An elevator speech is a short introduction (30-60 seconds long or the amount of time of an elevator ride) used to explain who you are, what information or facts you want someone to know, and what you would like the individual to consider in their decision-making.
• Remember you are the expert in your nursing role. Others have less knowledge about healthcare than a student and/or a nurse. You know what you know; they don’t know what you know.
• Elevator speeches are not a general conversation. You are delivering a specific message-be focused.
• You may meet opposition-try to anticipate different possibilities and how you will respond.
• Elevator speeches should be specific to the individual or group-alter your elevator speech to share consistent messages to a variety of individuals or groups (for example, legislators, administrators, instructors, business leaders, your peers).
Development of Elevator Speech:
• ISSUE OF INTEREST: Select your topic and identify bullet points/talking points specific to your concerns or role
• OUTCOME: Anticipated outcome after conversation; what specific information do you want the individual or group to have, what is your desired outcome, do you want to set-up another meeting?
• ATTENTION GRABBER: Catchy first phrase or statement; intrigues listener and prompts ongoing communication
• TALKING POINTS: Subsequent talking points should be facts or examples to support your main issue.
• CLOSING/WRAP UP: Restate attention grabber, share anecdote, or ask question to prompt further interactions
• Do not feed into negative comments-acknowledge concern and bridge back to your attention grabber and facts
• Write out your elevator speech and practice before you deliver it (use template below). Remember that writing is more formal than speaking. Once you’ve written your elevator speech, read it aloud several times to decide what is unclear, no succinct, or sounds to formal. Change elevator speech as needed.
• Most importantly-practice, practice, practice!
Delivery of Elevator Speech:
• Make eye contact, use a strong handshake, remember to smile
• Let your enthusiasm and passion for issue be seen and heard
• Speak naturally, confidently, and in clear and audible tone of voice
• Be prepared to think on your feet
• Stay focused on the purpose and anticipated outcomes of elevator speech
• Do not use jargon
• End your pitch with a question to speak additional conversation
Leaving Positive Impression:
• Message Consistency + Repetition = Impact
• Deliver the message by controlling the agenda
• Be polite, positive, and proactive
