The “elevator speech” (also called an elevator pitch) gets its name from the hypothetical yet decisive moment when you might find yourself with your top management in an elevator, where neither you nor your manager can escape.
In a few words, you must seize the opportunity to deliver a compelling and concise message on an important project, engage your manager, and plead for resources and support—all within a few tens of seconds.
This moment may seem rare, but it can occur at any time—during meetings, in hallways, or on a quick conference call. Preparation is essential. Therefore, it is crucial to consider how to present yourself and articulate your needs effectively.
By preparing in advance, you reinforce clarity and conciseness in any communication, whether with management or colleagues.
The elevator speech demands clear and concise argumentation, demonstrating your understanding and commitment to a project. It strengthens relationships with both management and colleagues who share common objectives.
As projects evolve, so must your speech. Preparation is ongoing. Deliver it with sincerity and simplicity, reflecting genuine passion.
Tone matters: start neutral, add tension when sharing concerns, shift to positive when explaining solutions, and close with enthusiasm when requesting support.
If not interrupted, keep going. If interrupted, continue gradually through the sequence:
Share the context and who you are: “I am…, currently working on…, or developing…” This is a concise introduction by role, not a CV. Tone: neutral.
Share challenges and/or risks: e.g., “Competition has introduced new…,” “The market is evolving quickly…” Tone: tense, engaging.
Propose solutions and opportunities: Explain how challenges can become opportunities and highlight actions underway. Tone: positive and focused on impact.
State the support you require: The elevator is about to stop. Clearly explain what decision or support would help. Be realistic and concrete. Tone: enthusiastic and engaging..
The “elevator speech” is short, crisp, and impactful. Scope your message carefully and provide a clear request at the end. Done well, this moment becomes memorable.
For more insights:
Wikipedia: Elevator Pitch (background and history)
The Balance: Elevator Speech Examples (career-focused examples)
Job-focused speeches differ from the approach here, which creates excitement about opportunities for the company, not just the individual.
An elevator speech is a concise yet powerful summary of a project, designed to gain attention and support. Always be prepared—your boss or colleague may ask about your work at any moment, giving you the chance to showcase your expertise and knowledge of the business.
They are often used interchangeably. Elevator pitch is common in job search, while elevator speech often refers to business or project communication inside organizations.
Most effective elevator speeches are 30–60 seconds—enough to provide context without losing attention.
Keep it updated, use clear language, and adapt tone and body language to the moment.
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The Elevator Speech is a valuable tool in itself. To develop and articulate its content, you should brainstorm the different components of your message. Various techniques can be used for this process. The greeting should be personalized, but is typically brief—simply stating your name and role within the organization.
When preparing the core of your speech—covering the challenge, your solution, and the need for support—be concise and well-prepared. Engaging in detailed discussions about the solution can easily lead to spending too much time on specifics. To stay focused, leverage the “Value Ladder Tool” introduced in the Solution chapter – Solution Perceived Value – and always ask the fundamental question: “Why is this important?” This approach helps you view the Elevator Speech from the other person’s perspective and evaluate whether your message will be impactful from their point of view.
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