How to Craft a Memorable Elevator Pitch

How to Craft a Memorable Elevator PitchHow to Craft a Memorable Elevator Pitch3Are you ready to interact with a potential employer at any given time? Do you have a memorable elevator pitch? Sharpening your elevator pitch can be the difference between capturing someones attention and letting the opportunity go to waste.An elevator pitch serves as an introduction and first impression, says Ryan Brechbill, director of the Center for Career Professional Development at Otterbein University in Ohio. It immediately signals to the listener the candidates level of self-awareness, confidence, and purpose.While the exact content may vary due to who youre talking to and where (say, a recruiter at a job fair vs. a fellow alum at a reunion picnic), preparation remains key.To construct a memorable elevator pitch that leaves the listener wanting to continue talking, try these strategiesBrainstormWhat do you want others to know about you? What do you bring to the table that is unique or elendeworthy ? The mora you get to the heart of your true interests, skills, and experiences, the better youll be able to present yourself clearly and effectively to others.Be briefWith the average adult attention span roughly 8-15 seconds, it is critical to craft your elevator pitch in terms of conversational soundbytes rather than conventional statements, saysMatthew Randall, executive director of the Center for Professional Excellence at York College of Pennsylvania. Think more along the lines of a Twitter and Vine approach, rather than structuring your pitch like an email or voice mail.Avoid coming off as canned or cornyThe best pitches sound natural and conversational, so practice until you feel comfortable with the speech. Then, judge its effectiveness by giving it many times, seeing how others react, and tweaking appropriately. Likewise, watch that your desire to be catchy doesnt turn into being cheesy. Aim to creatively talk about yourself in a genuine manner.Consider listener and locale Increase the odds of capturing attention by keeping the needs of your audience in mind. Ask yourself what this particular person youre meeting might find interesting or useful. Similarly, the situation often plays a part in what you choose to say.A person at a networking event is likely to respond better to a straightforward approach of content and style than someone who you happen to strike up a conversation with in line at Starbucks. As Randall summarizes, Effectivesoundbytesare like Lego bricks They need to be interchangeable and customizable, according to the audience and context.Be welcomingFinally, how can you get your points across but not make others feel like they are being strong-armed? Be confident- not arrogant, and know the difference, Randall says. Stay focused on building rapport, not just selling your skills.And remember, even a great elevator pitch will fall flat if you dont speak clearly and make eye contact. Smile, relax, and let your best self shine throughReader s, do you have a memorable elevator pitch? Share your successful tips with us below in the comment section