Why Most Elevator Speeches Close Doors Instead of Opening Them

Why Most Elevator Speeches Close Doors Instead of Opening Them

2:30

Most Elevator Speeches miss the mark.

Not because people aren’t prepared—but because they’re prepared the wrong way.

I hear it all the time. Someone asks, “What do you do?” and they launch into a polished, memorized response packed with titles, jargon, and too much information. By the time they’re done, the listener isn’t engaged—they’re looking for an exit.

That’s a problem.

An Elevator Speech isn’t meant to impress people. It’s meant to open doors. And most don’t.

Here’s why.

1. They’re too long. If it feels like a speech, it’s already off track. An effective elevator speech should be short enough to invite a follow-up question—not end the conversation.
   

2. They’re too focused on you. Listing your experience, credentials, and services may feel important, but the listener is silently asking, “What’s in it for me?” If you don’t answer that, you lose them.
   

3. They sound memorized. When something sounds rehearsed, it feels inauthentic. People don’t connect with scripts—they connect with people.
   

4. They try to say everything. That’s the biggest mistake. Your goal isn’t to explain your entire business. Your goal is to spark interest.

A great elevator speech does one thing well: It makes the other person want to know more.

Get my proven Elevator Speech Template and Worksheet HERE.

It’s clear. It’s conversational. It’s focused on value. And most importantly—it invites a response.

So the next time someone asks, “What do you do?” don’t try to impress them.

Give them a reason to ask the next question. That’s how doors open.

Incorporate these important points into your Elevator Speech and it will be absolutely, positively - NO SWEAT! ——————————————————————————————————————————————————

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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2. Workshop Facilitator

3. Breakout Sessions

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Topics:

1. Lessening The Fear of Public Speaking with – NO SWEAT!

2. Crafting Your Elevator Speech, Floor by Floor with – NO SWEAT!

3. Speaking Opportunities are Business, Career, and Leadership Opportunities.

4. We are All Self-Employed!

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My books can be purchased on amazon.com.    

“NO SWEAT Public Speaking”      “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”

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If you have any comments, questions, or suggestions about this post or other posts please contact me: Fred@NoSweatPublicSpeaking.com.

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