CREATING A GREAT ELEVATOR SPEECH
An elevator speech is a short (30-60 second, 75-150 words) sound bite that succinctly and memorably
introduces you. It avoids jargon and uses “every day” language. It spotlights your (or your
organization’s) uniqueness and focuses on the benefits you provide. It will inspire someone to ask a
question or to take action.
And it is delivered effortlessly. (So practice in front of a mirror!)
Elevator speeches prepare you for very brief, chance encounters in an elevator. But an elevator
speech is not just for elevators. You can use it whenever you want to introduce yourself to a new
contact. You could be in the supermarket, at a community meeting or getting your morning latte.
When preparing your elevator speech, think in terms of the benefits people receive from you. People
are always more interested in how you are helping them or their community than in your title or the
details of your job.
Boring, Boring, Boring
"Hi, my name is Rebecca Smith, and I’ve worked at
ABC Middle School for twenty years providing
nutrition education."
Much Better
"Hi, my name is Rebecca Smith and I help the
students at ABC Middle School make healthy food
choices at school and home. I have so much fun
teaching them and it’s amazing what I learn, too.”
Big Yawn
"Hi, I'm Bill Jones, and I'm a nutrition educator."
Interesting
“Hi, I’m Bill Jones and I teach moms how to make
vegetables taste so good that kids will gobble them
up. And the kids I work with like to take healthy
snacks to school. Would you like to be a volunteer?”
It’s All About Me
"Hi, I'm Diane Dane, and I'm a nutrition
educator. I’m a Registered Dietitian and I
have a PhD. in school administration.
(Who cares!) I've taught wellness classes
in a major urban hospital, been the
director of an international health food
company, and run nutrition classes for a
local fitness center. (So what!) I believe
that eating healthy can change your life.”
(Are you asleep yet?)
Focus on Benefits
"Hi, I'm Diane Dane, and I help families in
Big Town learn how to be healthy eaters
on a very tight budget. For example,
50% more kids at 123 Elementary bring
healthy snacks to school for class parties
and their parents are buying three times
more fresh fruits and vegetables than
they did last year…all while meeting
their food budget.
This material was funded in part by the State of Michigan with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by way of the
Michigan Fitness Foundation. These institutions prohibit discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age,
disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal and, where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or if all or part of an individual's income
is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the institutions. People who need help
buying nutritious food for a better diet, call the toll free Michigan Food Assistance Program Hotline: (855) ASK-MICH.
WRITING YOUR ELEVATOR SPEECH WORKSHEET
Using every day language, describe the benefits of your SNAP-Ed program.
Circle the one or two phrases that are most interesting.
Who does your program reach? (Use short, simple, friendly words)
Do you want to focus your elevator speech on one particular group of people? If so, circle it.
What fun facts can you share about what your program has accomplished?
If you want people to take a specific action, what is it?
Now, using the information above, draft your elevator speech.
This material was funded in part by the State of Michigan with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) by way of the
Michigan Fitness Foundation. These institutions prohibit discrimination against its customers, employees, and applicants for employment on the bases of race, color, national origin, age,
disability, sex, gender identity, religion, reprisal and, where applicable, political beliefs, marital status, familial or parental status, sexual orientation, or if all or part of an individual's income
is derived from any public assistance program, or protected genetic information in employment or in any program or activity conducted or funded by the institutions. People who need help
buying nutritious food for a better diet, call the toll free Michigan Food Assistance Program Hotline: (855) ASK-MICH.