Talk Your Way to the Top Floor
Always have an “elevator speech” on deck.
First impressions are crucial. That’s why introducing yourself using a strong “elevator speech” is a vital skill. Whether or not you actually ride in an elevator with a potential client or employer, you’ll certainly need to introduce yourself at meetings, conferences, classes, social functions, and interviews.
When asked “Tell me about yourself” or “What do you do,” you will need to introduce yourself confidently and effectively. If you don’t have an elevator speech — a one to two-minute pitch about yourself — you’re missing chances to grow professionally and personally. Keep these three points in mind, and you’ll be prepared to introduce yourself to anyone.
1. Describe yourself as a solution to a problem. The most significant part of your elevator speech is the first sentence. In that opening sentence, describe yourself as a solution to a problem faced by clients, customers, or business associates. Listeners don’t necessarily care what your job title is, or what degrees or certifications you’ve earned. They simply want to know how you can help them. Make that the initial thing you tell them and you’ll likely have their full attention.
2. Tell an anecdote. After describing how you solve a problem, tell a short story to showcase your talents. This anecdote should be a…