elevator speech research

Tell your public health story: Tips for giving a powerful elevator pitch

An elevator pitch (or elevator speech) is a concise, compelling summary of your public health story that can be delivered in the time it takes to ride an elevator. It’s your chance to make the case for why your work can usher in a better, healthier world for us all. This tipsheet includes the tools and strategies public health leaders need to create an attention-grabbing pitch.

Constructing your elevator pitch: 8 tips

• Tell them who you are. Keep it crisp and relevant; just a sentence will do.
• Use a compelling hook. Grab your audience’s attention right away. Try a surprising fact , a thought-provoking question or a compelling one-sentence description of your problem .  
• Focus on the why. Once you’ve hooked the audience tell them about the major question or problem you are studying—and why it matters.
• Pick a pattern. Try for example, the problem-solution pattern, in which you define the problem, diagnose it, then offer your solution.
• But think like a highlight reel. In a short talk you can’t drill down deep into your methods or share every single new detail. Share only your 1 or 2 most important or surprising findings, depending on the length of your elevator pitch.
• Stand out. In a pitch >60 seconds, articulate how your research is distinct from others’.
• Conclude with a vision of the future. Leave them inspired by sharing what your work could (eventually) make possible.
• Make it universal. An elevator pitch is typically directed at a broad audience, so tailor your language accordingly: Speak conversationally. Use short sentences. Get rid of the acronyms. And delete the jargon —it’s a barrier to understanding and to action, no matter who your audience is.

Don’t forget to practice

• Try it out on a nonexpert. Practice with your neighbor, a friend—someone outside of your discipline. Ask them to write down what they heard. Use that feedback to revise your pitch so that it meets your communication goals.
• Maintain eye contact. It helps you make a connection with your audience and keeps them invested in what you are saying.
• Don’t forget tone and body language. They can help you tell your story .
• Show enthusiasm. If you don’t seem excited by your work, why would anyone else be?

If you use slides….

• One slide = one point. No slide should support more than one point.
• Write slide titles with purpose. Your audience should be able to follow the logic of your talk merely by reading the slide titles. Think of each slide title as the headline on your slide’s story. So ditch the label (“Results”) and turn it into a memorable assertion (“Integrated mental health care dramatically curbs medication use”).
• More visuals, less text. If people are reading, they aren’t listening. Look for ways to replace text with images — photos, big numbers, charts, schematics, etc.
• Take time to make your data compelling. Distill figures down to only what’s required to understand your conclusion. Take time to think about what kind of chart is right for the job . You can use a tool like Flourish to try out different options.

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Deconstructing the Elevator Speech

You've spent weeks, months, and maybe even years working on a research project. You know why this project is important and what your next steps will be, but are you prepared to explain all of that to the next person who asks you about your research? You should take some time now and create an elevator speech to pitch in these situations.

So what is an elevator speech?

In a research setting, an elevator speech introduces you as a researcher, your research questions, and the significance of your research. Because an elevator speech is short, typically 30 seconds to 2 minutes, it is a great way to introduce and share your research with others at formal networking events, academic conferences, casual conversations, or even during an actual elevator ride.

Ultimately, your elevator speech should provide a 'hook' and make your listener want to know more about your research!

Basic Components of an Elevator Speech

Below is a visual representation of the basic components of an elevator speech. Each 'floor' corresponds to a different part of the elevator speech.

You can click the elevator buttons and read more on what should be included in that particular section.

Check out some quick video examples below by clicking on the tabs:

Who - Introduce your name and identities as an academic and researcher.

What - Share your research topic and question.

Where - Explain where you are doing your research.

Why - Help people see the importance of your research.

Delivering an Elevator Speech

It's important to focus on your audience when delivering an elevator speech. For instance, if you're pitching your research project to a general audience, it's a good idea to define or leave out technical or disciplinary terminology. Similarly, be sure to define acronyms and use everyday examples or analogies to help your audience understand key concepts that may be unfamiliar to them.

Remember that in an elevator speech, it is important to keep it simple and to the point. State your research topic, report your findings, and convey the significance of your work.

It's a good idea to write out a draft first and read it out loud a few times to make sure it flows and is of appropriate length.

And most importantly, practice delivering your elevator speech a lot. This will help calm your nerves so you don't freeze up when you're about to share your research with others. To make your elevator speech not sound robotic, it's a good idea to memorize key points of your research rather than a full script.

And lastly, be enthusiastic. Recall what first sparked your interest in your research and be sure to convey that to your audience.

What's the difference between an elevator speech and an abstract?

Although both serve to present your research and its significance in a concise manner, elevator speeches and abstracts differ in format and purpose.

Note: If you've already written your abstract for your research paper, you can use it as a starting basis for your elevator speech. You can think of your elevator speech as a more condensed version of your abstract. Remember, the main purpose of the elevator speech is to engage your listeners so they're interested in learning about the details of your project.

Related Resources

• Deconstructing the Elevator Speech (Handout)
• Research Abstracts (Tutorial)
• Sharing Your Research (Workshop)

About this tutorial

Contributors.

