want to share with your listener?  Do you have a short story, 1 or 2 sentences that support your goals?  Then, the big finish.  What action do you want your listener to take?  Do you want him/her to give you a business card, schedule a meeting, ask you for more information?  Once you have a rough draft, practice, practice, practice.  It should not sound rehearsed or mechanical.  It should sound natural and passionate.  Check out this example:

My name is Lynne Wolf and I am a Career Specialist at St. Petersburg College. I help students figure out what they want to be when they grow up and then to hone their employment skills to nail that dream job.  I would love to sit down with you and see how we might partner for the betterment of all SPC students. 

 Students, connect with your career professionals on your campus and let us work with you to create your elevator speech.  Follow us on Twitter at #careerspc and #spcintern.