Here are some excerpts from Hallie Crawford’s Job Search Workbook for Professionals regarding How to Create a Pitch Perfect Elevator Speech. The entire workbook can be found here for purchase in our online career store.
Creating a Pitch Perfect Elevator Speech
Using the tips below, you’ll be able to write yours to spotlight your uniqueness and to get your message across quickly and efficiently, highlighting the benefits you provide to others. Your pitch should also represent your personality, perhaps your sense of humor, your drive and commitment, and most of all your passion for what you do or want to be doing.
How To Write Content
Start by focusing in tightly on your audience—not just any audience, your target audience. Be clear and specific; if you are too broad, your speech will not be successful with anyone. After you’ve identified your target audience, write down deliverables and benefits, not features. Remember, a benefit is what you or your product provides—what the person you’re communicating with gains. A feature is merely a descriptor, a job title or what a product or service is. An easy way to distinguish features from benefits is to divide a sheet of paper into two columns; on the left side, enter a feature, on the right, translate the feature to a benefit—what your listener has to gain. Then pick one or two of the most important benefits you offer to use in your Elevator Speech. Once you’ve done this, you’re ready to create an opening sentence that grabs attention or succinctly states precisely what you do. Remember, you don’t have to include a job title; this is a short speech. After you’ve come up with a few opening sentences, ask friends and family for their input. Ask them to rank your ideas in the order of what is most attention grabbing. Then narrow those first sentences down to one, and write the rest of your speech. Be sure to provide a call to action at the end. Don’t leave them hanging; point them in the direction you want them to go.
Next, transfer your pitch to a note card. Then record your speech and play it back. Do you sound confident, sincere, engaging? Practice your speech with at least three people, or practice it in front of the mirror. The more you practice, the closer you’ll come to that perfect pitch. You’ll know you’re ready when you feel yourself getting pumped up and feeling better each time you practice. The more authentic your pitch, the better you’ll feel. Soon you’ll find your delivery effortless, automatic, and something you actually look forward to giving.
Now that you are clear about what you’re looking for and how you want to present yourself, you’re ready to move ahead with tips that will get you actively engaged in your job search. Armed with your perfected elevator pitch, you’re ready for any situation—online or offline.
For more valuable job search tips and help, purchase Hallie’s Job Search Workbook for Professionals, or contact her for a consult regarding career coaching.
