Today’s Tip: Is Your Elevator Speech Taking You to the Penthouse or the Outhouse?

I've had the unfortunate opportunity to listen to far too many lackluster "elevator speeches" in which the speaker appeared to act just as happy that it was over as I was.  Their speech was not only boring, but I had no idea how I could help them because the only thing they accomplished was to confuse me.

When you develop your elevator speech, make sure it accomplishes the following:

1. Introduces you in a memorable - and positive - way. Will the person remember you one week later? Did you leave a lasting impression? A week from now, when they hear about an open position in which you would be an ideal candidate, will they even remember you?


2. Talks about your unique capabilities and separates you from your competition.


3. Focuses on what you will do (for the right company) and not a lot of what you did do - that's for the resume.


4. Speaks in a manner that appears natural and not forced or memorized. Also remember to leave out the jargon/ "technicalesse"/"geek speak". Your targeted audience will not be able to help you if they can't understand what you can do for a company.