Taylor Harper , Caitlin Meyer , Undergraduate Research Centers

https://uclalibrary.github.io/research-tips/research-tips/deconstructing-the-elevator-speech/

Learning Outcomes

• Describe the elements of an effective elevator speech
• Sketch an elevator speech
• Distinguish elevator speech from research abstract

The Core Competencies for Research and Information Literacy at UCLA

• Share the work and engage with audiences

Research Fair success: Elevator Speeches

• Presentation Boards/Posters
• Elevator Speeches
• Dress and Appearance

The best Research Fair presenters have a ~2 minute “elevator speech” prepared and practiced, ready to say to guests of their presentations.   

This page presents some helpful tips and ideas to think about when creating the spoken part of your presentation.

What's in an Elevator Speech?

Your elevator speech should focus on the main findings of your project or the main goals of your creative or practical experiences.  Two minutes is short, so you won’t have time to mention every small detail.  Allow your guests to lead further discussion with their questions.

Let your poster help!

Use your poster as a visual tool to guide your elevator speech.  Refer to graphs, images, figures, and charts, if you include them.  But don’t read your poster word-for-word to your guests.

Another tip?  Attach a piece of paper with a basic presentation outline to the back one of the outer flaps of your display board.  You can discreetly refer to it if you get caught speechless and forget your lines!

Make the most of it

View every interaction as one that can make a difference.  Always be ready to give your attention to your viewer(s) – they might be a future collaborator or a future professor. 

Interact with the viewers and be courteous; include others if they approach and want to hear your elevator speech and the follow-up conversation.

Be Prepared for Questions

Guests to your presentation will probably have lots of questions!  Depending on the type of project or experience featured in your presentation, you might hear questions like these:

• What was your primary research question?
• Did your results surprise you?
• What was it like to work in a group on this project?
• What would you do differently if you would repeat this project/experience?
• What was the best part of your internship/experience?
• What is your favorite creative media?
• What would you do differently if you repeated your project/internship/experience?
• Where will you go from here, now that you’ve completed this project/internship/creative portfolio?

Be Acronym Aware

Beware of using acronyms and jargon as you speak. Assume your audience has a limited understanding of your area of work, and so they might not understand abbreviations or shortened words that are part of the terminology of your research topic.

Practice, Practice, Practice!

Successful Research Fair presenters will rehearse their 1-2 minute presentation speech several times before the day of the Fair.  You can try any of these strategies:

• Record yourself with your phone in selfie mode or with your laptop's webcam.
• Stand in front of your mirror. 
• Practice in the shower. 
• Practice in your car.
• Give your elevator speech to your roommate, a professor, your family, or friends. 

Practice more than you think you need to; your fair experience will be better for it.

Making Conversation

Make good eye contact with visitors to your table.

Acknowledge visitors with a smile, and offer your elevator speech.

Be mindful of time; don't be overly chatty if you know you're a talkative person, and encourage chatty visitors to visit other displays if it seems they're staying too long.

Work with your neighbors to help keep the flow of visitors moving comfortably.

What if I'm Stumped?

If you don’t know how to answer a question from a Research Fair guest, don’t try to fake it.  Instead, be confident in your response!  Here are some ways you can respond to a tough question:

• "That is outside of the scope of my project.”
• "I didn't consider that perspective in my research."
• “That’s a new idea for me; how would you respond?” 
• Offer to follow up with the guest if you’re interested in the guest’s question (but don't feel obligated to do that)

Want some more help?  Here’s a small collection of academic websites offering poster presentation guidance, including elevator speeches!

Poster Presentation Tips (Northern Arizona University)

The Elevator Pitch: Presenting Your Research in Conversation (University of Notre Dame Graduate School)

How to Plan Your 1 Minute Pitch (Loyola University of Chicago Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program)

The contents of this page were adapted with permission from  a research poster presentation guide  created by Louisiana State University. 

• << Previous: Presentation Boards/Posters
• Next: Dress and Appearance >>
• Last Updated: Jan 22, 2020 10:45 AM
• URL: https://libguides.bluffton.edu/rfsuccess

Build Your Educational Elevator Speech

Purpose: Scholars will reflect on their academic experience so far and learn the essentials of an elevator pitch so they can formulate and use their own.

Elevator Speeches

The elevator pitch is your time to shine and be memorable. It is a concise oral statement of your name, research or graduate interests and graduate school goals. It is an informal affair that occurs when you briefly encounter a scholar or graduate school recruiter at a reception, hallway, or elevator, etc. You can also use it for introductions around a table at mealtime.

Essentials of an Elevator Speech

• Your name, major and undergraduate institution.
• What graduate degree, or topic area, you want to pursue in graduate school.
• The topic of your research and the issue you are investigating.
• How your research impacts the discipline.

