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Elevator Speeches:
From Business Week to the Comics

By Craig Harrison

Recently we were entertained to read
the comic strip SALLY FORTH (King Features Syndicate, Inc.)
which addressed with great humor the form of speech
known as the Elevator Speech.

Elevator Speeches, also known as audio commercials,
sixteen-second sound bites, or spoken word
introductory paragraphs,
are a natural way to summarize your occupation,
profession or role in brief when asked that classic question
"What do you do?"

So what do you think?
Are Elevator Speeches catchy, kitchy,
or something else all together?

In July yours truly was interviewed
by Business Week Magazine
(July 8, 2002) about the value
of elevator speeches for professional success.


I believe an elevator speech
that encapsulates one's essence is a good thing.

Not only is it helpful for listeners, as it
explains in a nutshell what you do
and what it can do for them and others.

Elevator speeches are also good
for the person sharing his or hers.
It gives them a feeling of pride
and a sense of focus and purpose.

By casting one's occupation or job
in its most ennobling light we're all inspired.

I have been published extensively on the subject to date.
(Click on www.ExpressionsofExcellence.com/articles.html for 10 related articles.)

I also speak at conferences, conventions
and to numerous associations on this topic.
My 28-page tips booklet has helped thousands of readers fashion their own (www.ExpressionsofExcellence.com/elevator_booklet.html).

So thank you Sally Forth, for your clichés and puns
about Elevator Speeches.

They've inspired me to share some more elevator speeches with you.


Sample Elevator Speeches We're Fond Of


The following samples employ vivid imagery, alliteration,
humor and creativity, and are included herein
with the intention of sparking you to create or enhance yours.


HUMOR / TAPPING OUR COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS:

"I keep your company out of  Dilbert's comic strip!  
I'm Alyson Abramowitz, a Silicon Valley
management consultant specializing in change.

If your company is experiencing rapid growth or change
I can offer experience and wisdom
to keep your employees happy and your profits in the black.

Change doesn't have to be painful.  
Let me put a smile back on the faces of your employees."


ALLITERATION:

"Hi, I teach people how 'manners make money'
& 'politeness promotes profits' in the market place.
I teach etiquette to men & women, and boys & girls.
I'm Carolyn Millet, founder of Politness.com,
and it's my pleasure to meet you!"


A FOCUS ON OUTCOMES:

"I turn conflict into agreement.
I'm Robbie Gordon of the Conflict Resolution Institute.
Our workshops and coaching reduce your conflict. 
We teach people how to understand, discuss and resolve conflict
so they can live happier lives.
Let us replace the conflict in your life." 


USE OF A METAPHOR

"Some think beyond the box.
My brilliance is within the box.
I'm Sarah Barnes, a hardware engineer.
I design computer architecture for maximum efficiency,
creating robust systems." 


MORE THAN AN SIC CODE

"Hi...I connect people to computers...by design.
I'm User Interface Designer Ed Swiss, and  
I create simple, effective user interfaces
that make it easier for people to do their jobs.
I relish the opportunity to simplify your workplace." 


A PASSION FOR HER WORK

"Hi I'm Cassandra Cockrill:
I'm an evangelist for better thinking,
better speaking, and better listening.
I help thousands of people each year
to communicate more confidently and competently
than ever before. I do it through Toastmasters.
What about you, are you interested in better communication?"


HUMOR

"I'm one of the few, the proud,
the last remaining COBOL programmers.
If you have old code or embedded systems
I am available immediately
to help you resolve your software problems.
Call me at 1-800-NO-CRASH
or send e-mail to nocrash@stillcobol.com"



HUMOR, MULTIPLE WAYS OF BEING OF SERVICE and a BENEFITS STATEMENT too!

"I teach people how to behave in front of food.
I'm Ava Sheridan, a nutritionist based in San Francisco.
I teach classes on nutrition, see private clients,
consult with restaurants on their menus
and also write a weekly column in Culinary Cuisine magazine.
If you'd like to eat less and enjoy it more
I'd love to work with you. Let's exchange cards!"



MORE HUMOR

"What do I do? (smile) I'm a government fund-raiser. (pause)
My colleagues and I actively raising needed funds
to support the rest of our federal government
as it supports you. It's nice to meet you.
Allow me to wish you many happy returns"
                         -- Steven Donahue, IRS Agent


THE NEXT STEP IS YOURS:
E-mail Craig for a free template
to create your own elevator speech.

© Copyright 2002 Craig Harrison. All Rights Reserved.

Click to read a slew of articles about Elevator Speeches.



Click here to learn more about Craig's presentation on Elevator Speeches.

Click here to download a small (104k) PDF of the same description.


Click here to purchase Craigs's 28-page booklet on Elevator Speeches,
Your Sixteen Second Success.

 

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To schedule an engagement,
contact Craig by email: Craig@ExpressionsOfExcellence.com
or by phone: (510) 547-0664.

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