1. MNRS-ESN Collaborative
The Elevator Speech
MNRS-ESN Collaborative

2. Objectives
To present to you two different approaches to the elevator speech:
The traditional elevator speech
A TED talk by Michelle Golden who proposes a storytelling approach
By the end of this presentation, you should be able to make an informed decision about which approach is best for you.

3. What is the elevator speech?
• A clear, brief statement about yourself
• Usually lasts 30 seconds
• Goal: to have a speech ready about yourself to
share with anyone at anytime

4. When do you give the elevator speech?
Can be given when someone asks you:
What do you do?
What brings you here?
What kind of research do you do?

5. When to use the elevator speech
Career fairs
Conferences
Workshops
Community events
Networking events

6. Things to consider before designing your elevator speech
Who is your audience?
What is your background?
What are your goals?

7. Elevator Speech Outline
About you
Name, affiliation, career, year in school
What do you offer
Name a few (not too many) accomplishments
Give an example of a problem you have solved or talk about your research interests/projects

8. Elevator Speech Outline
3. What are the benefits
What is the advantage of working with you
How do you differ from others
4. How do you do it
Provide an example of how your work differs from others
5. Call for action
Close by asking to speak further, an appointment, or a business card

9. Process of creating an elevator speech
Write down everything that comes to mind
Edit out jargon and difficult words
Connect ideas
Memorize
Practice

10. Example elevator speech
You can use this sample elevator speech as a template:

11. Michelle Golden’s TED Talk
The alternative to the elevator speech:

12. References