Strategies to Stick to

• Avoid jargon if possible and frame it in a language that is accessible to a wide range of educated people.
• Keep it under 2 minutes.
• Use active voice and action verbs.
• Create direct eye contact with your listener.
• Be enthusiastic
• Practice often

 Elevator Speech Resources

For more tips on how to craft an effective elevator speech visit the presentation from the University of Notre Dame below, watch the youtube video by The Intern Queen, or consult the other video to the right created by Stanford Life Design Lab.

Training from a Graduate School

Scroll through the PDF to learn more about creating your elevator pitch from The Graduate School at University of Notre Dame.

Learn to identify the differences in pitches, or your audience. Your elevator pitch will be used in many scenarios that requires a few tweaks:

• Faculty Research pitch
• Graduate School Fair pitch
• Group Interview pitch
• Conference pitch

 Examples of Elevator Speeches

Click the arrows below to find AAP scholars reciting their elevator speeches that they utilize at conferences.

Click “Play” to hear an example of an elevator speech. Debraliz describes her career career goals by explaining her research and graduate program interests.

Click “Play” to hear an example of an elevator speech. Gisselle explains her graduate school and research interests.

Click “Play” to hear another example of an elevator speech. Victor promotes his passion by explaining the connection between research and his career goals.

Click “Play” to hear another example of an elevator speech. Lianne tells us which graduate programs she’s interested in applying to. This elevator speech is great for graduate school fairs!

Click “Play” to hear the last example of an elevator speech. Yerika’s describes her graduate school goals.

Suggested Assignment s

Assignment #14

Build Your Educational Elevator Speech (Reflection)

Purpose:  Scholars will reflect on their academic goals and how to succinctly articulate who they are and what they are looking for in a graduate program. For assistance schedule a visit with AAP Peer Advisors . Instructions: Build Your Educational Elevator Speech (Reflection)

Save Your Work : Complete the assignment by typing in the boxes in the PDF below and downloading the document for your records.

Assignment #15

Creating and Practicing Your Elevator Speech

Purpose:  Scholars will create their elevator speech, then practice by recording it or delivering their speech to someone else. For assistance schedule a visit with AAP Peer Advisors . Instructions: Create and Practice Your Elevator Speech

Instructions for navigation

Prepare for graduate school now by marking this topic complete: click the “ Mark Complete ” button below in the bottom left hand corner to keep track of the topics you’ve completed. Then, click the “ Next Topic ” button below in the bottom right hand corner to move onto the next topic within the lesson.

If you are following the application elements curriculum, follow the Quick Learn icon to the right to the next topic in Personal Statements.

My Speech Class

Public Speaking Tips & Speech Topics

Elevator Speech [Outline + 13 Examples]

Jim Peterson has over 20 years experience on speech writing. He wrote over 300 free speech topic ideas and how-to guides for any kind of public speaking and speech writing assignments at My Speech Class.

Capturing your background, skills, and objectives into a short and clever elevator speech can be difficult. How do you know what to keep and what to leave out? How do you make an impression in such a short time?

Standing out with your elevator speech doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little practice, you’ll gain confidence in introducing yourself at a job interview, career fair, and, of course, on an elevator ride! Here’s a quick guide to help you craft the perfect pitch along with several elevator speech examples.

In this article:

Tips for Creating a Good Elevator Speech

A sample elevator speech outline, checklist for fine-tuning, elevator speech examples.

The elements that make up a great elevator speech outline are pretty straightforward. You need to describe who you are, what you do, and what your goal is. While the elevator speech template stays the same whether you’re speaking with a potential employer or a sales prospect, you might add other elements to match your unique situation.

Here are a few tips for crafting your personal elevator pitch:

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Get your audience blown away with help from a professional speechwriter. Free proofreading and copy-editing included.

• Keep it 30 to 60 seconds long.
• Use persuasive speech to spark your listener’s interest.
• Showcase your qualifications or skills.
• For a sales pitch, try starting with an open-ended question.
• Describe who you help and what problem you aim to help them solve.
• Be ready to customize your speech to fit your target audience.

Whether you’re a business owner preparing for a networking event or a job seeker attending a job fair, you can benefit from perfecting a succinct and effective elevator pitch. A go-to elevator speech comes in handy when you’re introducing yourself to new people in general. Have a business card on hand and ready to deliver as well.

Your elevator speech can also provide the right content for social media bios or a resume objective statement. This statement represents your personal brand, so keep it consistent across all social media channels.

Be sure to practice your elevator statement over and over so that you’re able to deliver it naturally, even in a moment’s notice. If you’re stumped for ideas, draw from the elevator speech examples listed below.

This model suggestion plan assists you to avoid creating a sales pitch. It must be  from  your mouth and supporting body language gestures, and  about  your skills and abilities. Use each idea to write one short powerful sentence.

The 10 speech topics I will explicate right now in the next paragraphs are primers to write a carefully planned and prepared presentation that grabs attention and says a lot in a few words.

Remember: tweak till it fits your personality and decisive nature.

ABOUT YOU 1. Smile to your counterpart, and open with a statement or question that grabs attention: a  hook  that prompt your listener to ask questions. 2. Tell who you are: describe you and your company. 3. Tell what you do and show enthusiasm.

