One of the most common times that you will have to speak in front of group is when you have to introduce yourself. This may be at a meeting, a networking event a social event or just when you bump into someone. The questions can include:
- So what do you do
- Tell us a little about yourself
- Let’s do self introductions
- I will start the meeting with introductions
- We will go around the table one by one
And while many people don’t like to do this, or feel put on the spot as they have not had time to prepare, or they were not expecting it, it is something that you can and should prepare for. Everyone should have one or two introductory speeches. They are called your elevator speech or your elevator pitch. If you have 30 to 60 seconds to say what you do and influence the listener, what would you say.
Wikipedia defines an elevator speech as “An elevator pitch (or elevator speech or elevator statement) is a short summary used to quickly and simply define a product, service, or organization and its value proposition. The name “elevator pitch” reflects the idea that it should be possible to deliver the summary in the time span of an elevator ride, or approximately thirty seconds to two minutes”
I enclose 4 simple questions that you can answer and at the end of that process you will have an effective and powerful elevator pitch and all you need to do is practise.
1. Say what it is that you do
2. Say what problem or difficulty that you solve
3. Say how you are different or unique – this is your unique selling proposition
4. And it should appeal to my “why should I care” as a listener – this is the so what or what’s in it for me section – from the listeners point of view.
The elevator speech should be learnt and practiced and it should be 30 to 60 seconds long and it should be targeted to your audience.