Need an Elevator Speech . . . Going Up?

One of my recent posts, I discussed ways to use the introduction of the story format to be the basis for one’s elevator speech.  Being an member of LinkedIn, I thought I would pose the question, “In your opinion, what are the ingredients to a great elevator speech or 30 second info-mercial for a networking event?”

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Now that you have completed Act 1, you have identified the setting, the protagonist (who should be your audience), the pain the protagonist is experiencing, the desired outcome and the solution to get there.  You have established the tone and focus of your message.  You have established an emotional connection with your audience.

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Every story has three parts, a beginning, a middle and an end.  We can thank Aristotle for that concept.  As children we loved stories at bedtime and by the camp fire.  As adults, that love affair has not dwindled.  We love stories and it is an effective way of communication since humans have been using stories as a way of communicating for thousands of years.  Many people say that they can not tell good stories let alone write them.  This series of blogs on writing a script will be based on Cliff Atkinson’s “Beyond Bullet Points” book which I use with my work and think it is a very valuable tool for anyone who is serious about improving their presentation performance and effectiveness.  I strongly suggest you purchase the book and keep it close by as a reference tool. I will spend the next series of blog entries talking about the first part of the story telling process, the beginning.   The story script template can be found on Cliff’s blog.

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Olivia Mitchell posted a blog on June 2 titled,  “Why the stickiest idea in presenting is just plain wrong.” In this post she stated the following:

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Conducting a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities & Threats) Analysis is a common marketing tool in business today.  A SWOT is often done annually during the planning exercises for the next fiscal year.

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When is the only time you can sit through a performance and enjoy the luxury of not having to pay anything until you have seen the whole show and are satisfied with the performance?  It is the cold call or any sales call for that matter.  Think about it.  You pay big dollars up front to go to a movie and it could be a stinker.  You go to a concert, play, amusement park or any other entertainment venue and you have to pay up front. 

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I have contributed to and have been following a blog by Olivia Mitchell, “Speaking About Presenting” where she asked for her reader’s opinion on What would you like to see in PowerPoint slide design in 2009?   I have often wondered if other cultures thirst for better presentations and communications. 

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My dear friend Olivia Mitchell has invited me to participate in writing a post to discuss what I would like to see in PowerPoint design in 2009.  Olivia drew inspiration for this group writing project from Laura Bergells‘ blog Maniactive.  So my wish list for PowerPoint in 2009 is as follows: 

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