Ten Second Tease – 3 Methods for Crafting the Ultimate Elevator Speech

So  you’ve probably heard of elevator speeches before. You know, a speech that you could blurt out if you had 20 seconds on an elevator with someone. In theory, this should give someone an overview of what you do.

Let’s be real here, shall we? Most people don’t care about your elevator speech. When introduced via a typical elevator speech most people have already zoned out and are thinking about the best route to the snack table.  Admit it – You do this too!!  If you use those precious few seconds of introduction to rattle off a resume you’ve wasted an opportunity to make a memorable impression.

You know what else no one cares about??  Your job title.  The majority of the time, job titles do not tell you that much information – especially if the person is working in a different industry.  So sharing your title alone does not really do much to pique the interest of others.  It is often the starting point, but do not get lazy and think this is the end of it.

Also, no one wants to hear a speech.  People do NOT want to be talked TO.  Booooooorrrrring!  They want to talk WITH interesting folks.  So let’s not think of it as a speech or a chance to lecture someone on what you do, ok?  Ok!

Instead, shift your thinking to the goal of the elevator speech.  When someone says you, “So, Tell me about yourself,” think of it as an opportunity to hook them.  Make them curious.  Make them ask more questions.  The purpose of your elevator speech should be to entice the other person to want to get to know you.  THIS, my friend, is how you make an impression.  And THIS is why I like to call it a Ten Second Tease.

Ten Second Tease Methods

“Ok, I get it, Ash. Make it memorable. But how?”  Glad you asked, friend!  Below are my best methods for Ten Second Teases for technical folks, why they work, and the steps for crafting your own! To make it even simplier, I’ve created a free downloadable worksheet for creating your own Ten Second Tease Elevator Speech.  Get it here!

Ten Second Tease Method 1: Awesome!

This method of spicing up your elevator speech is focused on sharing what is awesome about your job. For this method, the discussion would go something like this:

Person You Just Met: “So, What do you do?”

You: “Oh man, my job is AWESOME! I get to …[insert awesome job details here]…”

The Awesome! Method for me sounds like this:

“Oh man, my job is AWESOME! I get to travel the world on charter jets helping engineers and scientists make a bigger impact.”

Why Awesome! Works

This Ten Second Tease elevator speech method is so effective at engaging others because people want to talk to (and work with) interesting, positive people. It allows you to share something super fun while demonstrating your expertise. Also, if you express it correctly, it just screams, “Ask me more!”

Ten Second Tease Method 2: Problem-Solver

This tried and true Ten Second Tease elevator speech method describes a problem and solution to communicate what you do.  For this method, the discussion would go something like this:

Person You Just Met: “So, What do you do?”

You: “You know how…[insert problem here]…. ? Well I ….[insert your solution here]…. to fix that.”

The Problem-Solver Method for me sounds like this:

“You know how engineers and scientists get a bad rap for their social skills? Well I help debunk the stereotype through leadership development training”

Why Problem-Solver Works

This Ten Second Tease elevator speech method is especially effective for technical folks who work in complex fields, because often people can relate better to the problem.  By framing your introduction as solving a problem, you are helping the other person better relate to what you do, while also demonstrating that you are a problem-solver ( and who doesn’t like that?!?).

Ten Second Tease Method 3: Passion

This Ten Second Tease elevator speech method gets right to the heart of you by describing your passion, followed by how you are actively pursuing that in your current role.  For this method, the discussion would go something like this:

Person You Just Met: “So, Tell me about yourself?”

You: “My passion is…[insert passion here].  I am currently pursuing that passion by ….[insert your passion work here].”

The Passion Method for me sounds like this:

“My passion is teaching.  I am currently living that passion by teaching engineers and scientists how to get their expertise used.”

Why Passion Works

This Ten Second Tease elevator speech method gets right to heart of who you are – and as such it makes it easier for people to relate.  It also is such an impactful way to catch someone’s attention.  Similarly to the Awesome! Method, it demonstrates that you are enthusiastic – a trait to which others are drawn.  Again, people do not care what you do – they care who you are.  By being so upfront with who you are (through your passion), it will encourage the person you are talking with to open up more also.

What is extra great about the Passion Ten Second Tease method is that it also communicates what you would be looking for in your next role. While how you pursue your passions sometimes shift, your true passions do not change that often throughout your lifetime.  So even in those first few seconds of meeting someone, you’ve already shared with them a key aspect of what makes you thrive in a role.

Ready to make a great first impression?  Download the free worksheet to guide you through the process of customizing your own Ten Second Tease Elevator Speech.

In upcoming posts, I’ll share the tips and steps in using these methods!  Stay tuned!