Summer gives me time to catch up on all the reading I wish I made time for during the year. In an October 2011 article in Toastmaster magazine entitled ‘The Elevator Speech,” I saw some good reminders about summing up your essence to get people’s attention.

Why should you care about an Elevator Speech?

Elevator Pitch – Sell Your SIZZLE in 1 Minute!

Because every day, your non-profit is competing for the attention – and dollars – of the public. Being able to wow folks with WHAT you do, WHY you do it, and HOW you’re the best will help others see the value in helping you and your cause.

The article laid out 3 steps applicable to summing up either your organization’s purpose or your role in supporting this organization.

STEP ONE:  Describe yourself (or your organization) as a solution to a problem faced by those you serve. The most important part is the 1st sentence.

“At ABC Organization, we provide ___________ as a solution to the issue of  __________.”

STEP TWO:  Capitalize on the power of storytelling. Tell a brief anecdote, a signature story that reveals the Aha! explanation, either for why you do what you do, or how the way you do it is so exceptional.

“I got involved with ABC Organization when I saw  _____________ and I realized ___________________.”

or

“At ABC Organization, we’re the only provider of ____________.”

STEP THREE:  Conclude with an open-ended question. Worth noting, this author suggested that the crucial way to close your summarizing statements is to switch gears and change the focus to your listener. Since your ultimate goal is to find commonalities and invite a larger relationship, engaging the other party by expressing genuine interest can open this door.

We live in a soundbite world.

Right now, I challenge you to take 1 minute and practice selling YOUR sizzle! Being a better communicator will bring greatness more easily into your life and your day.

STEP ONE: “At ABC Organization, we provide ___________ as a solution to the issue of  __________.”

or

“I provide solutions to (type of people you help)_______________ by (kind of service you do) ______________________.”

STEP TWO:  “I got involved with ABC Organization when I saw  _____________ and I realized ____________________.”

or

“At ABC Organization, we’re the only provider of ____________________.”

STEP THREE:  “And what is it that YOU love to do?”