WHAT DO YOU OFFER 4. Tell what problems have solved or contributions you have made. 5. Offer a vivid example. 6. Tell why you are interested in your listener.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS 7. Tell what very special service, product or solutions you can offer him or her. 8. What are the advantages of working with you? In what do you differ from competative companies?

HOW DO YOU DO IT 9. Give a concrete example or tell a short story, show your uniqueness and provide illustrations on how you work.

CALL FOR ACTION 10. What is the most wanted response? Do you want a business card, a referral or an  corporate appointment for a presentation after your elevator speech ?

OTHER BUSINESS QUESTIONS

These are other points, questions and business subjects you could ask:

• Who is your target?
• How large is your market volume?
• How do you make profits?
• What are the background, major milestones and achievements of your team?
• Who are your competitors, how do they solve a problem? What is your strength and advantage compared to them? What is your Unique Selling Proposition?
• Are there special patents or technology? Do you have a special approach in client management? And so on.

STEP 1: First write down all that comes up in your mind.

STEP 2: Then cut the jargon and details. Make strong short and powerful sentences. Eliminate unnecessary words.

STEP 3: Connect phrases to each other. Your elevator speech address has to flow natural and smoothly. Do not rush, keep eye contact all the time and work steady to the grande finale: the call to action.

STEP 4: Memorize key points and practice out loud – test it with a close relative in the safe environment of your home.

STEP 5: Have you really answered  the  key question of your listener:  What’s In It For Me?

STEP 6: Create different versions for different business situations of your elevator speech. Note them on professional business cards:

Perfect your own elevator presentation by learning from others. Here are a few effective elevator pitch examples to help you craft your own:

1. Job Seeker Elevator Pitch Example

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JH0Thez9gvA

You run into all kinds of people at the elevator, even a hiring manager. This sample elevator speech is a good example for those looking for a job interview. It shows how you can highlight your skills and experience even when you’re caught off guard. Notice how she also has a business card ready?

“I’m excited to hear back because the position helps me to use my brand management and social media skills…”

2. Recent Graduate Great Elevator Pitch

This is an excellent example for those who recently graduated with a bachelor degree in business. Notice that she states exactly what she’s looking for – an internship or job opportunity. In just 41 seconds, she states her experience, skills, and some good details about her personality that make her the perfect job candidate.

“I hope to incorporate my business knowledge into consumer trend analysis and strengthening relationships among consumers…”

3. College Student Personal Elevator Speech

This college freshman opens with her interest in the company. She states her major and reflects on high school experiences, also sharing relevant awards she has won for her skills.

“I’ve gotten awards for my leadership skills and I’m very involved with my college…”

4. Personal Brand Elevator Pitch Template

This college graduate pitches his personal brand through stating the skills he acquired in his education, the type of job he is looking for, and why he wants to work in that type of job. He offers a good mix of talking about his own experience while also focusing on how he’ll help clients. He ends his speech with the call to action of directing his audience to his website.

“I strive to lead a team on various projects one day.”

5. Personal Brand Pitch with a Personal Touch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_paOrg5Zpg

Video pitches are becoming increasingly popular for those looking to connect with brands online. This college student’s personal brand sales pitch stands out because it opens and closes with inspirational music. She explains her personal promise and future plans to receive her master degree.

“I promise to always bring positivity to the table and to remain hard working and dedicated no matter what the task.”

6. Business Plan Effective Elevator Speech

This example is perfect for a small business owner looking to pitch a product. The speaker opens with a compelling situation that appeals to his target market, offers his solution and details the features and benefits, announces his promise, and states his objective – all in 51 seconds.

“Don’t let frost bite your buns. Get the hot seat!”

7. Small Business Elevator Speech Sample

Opening with an interesting fact of how much Americans spend on fishing each year, the speaker follows up with an open-ended question to immediately grab audience attention from her target market. This is a great example of a sales pitch to investors, as the speaker outlines her plan for marketing her product and making their ROI (Return on Investment).

“Our goal is to revolutionize the economics of fishing in favor of the customer.”

8. Financial Advisor Elevator Speech

Ron Coleman explains who he is as a financial advisor, who he works for, and what exactly he helps his clients do. Additionally, he explains the type of people who benefit from his services.

“I’m confident that if given the opportunity I can provide you with the service and the coverage you need in order to protect your business, you, and your family from a variety of different risks.”

9. The Career Fair Elevator Pitch

This funny elevator speech example is the perfect model for a job seeker attending a job fair. The speaker highlights the importance of expressing interest in the company by acknowledging their work and asking a related open-ended question. Of course, lead with your own experience and skills that are relevant to the company representative whom you’re speaking with.

“I read on your website that you are the only company that has increased efficiency by employing mannequins. Can you tell me a bit more about that process?”

10. Good Elevator Speech for Speed Networking

This example from a holistic marketing mentor shows how you can sum up who you are, what you do, and the people you can help in one quick and savvy sentence.

