A new cohort of students introduced themselves at the start of my spring quarter class last night, and their impromptu elevator speeches were quite impressive.
As the job search and informational interview season gets under way, it’s vital to fine tune elevator speeches–the 30-second self introduction that makes people want to know more about you. Too many of us hyperventilate over our elevator speeches and then flub them at the point of introduction. As the DePaul students proved last night, it only takes a few moments to organize your thoughts, relax and let your personality come through.
Long-time friend and personal branding consultant Fred Siegman offers these three key goals of a successful elevator speech, expressed from the perspective of the listener:
- First reaction. (An attention grabber, appearance, posture and voice)
- Content appeal. (Succinct, organized, building)
- Want to hear more. (Did the speaker engage me?)
Accomplish these three points in 30 seconds and you’re on your way up to a successful career.