An elevator speech is a way of introducing yourself to a potential employer or contact. You say who you are, what you do, what you are interested in doing and how you can be a resource to your listeners. If you don’t have an elevator speech, people won’t know what you really do.
The elevator speech cannot be longer than 25 to 30 seconds (the time it takes an elevator to go a few floors) and is between 5 and 10 sentences long.
Write out your elevator speech using these sample elements. Submit it to the Dropbox.
Hello, my name is:
I’m a student at The Art Institute of Phoenix studying: [Major]
I’ll be graduating in: [Month, Year]
After I graduate I’m hoping to: [position you’d like in what type of company]
In my studies I’ve learned about: [some of the trends or issues in your industry]
Would you be willing to: [Ask for something such as a business card, an appointment at a later date to talk about career opportunities in your industry, permission to send your resume, etc. -- choose the most appropriate one for the situation.]
Steps shown in How to Perfect the Elevator Pitch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1Y02_oZP8U&feature=fvwrel
The objective is to break the ice and generate interest, and you need to ask for something 1. Brainstorm a list of phrases that describe you and cross off any clichés or catch phrases (keep only the most unique and honest) 2. Craft a description of qualifications that you can share in 30 seconds or less. Write the pitch like you speak. 3. Practice you pitch on friends, ask for feedback and adjust your pitch as necessary. Practice your pitch in the mirror 4. Make your pitch about the needs of your listener—how you can help solve some of the problem in that industry 5. Describe your value in solving