“I help wellness professionals find additional revenue streams so that they can help more people and live a life of ease and grace.”

11. Extreme Sale Pitch Example with Iron Man Jericho Missile Test Scene

Sure, you might not ever get the opportunity to pitch a missile system, but you can take away a lot from Robert Downey Jr.’s confidence as Iron Man. Notice how he opens with a thought-provoking question, offers his guarantee, and humbly ends with a bonus.

“That’s how Dad did it, that’s how America did it, and it’s worked out pretty well so far.”

12. Don Draper’s Funny but Effective Sales Pitch

This funny elevator speech example shows the importance of using a tagline for your personal brand.

“From a basket of kisses she picks one. It makes her unique. It colors her kiss. And her kiss, well, it colors her man. Mark your man.”

13. Real Estate Elevator Speech Example

This is the perfect elevator pitch example for real estate agents. Stacy talks about what she specializes in and highlights her experience in the real estate industry.

“If you know of someone who is looking for a real estate agent in the metropolitan Kansas City, Missouri area that is professional, knowledgeable, and technologically savvy, that’s me!”

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15 creative elevator pitch examples for every scenario

A good elevator pitch can be the difference between landing your next big opportunity or falling short of the competition. But the reality is, people want to have meaningful conversations without the forced sales pitch. So how do you pitch yourself during a job interview or client meeting with authenticity? 

First things first: What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch, also known as an elevator speech, is an opportunity to share a quick summary of yourself and your product offerings. But a pitch can also be your chance at making a real connection that you can use later down the road. It’s not always an immediate benefit, but you should be prepared for any scenario in which you could be giving an elevator pitch. 

In reality, most people have given an elevator pitch whether they realize it or not. That’s because there are many different types of pitches—from interviews to new business opportunities. That makes preparing for your next pitch an important step in marketing both yourself and your company. 

When it comes to figuring out who to deliver your pitch to, you should aim for the best point of contact, not just the highest point of contact. Choosing connections that are related to or interested in what you’re offering will give you a better chance at making your sale. 

How long should an elevator pitch be?

One of the biggest unknowns about creating sample elevator pitches is how long they should be. In most cases, it will depend on what it’s about and who you’re pitching. A good rule of business etiquette is to make it as short as possible by carefully selecting the most important points. 

A study conducted by Microsoft found that the average person has an attention span of around eight seconds, meaning you’ll have to fight for that undivided attention. That’s no small task. So when it comes to a great elevator pitch, aim to keep it around 30 seconds—though the exact length can vary depending on your industry and what you’re pitching. 

When looking at pitch length based on industry, each one differs to some degree. Let’s take marketing for example. Your pitch opportunities will likely be to customers that come across your brand. And in that case, you have very little time to get your message across—whether it’s text, video, or imagery. But when it comes to sales, you may get the opportunity to expand your elevator pitch past 30 seconds. You will likely have plenty of networking opportunities where people are more than willing to listen to what you have to say. It really just depends on your medium and the audience’s eagerness to listen. 

But what if you can’t cut your elevator pitch down to 30 seconds? It may seem like your brand is too complicated to distill down to such a short timeframe, but if you’re pitching to the right audience you shouldn’t have that problem. Make sure you pitch to people related to your industry or a tangential audience that will be able to interpret your offerings. 

How to write an elevator pitch 

When it comes to writing an elevator pitch, it can be hard to decipher important facts from unimportant ones—this is why knowing how to effectively communicate in the workplace is important in the first place. For example, while it’s good to personalize your communication tactics wherever possible, it’s not necessary to give prospects an entire history lesson on your business. Only the most recent and relevant details should be included. To get started creating your own pitch, you first need to understand the basic components that make up any good elevator pitch.

Introduce yourself

All good pitches start with a short introduction. It could be as simple as stating your name and who you work for if those details apply. But the more personal you can make it, the more natural your elevator pitch will seem. Body language is also an important part of a solid introduction, as is eye contact. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when introducing yourself to a new prospect. 

Greet your audience in a way that’s appropriate for the occasion. Go formal for a business pitch or more casual for a fun event. With business meetings and networking events being held virtually, you’ll need to get creative with your introductions over video chat. You could even start with a lighthearted joke to break the ice. But whatever you do, make sure it’s relevant to your audience. 

Present the problem

All solutions start with a problem. Whatever you or your business is trying to solve, it’s important to get the point across early on in your elevator pitch to set the theme for the rest of your speech. An example problem: coordinating work between teams is chaotic.  

If possible, relate the problem back to your audience by using real-world examples. This will help make the problem more relevant and, hopefully, grab your audience’s attention. If your problem isn’t easy to explain, try using more than one example or a visual to really paint a picture for your audience. 

Offer the solution

If the problem is what draws the audience in, then the solution is what hooks them. This is your time to show them why they need your help. Here’s an example solution: Asana gives teams a system to organize and manage work so they know what to do, why it matters, and how to get it done.

