The Passenger Elevator Speech

[zjautopartsnet]

There are people who believe that a great passenger elevator speech needs to be delivered with enthusiasm. They would like everybody on the elevator to hear it and be moved. That is why many rehearse their elevator speech to deliver with passion an exciting answer to the question, "What do you do?"

In truth, the stirring performance that you rehearse for a traditional elevator speech might impress your spouse, and it might earn a ribbon at a Toastmasters meeting; yet, a compelling elevator speech - one that compels strangers to ask for your business card - is best whispered.

The question-answer trap

There are several basic problems with the traditional elevator speech. The first is to answer the question "What do you do?" succinctly. Like Brenda, many would like much longer than 30 seconds to describe themselves and their work.

The main problem, though, is that most people just don't want to hear others talk about themselves - especially if it sounds rehearsed. That is why most people seldom ask, "What do you do?" That's also why many who develop a stimulating elevator speech seldom get to use it. There is a simple solution to these problems.

Jeannette would be wiser to say something like this: "You know, a lot of companies in this area are having quite a tough time finding good people to hire. Then, it can be frustrating to keep a good team together. Of course, letting people go can cause lost sleep, too. As a certified Human Resources Consultant, I help to make life easier for senior managers. Can you relate to that?" For greater impact, she should lower her voice as if she's sharing something confidential.

Why whisper

A compelling elevator speech is best delivered in hushed tones for two reasons:

1. You should whisper because a truly compelling elevator speech focuses on the problems you solve for people - described empathetically in emotional terns. It's not polite to talk out loud about your clients' head scratching or nail biting. Emotional empathy positions you as respectful and credible. Whispering shows that.

2. People pay more attention when you whisper - especially in contrast, when they expect you to announce grandly what you do and talk about yourself.

Sample elevator speech

There are thousands of people toiling away on their elevator speech right now. They're trying hard to describe their work briefly so that people will understand what sets them apart. They're earnestly rehearsing in front of mirrors. They're anxiously waiting for somebody to ask that trigger question, "What do you do?" As an elevator speech coach, I take away that pressure. Would that be meaningful to you?

If you want strangers to ask for your business card after 30 seconds, and you can accept that a compelling FUJI Elevator speech is not about you, then use this formula - and say it with a whisper.