Everyone has a story to tell! ~ Chris Westfall

An elevator speech is a 30 second introduction to YOUR story.

It’s your golden opportunity to make an impact and impress someone important.

Recommendations for Elevator Speech by Univ of CA- Davis

Step One: Formulate Your Introduction

Greeting: Oh, hello, Mr. Smith.

Small Talk/Conversation Starter (optional): It's been a busy week, hasn't it?

Name(Shaking hands): My name is Irena Kadnikova.

Occupation: I am an Fine Arts student…

School/Company: …at Omsk University.

Tell about yourself, whatyou have to offer, how you can benefit your audience, the importance of your connection with him/her/company- how "they" fit into your vision, and why you are unique.

Step Two: Describe what you have to offer

Knowledge of the Business/Company/Person: I’m familiar with your company and its success rate for marketing new artists. Your company contributes 25% of its profit to global outreach -quite impressive.

Relevant Experience: In the last 2 years I’ve completed 15 commissioned artworks.

This is your chance to offer this person or company the best things they need to know about you.

How can you help them?

What are your qualifications?

What makes you unique?

Step Three: Why should he/she choose you?

Unique Skills/Interests: Last year, I painted a mural in my city for the Children’s Community Play Garden which raised $25,000 toward the Garden.

Project Future Success: Since then, I’ve received requests from galleries, individuals, and companies to display my artwork.

Hook: It looks like I’m going to be busy for some time, and I believe that partnering with your company will give both of us excellent opportunities to impact the art world and the community.

Clearly state that it would be in their best interests to bring you on board.

Remember: You only get one chance to make a good first impression!

Finally: What do you hope to achieve from this conversation?

Desired Outcome: Would you like to meet over coffee to review my portfolio?

Clearly state your objectives:

• Obtain a business card

• Schedule a future appointment

• Apply for a job/internship

• Interview successfully

• “Get your name out there” – Market yourself & your work

Quality Assurance Checklist

Do I sound relaxed and natural?

Do I sound professional yet amicable?

Was I too formal? Too informal?

Did I include all the pertinent information?

Were my objectives and vision clearly articulated?

How did it feel?

Was it successful?

• If so, how do you know it was successful? (i.e. clues? Body language? Tone of voice? Expressions? Clear invitation?)

So What?!

i.e. Why is your experience, your story, different and special?