The Elevator Speech

The term Elevator Speech refers to the time it takes for you to enter an elevator at the ground floor until you reach your desired floor. In that time you should be able to “sell” your nonprofit to those riding the elevator with you.

This same speech can be used at chamber mixers or other networking events. Your speech should grab attention and say a lot in a few words. Tell your listener who you represent, what your NPO is interested in doing, and how you plan to accomplish your goal.

Practice your speech and be ready anytime you encounter an interested listener. The speech should sound effortless, be conversational, memorable and if possible include a hook. The hook in the speech below is “parents with young children.” The ending tells the listener the positive goal.

Xyz organization is a transitional housing program for families in crisis who are homeless. We would like to expand our capacity to eliminate our waiting list and allow families in our care enough time to find affordable housing. We plan to build an addition on our current home so our communities most vulnerable, parents with young children, can rebuild their foundation for success.

An Elevator Speech can also be used to sell your self during a job interview.