Memorization is Key

When was the last time you actually memorized something???  I'm sure many of you are not enthused about the prospect of having to memorize your Elevator Pitches.  However, as Chris O'Leary points out in his book, Elevator Pitch Essentials, memorization of an E-Pitch (and a lot of practice) will ensure that the points you planned on making will be made AND made in the way you planned. What are the different ways in which you can practice your E-Pitch?

• In front of a mirror
• Video-tape (you can use Tegrity on your computer)
• Ask a buddy to help
• Any others?

You should practice your E-Pitch many times, in different scenarios.  For instance, once you think you've got the E-Pitch down pat, play some music in the background.  Have the TV playing.  Most likely, when you are delivering your pitch, it will not be completely silent and you'll need to get beyond the noise (and the distraction).

Where to start?  To begin, jot your ideas down.  Then put the ideas into sentences.  Order doesn't matter at this point.  Just get things down on paper.  You WILL re-write the pitch MANY times before it's in its final state!  Remember the "9 C's" as you begin putting things together.  Try not to put too much into 30 seconds (or 60 as the case may be).  You may have to throw out some things.  Remember the goal of an E-Pitch ...

THEN, write your Summary Sentence.  The Summary Sentence should COMPEL the listener into staying in the conversation.

Good luck and have fun!

Practice!