Have you ever been cornered by someone who launches into an Elevator Speech so bad it’s almost impressive?
Crafting a good Elevator Speech is crucial, but knowing what makes a bad one can help you avoid common pitfalls. Here’s a look at what not to do when giving your elevator speech.
1. Overloading with Information
Nothing screams "Bad Elevator Speech" like overwhelming your listener with a data dump. If you’re rattling off every detail about your work history, product specs, or business plan in 30 seconds, congratulations—you’ve lost their interest. Remember, less is more.
2. Vague and Unfocused
If your speech is as clear as mud, you’ve hit the jackpot for confusion. Don’t bother with a specific message or call to action. Instead, speak in abstract terms and use jargon that makes people’s eyes glaze over. The goal here is to leave your audience puzzled about what you actually do.
3. No Personal Connection
Who needs to engage the listener anyway? Dive straight into your pitch without any thought of who you're speaking to. Ignore their interests and tailor nothing. Talk at them, not to them. Make sure they feel like they’re part of a mass marketing effort rather than a personalized conversation.
4. Sounding Unenthusiastic
If you sound like you’d rather be anywhere else, your audience will wish they were too. A monotone voice and lack of passion are surefire ways to make your Elevator Speech memorable for all the wrong reasons.
In summary, a Bad ElevatorSpeech is overloaded with information, vague, impersonal, and delivered with zero enthusiasm. Avoid these pitfalls, and you’ll be on your way to crafting a pitch that actually works. But hey, if you enjoy being forgettable and misunderstood, keep doing what you’re doing!
On the other hand, if you want to deliver a Fantastic Elevator Speech, get my proven template! HERE!
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About the Author Fred E. Miller is a speaker, an international coach, and the author of the books, “NO SWEAT Public Speaking!” and “NO SWEAT Elevator Speech!”
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Fred Once again a interesting discussion about Elevator Speeches, in this case A BAD ONE. I was asked WHAT DID YOU SPEAK ABOUT? by someone I just met in an aisle of my regular PUBLIX grocery store. He had opened the door by teasing me about my picking up a bag of Nestle Crunch tiny bars. His opening line was "oh those are so good for you." it was a statement not a question not a criticism I undeerstood that by the smile on his face the fact that he looked me straight in my eyes and the tone of his voice, I continued our conversation Good in emotional ways Not so good in health ways. Then I opened the door to my GROCERY AISLE SPEECH (Elevator Speech) "As a professional speaker for over 40 years …