How do you develop a thirty-second personal introduction that will engage someone? The questions in your audience's mind are: Who are you? What do you do? And how does this impact me? These are the most important issues to address.
Here are some tips to help you get started: 1.
Script your 30 seconds, write exactly what you want to say, rehearse it, edit it and use someone you trust as a sounding board.
In 30 seconds there should be no wasted words.
Answer the questions, Who are you? What do you do? What does that mean? Example: "We are a learning and development company.
(What does that mean?) "Our business is designing and facilitating processes that enable out clients to develop the substantial competitive advantage they will need to succeed in the future.
" 2.
No Jargon, when you say who you are and what you do, it must be stated in words that are clearly understood.
When you use titles or industry specific terms not everyone will know what you mean.
Such as, I am a "Factor" instead of, "I buy account receivables from businesses needing operating capital.
" Don't assume others are familiar with your industry terms.
3.
Be yourself, project what you believe; you must own what you are saying.
Be credible and you will gain trust.
Use words that are yours, examples are given here, however, you need to develop what works for you.
This is not one size fits all.
4.
Less is more, be brief, the elevator pitch should be focused and targeted to your audience.
My closing comment is always, "Developing potential, producing results".
This says what I do and the outcome of the process.
If the comment creates interest, they may ask, "What type of results"? Now you have an opportunity to ask what kind of results are they looking for and you can focus your response to your client's testimonials that are appropriate.
5.
Ask Questions, when you deliver your elevator speech, you will create an opportunity to now ask questions of your audience.
You have shared things about yourself, now be prepared to find out more about them.
6.
PREP, be prepared, pull all the steps together with PREP; Plan, Rehearse, Edit and Psych.
You should be able to adapt your elevator pitch to any given situation.
Do the research and know your audience, this will focus your comments to their interest.
You have only 30 seconds to make a favorable impression; your powerful introduction will earn you the right to continue.
Remember the Broadway concept of OPEN BIG, CLOSE BIG.
Be prepared to make that positive first impression.