The solution is arguably the most important part of an elevator pitch, so spend time perfecting it. If you’re pitching for a business, it’s likely the quick solution pitch has already been created. But again, it’s always better to personalize your pitch. So don’t be afraid to tweak it to fit your audience. If pitching for yourself, talk about the unique skills you’ve developed and why they would be beneficial to your prospect. 

Explain your value proposition

Now that you’ve piqued your audience’s attention, it’s time to seal the deal by explaining why your solution is better than anyone else's. An example value proposition is: Asana is the only platform that connects goals with the work needed to achieve them. 

The value proposition differs from the solution by focusing on why your audience should use your solution over a competitor’s. If you don’t have that answer just yet, perform a competitive analysis to compare your offerings or look to your executive summary. 

If your market is extremely niche and you don’t have a clear differentiator or significant competition, look to communication and interface capabilities. Consider why your idea or solution is original enough that someone would want to use it.   

Engage the audience

While most of the hard work is done, it’s important to engage your audience with a compliment or question before you part ways. Always err on the side of being genuine rather than delivering a scripted goodbye. 

There is no right or wrong way to engage your audience. While ending with a question can create a dialogue between you and your audience, a genuine compliment can go a long way. Think about what made you want to pitch them in the first place and use that to end the conversation. Lastly, don’t forget to swap contact information, such as a business card, if you don’t already have it. 

A foolproof elevator pitch template

Now that you know the basic components of a pitch, the next step is creating your very own elevator pitch. This template can work for just about any situation, from a job interview to pitching a small business or startup. That’s because we analyzed some of the most famous templates from industry experts—from Harvard research to Guy Kawasaki’s art of pitching—to create a foolproof template that will work in any situation. 

Plug your information into our elevator pitch template to draft a quick speech. While you won’t necessarily recite it word for word, it’s a great model to keep in mind in case you find yourself in a position where you’re not prepared with a personalized pitch.

Whether you’re looking for a pitch template for a job interview or for pitching your business, this template is a foolproof example for any situation you might find yourself in. 

General elevator pitch template

Use our elevator pitch template to start constructing your speech by adding statistics and personalized greetings where needed. This template incorporates the four parts explained above to hit all of the important details of a good elevator pitch. 

Introduction : “Hi I’m [name], a [position title] at [company name]. It’s great to meet you!”

Problem : “Since you work with [company name or industry] I figured you’d be interested to know that [problem + interesting statistic].”

Solution : “The great part about working at [your company’s name] is that we’ve been able to fix just that problem by [solution].”

Value proposition : “In fact, we’re the only company that offers [value proposition].”

CTA : “I think our solution could really help you. Are you available this week to speak further on this?”

Don’t be afraid to change up your pitch template based on your personality and professional expertise. We’ve also included personalized 30-second elevator pitch examples below to inspire personal facts you can add to create a more engaging speech .

30-second elevator pitch examples

Let’s dive into the best 30-second elevator pitch examples to help you create a pitch that’s both engaging and informative. Our examples take inspiration from the four elements included in the template above, to demonstrate how you'd pitch project management software to  increase productivity . Try a few or try them all to find one that best fits your personality and value proposition. 

Example 1: Short and sweet

This example is one of the most common you’ll come across. That doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s the best, but it’s a great example of a quick and easy pitch that fits almost any situation. When working on this type of elevator pitch, be sure to keep it as short and to the point as possible. Try to stick closely to the 30 seconds or less rule since the point is to be brief and transparent.

The problem is that work is chaotic no matter what industry you’re in or how good you are at your job. But a good project management software can help improve productivity and communication. I haven’t missed a deadline in years. If you’re interested in how it can help your team, give me a call and I can take you through some numbers. 

Example 2: Relatable over reliable

Sometimes the best way to grab your audience’s attention is to reel them in with a personal anecdote they’ll relate to. While it’s still important to drive home your solution, this approach puts more weight on making a personal connection rather than an immediate sale. 

It’s so great to finally meet you. How is business going? I heard you’ve been struggling with communication issues. My team and I struggled with that too. It wasn’t until we added project management software into our routine that we really saw an improvement in teamwork and overall communication. I hope you find a solution that works for your team. 

Example 3: Savvy with stats

Start your pitch off with a hook by dropping an attention-grabbing statistic. It’s important to have hard data to back up your statistics to ensure their accuracy before pitching. When it comes to a statistics pitch, it’s a good idea to come full circle at the end and connect how your solution can help solve that statistic.  

Did you know that despite having more ways to connect remotely, 60% of workers’ time is spent on work coordination with just 26% spent on skilled work and 14% on strategy? No wonder teams need help with project management. Implementing project management tools can decrease time spent on work coordination and help increase skilled work.

Example 4: Question everything

This example uses questions to make your pitch easily comprehensible. It also forces the audience to join in on the conversation rather than just presenting them with a speech. Try starting and ending with a question that makes the audience think about your pitch long after you leave the room.

