Adrian Trenholm

Craft a 30 second elevator pitch… for someone else

January 28th, 2006

Jason Womack (GTD Coach, triathlete and all round good guy) joined Donna and me for dinner last night and we had a great time. Among other things, we talked about an improv principle that Johnnie Moore uses a lot: “make the other person look good.” Jason liked the idea, but suggested that it need not be limited to improv.

In fact, Jason has prepared a thirty second “elevator pitch” for each of his loved ones and colleagues. So now, when Jason talks about or introduces his wife, for example, he does so with a succint, positive “pitch.” A brilliant, and very generous idea.

If you are unfamiliar with the concept, Collegegrad.com provides a simple explanation of elevator pitching and a nice sample script , and there is a frighteningly thorough guide to personal elevator pitching at wikiHow (via Recruiting.com ). Those suggestions might seem a bit impersonal, especially for introducing a loved one, so be sure to play round with your pitch.

In How to distinguish yourself in a crowded marketplace , Michael Lovas advocates making elevator pitches relevant to the listener and introducing some kind of visual metaphor.

Probably best not to get too hung up on how - just prepare some good things to say about your nearest and dearest, then go out and make them look good.

Thanks, Jason. Have a good flight home.

Entry Filed under: Speaking , Marketing