An elevator speech is a brief spoken overview of an organization. Rather than falling into a list of activities a group may be planning or a verbal essay of the organization’s evolution, the elevator speech explains in broad terms the core focus of the movement.
The elevator speech is so named because it is meant to be delivered during the length of an elevator ride. Accordingly, it should be 30-90 seconds long and cannot be longer than two minutes.
A general outline for an elevator speech would be:
1. A Brief Explanation of the Movement – This includes the group’s purpose and also your involvement with your organization (think what & why)
2. An Overview of Your Group’s Work – What your organization accomplishes (think what, not how)
3. Call to Action – How the listener can get involved
The most successful, personalized elevator speech has two important characteristics:
1. Authenticity – This means sharing your passion for the organization and letting your audience in on your personal connection to the organization.
2. Relevancy – Relevancy requires you to assess your audience and address their specific interests and concerns. It also requires you to invite their personalized involvement.
As you work to make your elevator speech, think about what you want people to remember about your organization and what you want them to do. Then be sure to add your own story.