Introduction
Nurse practitioners (NPs) should have various networking tools for professional opportunities. The tools include an up-to-date curriculum vitae (Hicks & Roberts, 2016) and a biographical sketch (Hicks et al., 2020). These two tools require a moderate amount of advanced planning and the adoption of work habits to keep the tools current. Another networking tool is the elevator speech. This networking tool is often overlooked. The elevator speech is one of the more straightforward tools, but, as with the others, the elevator speech does require advanced planning to create. Once created, maintenance is easily manageable.
The elevator speech
An elevator speech is a spoken interaction between an NP and another person. As a networking tool, the elevator speech seeks to link at least two parties. The elevator speech is a brief introduction and allows the NP to disclose capabilities and contributions. The amount of time to deliver the elevator speech is about the same time it takes for an elevator to ascend about 10 floors, hence, the name and the need for brevity. Therefore, the time constraints require that each word of the elevator speech be impactful and deliberate.
Essential elements
Elevator speeches share four common elements. The first common element is the hook. The hook is not a degree, but rather, the hook is an introduction that opens the conversation and contains at least two parts. The first part is your name, spoken slowly and distinctly (Sanfilippo, 2022). The clear articulation of your name allows the receiver to process the spoken words and associate your name with you (Freund, 2023). The second part can be a role or an accomplishment. Your significant accomplishment is a natural extension of your professional career. A successful introduction makes a great first impression.
The second element embellishes the hook and is related to why. Individuals use this section to elaborate on their accomplishments. That elaboration adds another dimension to the importance of the accomplishments. This section can be one or two sentences in length.
Moving to the third element, the focus here turns to one or two high-level findings or outcomes. There is a deliberate foreshadowing of major findings. When possible, use quantifiable metrics, as the listener can start to see the importance. On the fourth element, the example, the goal is to use language that can be understood. The spoken words allow the listener to form mental pictures and better understand the accomplishments.
The next section is about what you offer. In this section, first-person words, such as "I," "my," "we" are used to deliver the final part of the message. Using first-person words links the speaker and the listener. The subtle goal is to have the listener hear about the impact one additional time. This is the final content message.
The next to last step is the preclosing step. The speaker is approximately 80% through the message, delivering the who and what. The opportunity to restate the speaker's name exists in the preclosing step. Also, this step has the opportunity for one last declaration of the accomplishments. The final step is the closing step. The emphasis here is to end the speaker's portion and open opportunities for the listener to probe further. One effective strategy is to end with a question, thus allowing space to evolve organically (Sanfilippo, 2022). Alternatively, one could end the sentence with a call to action.
The planning part of the elevator speech and the essential elements is where you invest the time. Once you create responses to each element, you can thread your sentences together to create the final speech. Your final speech will be 5-10 sentences or approximately 150 words or less. Here is a working architecture with an example that demonstrates sentences developed for each of the elements. This example could be used when meeting an industry leader, a community member, an elected official, or stakeholder.
Example of an elevator speech
The elevator speech should leave them wanting more. You have yet to tell all your secrets and success stories (Peters, 2013). Telling those secrets and stories will occur during a follow-up meeting. Clapp (2011) wrote that the content of a memorable element speech should position you as a solution to a problem.
Practical tips for creating an elevator speech
Elevator speeches should have a natural flow when verbally delivered. The tone should convey enthusiasm and pride but not be overly boastful. A speech delivered without enthusiasm will not be received with enthusiasm (Tannahill-Moran, 2016). Speaking in short sentences, avoiding pauses (e.g., ahh, hmmm), and excess words, such as "like," are essential as your speaking reflects you. A soft tone or a too-loud tone would not be effective (Freund, 2023). Articulate the words carefully.
Once you have created your elevator speech, invest time in rehearsing. Practice and repeat the practice, so the speech rolls off the tongue (Tannahill-Moran, 2016). After all, you want the message receiver to care about you and what you did. You can record yourself on your phone and playback to listen for the smooth tone and quality of the words selected. Edit as needed.
Your body posture and gestures are equally important as the speaking tone. You must be relaxed when delivering your speech. Remember, you are smiling and maintaining eye contact with the other party (Peter, 2013). Smiles are universally recognized (Freund, 2023). Remain stationary with direct eye contact and avoid the bobbing camera head (Freund, 2023).
Your toolkit will require several elevator speeches (Tannahill-Moran, 2016). As the opportunities and audiences change, so will your speech. Some parts of the original speech may still work but be cognizant of when changing the key message(s) is necessary.
Summary
Opportunities abound for NPs to expand their network. Nurse practitioners should embrace these opportunities and be ready with an elevator speech. The elevator speech is just one of the professional tools at the NP's disposal. The speech quickly identifies who, what, why, and the implications. The tone, posture, and enthusiasm should resonate quickly with the receiver, leaving them to want to know more.
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