Do you ever feel like you spend too much time on work about work? I’ve talked to so many people who share the same frustrations. I used to work long hours every day just trying to catch up. But do you know what? Ever since we started using project management software, I've been able to get so much more work done. Have you tried anything similar in the past?

Example 5: Comedic twist

If your pitch isn’t about a serious topic, you can add comedic twists to engage the audience. This is especially useful if giving a presentation. Add a GIF or quick funny clip in between slides to lighten the mood. If using this example, be sure it fits the occasion and tone of your company. 

Did you know that the average person can only pay attention for eight seconds? That’s not even long enough to place my coffee order in the morning. Maybe that’s why my barista always gets it wrong. But seriously, I think that’s why so many companies struggle to hit deadlines. 

Example 6: Tell a story

Use customer testimonials or your own personal story to paint a picture for the audience. This can be especially helpful if your topic is hard to explain in 30 seconds or less. Telling a story is a great way to add a relatable twist. 

We have a customer that transitioned to a fully remote workforce this year and needed help making sure deadlines were met. With our help, they were able to get up to 10% of their time back in their day and focus on more important things like strategic planning.  

Example 7: Emotionally driven

While this type of pitch may be more difficult to create, you have a better chance of winning over your audience if you can make your pitch emotionally driven. It’s also more likely they’ll be willing to share the experience with someone else down the road. It’s important to keep the emotions on the lighter side to prevent the conversation from steering too dark. Here is an example to inspire your own speech. 

It may seem like any other tool, but when you look closely it really is helping teams connect. And not just that, but it’s helping cultivate teams that actually enjoy working together on new projects. That’s something that’s hard to come by, but something everyone is looking for.  

Example 8: Write it first

While most speeches start by writing a general outline, you can opt to write the entire pitch from start to finish. This tends to create a thought-provoking and poetic flow once you do present your pitch. You’ll have to memorize this pitch, so practicing is a key element to this strategy. 

Hi, my name is Kelly! It’s great to meet you. You work for Apollo Enterprises, right? I’ve heard a lot about them. I actually heard that you’re looking for project management help. In my experience, any organization—whether sales or suppliers—needs help coordinating work and team communication. Work can be rather chaotic, especially now, without it. That’s why we’ve created a software tool that helps both individuals and teams organize their projects and communications all in one place. Have you ever thought about using something similar?

Example 9: End with a one-liner

Making a grand exit doesn’t come easily, but if you can pull it off your audience is sure to be impressed. Stay away from cliche one-liners and make your closing authentic to you. The point here is to leave them with a thought that they’ll remember after the meeting is over. Consider sharing a surprising statistic or question relevant to their business.

Over one-quarter (26%) of all deadlines are missed each week because of a lack of clarity. But with the right project management tools, that number could be much lower. So the question is, can your business afford not to use project management software? 

Elevator pitch examples by scenario

Now that we’ve covered the types of pitch examples, let’s dive into example elevator pitches for different scenarios. Whether you’re pitching for your business or yourself, you can use an elevator pitch to organize your thoughts and prepare for the real deal. Let’s look at key tips for any situation you may find yourself in. 

Example 10: Networking event

A networking event is probably the most common scenario you’ll run into. And with the new virtual-first culture, it may be even more challenging to make meaningful connections over video chat. That’s why it’s so important to prepare an elevator pitch that’s compelling no matter where you’re pitching it from. While most salespeople pitch casually in this environment, you may get the opportunity to meet an important executive. In which case, you’ll want to be prepared with a versatile pitch template. 

Great to meet you, I’m Kelly with Apollo Enterprises. We’ve been able to improve productivity and collaboration for teams all over the world. If you ever need help with project management, just reach out. I think we could make a huge impact on your company. I’ll make sure to keep your contact information handy as well. 

Example 11: Job interview

Looking for a new job or have career fairs coming up? Most interviews—whether with human resources, a recruiter, or a hiring manager—start with some form of the phrase, “Tell me about yourself.” This is an opportunity for job seekers to briefly explain themselves and their professional experience using industry buzzwords and key skills. Having an elevator pitch ready can ensure that you’re prepared when the opportunity presents itself. 

I’m Kelly, a specialist at Apollo Enterprises. I chose a career in project management because I had a passion for it, and now I can proudly say that I’ve been able to make a real difference in people’s lives. That’s why I’m looking to continue my career with an employer who shares those same values. I know my unique skills can make a big impact at your company because I’ve proven my results with a few key projects. 

Example 12: Formal meeting

You’ve landed the meeting, congratulations! Now is the time to create a formal elevator pitch to really get them interested. When presenting a formal pitch, a presentation can be a great addition to traditional elevator speech examples. But whether or not you choose to create a presentation, this meeting is about selling your product in the most professional way possible. So dress the part and don’t forget your unique selling proposition. 

I took a look at your current productivity figures and noticed an opportunity for improvement. With our project management software, you could get back up to 10% more of your workday. Not only would that mean more work getting done, but it would also have a positive impact on the overall success of your business. Not to mention, our tool is the only one in the industry that has goal capabilities to ensure teams stay on track. 

