Can you say who you are and what you do in two sentences or less?
In confined spaces (airplanes, elevators, waitingin line, etc.), polite conversation is the result of two or more strangers being close enough to bein each other\'s space. Many, if not most times, the conversation rapidly rolls around to: \"What do you do?\"
Professional Speakers (more than plumbers or proctologists) should be able to recite their elevator speech as fast as Robin Williams comes up with a quick one liner.
Robin Williams can do it because he has rehearsed every line. He is just waiting for the opportunity to bring up another fully rehearsed blurb. There is no \"ad-lib\" from Robin, he has carefully worked out every retort to be very funny.
Your elevator speech should be delivered completely rehearsed, no thinking to it, when you get the question: \"What do you do?\"..
We\'re not talking labels here, or vague references.\"I\'m a public speaker\" \"I train sales people\"\"I\'m a consultant \"Or the worst of all \"I\'m a Motivational Speaker\"
They all say what you do, but what they say is all about you. It should be all about them. The person asking the polite question could be an association executive that hires speakers, or a corporate meeting planner, or anyone in a position to hire you. If you blow them off with a one liner about you, you may never profit from the question
Your \"Elevator Speech\" should describe how you add value to other\'s lives. It should describe the benefits. Most of all, it should stimulate conversation!!!
Your well-rehearsed elevator speech should, in two sentences or less, explain what you do (benefits) not what you are (title). Every speaker should have carefully or chestrated Elevator Speech memorized and practiced. Your elevator speech should encourage conversation and get them thinking.
When you present your elevator speech, you should get the response \"Oh? Tell me more..\"Even if you are talking to a person you think you know will NEVER be a client, do it anyway. That person may know someone who COULD be a client. You can\'t tell, so treat them all as prospects and give it your best shot.
Think about your speaking topics and the benefits you provide your audience. Remember, in every business situation, the customer wants to know,\"What\'s In It For Me?\".
With a little practice you can make your elevator speech so compelling your are guaranteed to get the \"Oh, tell me more!\" response. Here are some examples.
\"I help sales people use the computer to make more sales.\"\"Oh? Tell me more!\"
or
\"I help people avoid the embarrassment of saying the wrong thing at the wrong time.\"\"Oh? Tell me more!\"
or
\"I help meeting planners deliver the best meetings anywhere on the planet.\"\"Oh? Tell me more!\"
or
\"I work with people who want to feel the adrenalinrush of receiving a standing ovation\" \"Oh? Tell me more!\"
As easily as you can respond to \"What\'s your name?\", you should be able to recite your elevator speech, and be able to follow up with several clarifying sentences. After that salesmanship takes over and off you go.
Think benefits. Work to get the \"Oh? Tell memore!\" response. And do it in two sentences or less.
For more about speaking and turning those no fee speeches into cold hard cash, get my article \"Speak for Free\" by sending a blank eMail to MailTo:Speak4Free@GetPaid2Speak.com
(c) 2005 BIG Mike McDaniel - All Rights Reserved -
BIG Mike has been a professional speaker for over 30 years and Chapter President of the National Speakers Association.
Big Mike works with people who want to become professional speakers.
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