30 seconds elevator speech The lost art of professional self-introduction

What is it? 30 second elevator speech is an introduction speech Emphasizes your current/desired position rather than positions that you hold previously Used mostly during formal business introduction Used during interviews (answers to question: “Tell me about yourself?”)

Why to have it? Well rehearsed speech Sets tone for the conversation Give you a focus what needs to be said Puts you in the right mind set Builds your confidence Sets tone for the conversation Speaks volumes of your professionalism Gives the listener awesome 1st impression

Two types of 30 second pitch Normal length: Anywhere between 20 and 45 seconds: Too short – unrehearsed and uncaring Too long – boring and lacking focus Extremely short: One sentence speech based on the audience: For Executives – what makes the speaker exceptional For others (interviewers, etc) – what the speaker does

Normal length speech parts Introduction Name Position Job that the speaker does (or aspires to do) Don’t just say the job title If it is high on business ladder you look condescending If it is low you’d seem insignificant Years of experience in this job and related subjects Exceptional value sentence (if speaking to Executive) List of personal/professional characteristics Closing statement Thank for listening and/or opportunity to connect Ask for what you want

Exceptional Value Sentence Think what makes you exceptional Think what would make you exceptional Think what listener considers exceptional Use above knowledge to combine it into one sentence

List of personal/professional qualities/values Perform self-assessment: What you do best What you seek to achieve in life (vision statement) What you consider highest qualities/values Write them down Research their meaning Unless you really know what they mean: You won’t know what you are talking about who you are you won’t be able to go to the next point Expand each quality into one sentence

Sample of short speech For CEO (Executives) Hi, my name is ……... I deliver exceptional results in projects. This likely will lead to the listener’s question how you do it Your answer would be: I deliver results because for the past 7 years I have used proven project management methodologies to resolve business problems For interviewers and others: Hi, my name is …………… I am a Project Management Professional with over 7 years of experience in IT Administration, Networking and Operations management. The interviewer will likely try to go into specifics of your statement

Sample of normal length speech Hi, my name is …….. I am a Project Management Professional with over 7 years of experience in IT Administration, Networking and Operations management. I deliver exceptional results because I have used proven project management methodologies and led teams to resolve business problems with on-time and under budget projects. My three personal values are LEADERSHIP, INTEGRITY and PERSISTENCE. Leadership because I inspire excellence and lead by example Integrity because I believe in honesty and sense of duty Persistence because I am a leader with clear goals and a vision Thank you for taking your time and I would appreciate if we could schedule a job interview.

Challenge Complete the following excercise Practice it alone Run it through your mentor, spouse or a friend Refine and polish it Use often Update when necessary (your priorities or desires might change over time)