Create Your Elevator Speech

 

Principles of a Values Focused Elevator Speech

 The Value Statement, often referred to an Elevator Speech for career transitions, is a way of introducing yourself that describes your distinct characteristics, such as personal strengths, experience, expertise and accomplishments. It is by its very design meant to be a short and succinct statement of what you have to offer – of what sets you apart.

Several principles of a high quality Value Statement:

1. It is designed for a specific purpose and audience. More than one version may be necessary. 

2. It is organized with a time frame in mind. Example, if giving an allocated 5 minute introduction at a professional meeting, then that would be the time frame. If casually meeting people at a networking meeting or otherwise introducing yourself in a gathering, the time frame is generally 30 – 60 seconds for the statement. Done well, it will lead to additional conversation. 

3. It projects a professional image.

4. It is descriptive. The listener can picture your value. 

5. It has a purpose. What do you want the listener to think, feel, know about you and why?

6. It has been practiced, but does not sound scripted.

Value Statement Content

• Who are you?

• What do you do?

• How do you do it?

• How will your abilities benefit the listener or others known to the listener?

• What do you want the listener to do?

Value Statement Development

1.      Create

Just start writing. Use MindMapping or other techniques for capturing whatever comes to mind as you consider your strengths, unique abilities and experience.

a.      Dialogue with a career specialist who can ask the right questions to bring out the value of your abilities and identify your uniqueness.

b.      In the absence of a career professional, it can be very helpful to talk to people who know you and know your work. They will often identify achievements and exceptional abilities that you have overlooked.

c.      Self Assessment is essential. Use the results of your Values and Accomplishments Assessments. Review your transferable skills. A Strengths Assessment may validate your self-identified unique characteristics.

2.      Practice:

Once you have created your value statement, try it out. Friends and/or appropriate colleagues can help with this. How does it feel to say it? What reactions do you get from others?

3.      Revise:

You may find a better way of saying what you want to say as you go along. And, if will be necessary to revise it for different audiences and purposes.