1. How to Create Your DECA Elevator Pitch

2. What is an elevator pitch?
An elevator pitch (or elevator speech) is a short summary used to quickly and simply define a product, service, or organization and its value.

3. Where did the idea come from?
The name "elevator pitch" reflects the idea that it should be possible to deliver the summary in the time span of an elevator ride, or approximately thirty seconds to two minutes.

4. Why do we need to now how to do this?
Being able to sum up the unique aspects of your (service, product or) organization in a way that excites others is a fundamental skill that every business person should know.

5. The Perfect Pitch
Know how to create it, rehearse it, and tailor it for a specific audience.
Here are some things to keep in mind…

6. Keep It Fresh
Every business grows and changes, and your pitch needs to grow and change with it
Know the “brand”, learn the new mission statement, etc

7. Tailor it to Fit You & Your Audience
How do you convey excitement and spark interest to those outside your organization? What do you highlight? What do you leave out? And how do those choices change with your audience? Be flexible enough to be adapt to their reaction or questions.
Your pitch is far more likely to be compelling if you know your audience. Choose those things you think might be of the most interest to your listener. Be flexible enough to be guided by their reaction to what you're saying. If he or she interrupts with questions, make sure you answer them.

8. Know What Your Goal Is
The first goal of any meeting is to get a second one. In the short time you have, you want to find a way to pique interest and highlight what makes our organization unique.

9. Keep It Real
It has to be believable. You don't want to say anything you're not comfortable with. Stick with those "messages"—the bigger selling points of your organization or business—to which you can really speak well.

10. Let Your Passion Show!
Let them see your enthusiasm via direct eye contact and confident body language. An elevator pitch is not a dry recitation of facts delivered neutrally.
Contrary to popular opinion, facts actually don't speak for themselves. Let your listener hear the commitment in your voice and your words.

11. Practice!
Clear speaking reflects clear thinking. Even if your pitch is one you have used regularly, get some feedback from a mentor, teacher or a trusted source on how to improve it.
Preparation is the key to confidence, so don't ever wing it. A first impression only happens once. Be ready! That includes arming yourself with succinct answers to questions that might follow your pitch.

12. Just for fun… 1. Find a partner.
2. Choose from the following “characters” and describe the benefits of DECA to you partner, as they would.
Superhero
Auctioneer
Cheerleader
Flight Attendant
Car Salesman
Preschool Teacher

13. How to Get Started
Greeting Name These two steps speak for themselves. Say hello and introduce yourself.

14. How to Get Started
Association This step is where you tell the listener about DECA. Who are we? What do we stand for? You should incorporate DECA’s mission statement, guiding principles & core attributes.

15. How to Get Started
Association DECA’s mission statement: DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

16. How to Get Started Association DECA’s Guiding Principles:
DECA prepares the next generation to be
Academically Prepared
Community Oriented
Professionally Responsible
Experienced Leaders
May get too long so incorporate with caution.

17. How to Get Started Association DECA’s Core Attributes: Competence
Innovation
Integrity
Teamwork
May get too long so incorporate with caution.

18. How to Get Started Passion/Personal Testimony
Now is your chance to make it personal. What has DECA done for you? Or how do you plan to benefit from the DECA experience? What are you most excited about?

19. Write It Out!
Greeting Name Association Passion/Personal Testimony