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?"
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.
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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