The Guidelines and Goals!
Most of us have experienced the Excitement, or Fear, of being called upon at a networking event, social function or seminar to, “Stand up, tell us who you are and what you do. Give us your Elevator Speech.”
When we hear that request it’s usually YES! or YIKES!
We experience the same emotions meeting strangers when asked. “What do you do?”
There are two distinct audiences for Elevator Speeches: Groups and One-on-One Situations.
The Guidelines for both are the same, and explained below.
The Guidelines for an Elevator Speech are:
Clarity is the first rule, and it is not optional.
Everyone seeing and hearing you should know exactly what you do.
If someone is scratching their head and thinking, “I have no idea what they are talking about,” you’ve lost them as a prospect and as someone who could possibly refer you.
No Buzz Words, Acronyms, or Techno-Speak goes hand-in-glove with Clarity.
You do not impress people with words and phrases they don’t know. You make them feel stupid and no one wants to feel that way. They will immediately tune you out.
Another prime consideration is they should feel you, “Know Your Stuff.”
Ideally, they perceive you as an Expert. We like to work with Experts. We feel comfortable with them, and they can command more money for their products and services.
People should also feel you’re Approachable and Easy to Work With.
No one wants to deal with, or refer, individuals who are not nice.
The Goals for both, with one major exception are the same, and explained below.
The Goals for Elevator Speeches are: You want them thinking:
I know what you do and I want to have a conversation now!
I know what you do, but I don’t need your product or service.
However, if I ever do have a need for what you offer, I’d be very comfortable having a conversation with you about how you work and charge.
I know what you do, and definitely need (or don’t need ) your product or service.
If I hear of someone I think would benefit by your offerings, I’d be very comfortable referring them to have a conversation with this you. A Template and Worksheet for developing your Elevator Speech is HERE.
An Additional Goal of the One-on-One Elevator Speech is to DIS-qualify.
Everyone’s not a prospect for what you offer. You’re not going to buy everything people are presenting to you. Don’t spend major time on minor possibilities. You want to, as quickly as possible, DIS-qualify people.
It should clearly articulate, in a very concise manner, exactly what you do, with impact! And, because time is of the essence, give an EXPRESS Elevator Speech!
Also Important!
A Presentation, and an Elevator Speech is a mini-presentation, has two components: Content and Delivery. Content is the message. Delivery is presenting it. Of the two components, Delivery trumps Content. On the Delivery side, NonVerbal trumps Verbal. “We believe what we see!”
You might have a tremendous Elevator Speech, but if it isn’t delivered in a manner that quickly educates, entertains, and explains it well, they will never GET IT!
Develop Your Elevator Speeches with these templates:
Now, Practice! – Practice! – Practice!
Do that, and I guarantee your next Elevator Speech will be absolutely, positively – NO SWEAT!
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About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books,“NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and“NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
Businesses, Individuals, and Organizations hire him because they want to improve their Networking, Public Speaking, andPresentation Skills.
They do this because they know:"Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities."
They also know:We perceive really great speakers to be Experts. We like to work with Experts.
He shows them how to: Develop, Practice, and Deliver Fantastic Presentations! with – NO SWEAT!
Services:
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Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!
Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.
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