We want to make a difference.
We want to make change.
We all have powerful personal stories, life stories, passion,
empathy, and we give a damn.
This is who we are as Public Advisors.
It’s who we are.
Where we come from.
Our experiences.
And we influence by sharing our experience through networking.
THE ELEVATOR SPEECH
An Elevator Speech Pitches:
Who you are
What you have to offer WIIFT
And how they can help WIIFY
HOW DO WE INFLUENCE – As Public Advisors, we are already influencing because we all have our own stories and life experiences. You are influencers, here’s why:
- You are authentic – living your own life and being who you are, truth – we have that from our life experience.
- We are great listeners – as PA’s we don’t just care about our own story, we listen to other PAs, our community, the people we care for.
- By being an expert, an authority in our own field of interest – research. As PA’s we bring a wealth of life and work experience.
- By sharing your story because your story makes you different, unique, authentic, relatable, real, truth, empathy – We all have a personal story to tell and a reason for being PA’s, this is what brings us together and unites us and gives us the authority. Personal stories give us influence because our stories help others and this is how we lead by example. We want to see people like us in PA roles from all backgrounds with all kinds of life experiences.
- Reach out to others who have stories and influence and give them praise, positive feedback, say why their story moved you. It’s a warm and fuzzy experience to give and receive praise. Show them they are important and be kind.
- Know your audience – influence in-person, telephone, email, or social media. And the way that you present yourself needs to reflect your influence and who you represent.
CONFIDENCE COMES FROM BEING PREPARED
3 Ways:
RESEARCH
REHEARSE
GOALS
RESEARCH
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
Focus intently on the person or group you want to influence. Find out:
- Who they are
- How they do things
- Their common goals and differences
- Reach out for advice from others who have had past experience with the person or group
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help
Being prepared shows you are genuine and you care
Dish out praise – a little flattery will go a long way
How do we Present Ourselves?
INFLUENCING
IS ALL
ABOUT
PRESENTATION
REHEARSE
HOW WE PRESENT OURSELVES IS JUST AS IMPORTANT AS WHAT WE HAVE TO SAY.
SHOWING OUR BEST SIDE IS A PERFORMANCE AND TAKES PRACTICE.
COMMUNICATING CLEARLY, WITH CONFIDENCE AND INFLUENCE TAKES PRACTICE.
- Write down what you want to say and read it out loud over and over.
- Practice your ES in front of the mirror. Is it clear, are you standing or sitting straight? Are you looking directly at you face? Is it a friendly face?
- Use your mobile phone or zoom to record your ES on video or audio. Be critical. Are you using eye contact? Are you clear in what you say? Are you friendly and approachable? Do you look like someone who knows what they’re talking about and who really cares?
- Grab a family member, friend or PA and rehearse/perform your ES and learn from honest feedback.
GOALS
TAKE YOUR ELEVATOR SPEECH OUT ON THE ROAD
Set goals to share your influence in the format you’re comfortable with.
Example:
- Approach 5 attendees at a conference – specific names and groups you have researched previously – information swap
- Email 10 MPs about a current debate
- Telephone 3 corporations about an issue
- Tweet 25 accounts to promote what you do
FINAL PERFORMANCE
- Research – Breakout Group – you should have an idea about the members of your Breakout Group
- Goal – direct your Elevator Speech to someone in your group
- Know your audience – edit your ES accordingly
- Rehearse – deliver your ES
The group can critique on the following:
Do they speak clearly?
Are they direct?
Are they warm and friendly?
What is their body language like? Eye contact, sitting up straight, etc.
Are they interesting and knowledgeable?
Are they listening attentively to your critique?
By
Ginger Liu (C)