Example 13: Sales pitch 

Professionals often pitch traditional sales jargon, but the real key is creating a human connection while lightly sprinkling in what you’re selling. Start with a personal story or light-hearted introduction instead of the typical sales presentation. You can also prepare by creating sales team goal templates to ensure your team is on the same page. 

Our team really struggled to transition to a remote workforce. Communication wasn’t organized and people struggled to find the correct information to complete projects. But, thankfully, we found a solution to our problem. Implementing project management tools not only improved productivity but also improved overall teamwork. Every company prefers different tools, but I can say without a doubt that our software was the best at connecting goals with the work needed to achieve them. 

Example 14: Social introduction

Now, more than ever, professionals are choosing to meet virtually rather than face-to-face. Whether you’re chatting over LinkedIn or have a virtual meeting set up, it’s important to make your pitch personal and use clear visuals to help sell your point. Here’s a great example of a social media pitch. 

Thanks for connecting! I noticed that your competitors are outperforming you when it comes to year-over-year growth. I took the liberty of doing a competitive analysis and didn’t find any outlying problems. I’m wondering if it could be an issue with productivity. How has the transition to remote work been? If you’re interested, I could run you through some productivity figures if you were to add project management tools to your current processes. 

Example 15: Entrepreneurs and business owners

Pitching to a business owner is much different than pitching to an executive. They can be harder to sell because they are often hesitant about new investments. The most important tip is to use examples as they pertain to the business when explaining a problem and solution.  

I love your products at Apollo Enterprises. I’m a huge proponent of your mission. I did realize that there may be some opportunities to improve productivity and collaboration internally. Have you ever considered project management software? I think it could have a big impact on business growth now or even down the road. 

4 tips to perfect your elevator pitch

In addition to creating the perfect elevator pitch, you should also work on sprucing up your delivery. There’s nothing worse than sitting through a boring speech, so make sure yours is anything but. From posture to tone, there’s a lot you can practice to make sure you look professional and knowledgeable. Consider these four tips when trying to nail a successful elevator pitch. 

1. Stick to your outline

To prevent getting off-topic, it’s important to stick to your outline at least to some extent. While you don’t need to recite it word for word, it’s best to memorize the majority of your pitch. That way you won’t need to worry about checking your notes. 

2. Speak slowly and clearly

Many professionals tend to talk quickly when they’re nervous—hey, we’re only human. But it’s important to enunciate and speak slowly so the audience can understand you. This is especially important when presenting over video chat. But try not to slow yourself down too much or you’ll go over your allotted time. 

3. Record your pitch

Record yourself reciting the pitch to work on any areas that need improvement. Practice your pitch a handful of times by playing the recording back and working out any pain points. A couple of key areas to focus on are speed and tone. It’s better to sound overly energized rather than monotone. 

4. Practice, practice, practice!

There’s nothing more effective than practicing your pitch until you’re able to recite it in your sleep. If possible, practice in front of friends and family to get constructive feedback on how you can make your pitch even better. Even if you have years of experience, you can never go wrong with being overly prepared. 

Elevate your first impression with an elevator pitch

An elevator pitch is a chance to show off your strengths and pitch your solutions. While it may sound nerve-wracking, using the 15 elevator pitch examples above will help you develop your own method using personal tidbits that tie into your innovative solutions.

While your pitch is an important part of leveling up your business, there are many avenues you can take to achieve growth. One of those ways is by determining whether project management vs. work management tools are right for your team. Not only will they help connect your team members, but the right tools and software can also help your organization set strategic goals. That means more time spent on bigger projects to help your business reach next-level growth. 

Related resources

Grant management: A nonprofit’s guide

How Asana uses work management to optimize resource planning

How Asana uses work management for organizational planning

Solve your tech overload with an intelligent transformation

Can You Describe Your Research in 30 Seconds? 60?

As scientists, we become engrossed in our own scientific world. We focus on graduating, publishing a paper, or writing that grant application. Our labs, quite literally, become our world. Which is why we all know the glazed looks in the eyes of non-scientific people who had the misfortune of asking us what we do. As soon as we’re asked about our favorite subject, we launch into a long, drawn-out explanation. A minute later, we lose our audience’s attention. Explaining our research clearly and succinctly is where the concept of the elevator speech comes in.

The Art of Scientific Communication

Although we all strive to become wonderful scientists, we often overlook the invaluable ability to communicate our science to others. Yet, we all want to share our work with our friends and family, who may not be scientists.

Every day we converse using scientific jargon with our colleagues to the point where we don’t recognize jargon as jargon anymore. Learning how to communicate scientific research without using jargon and in an easy-to-understand way takes a lot of skill and practice.

The Elevator Speech

The idea behind the “The Elevator Speech” for you to describe what you do to anyone in 30-60 seconds and have them walk away understanding it. The name is in reference to being able to explain what you do during a short elevator ride.

The elevator speech doesn’t have to be a one-size-fits-all talk. You can and should tailor your speech to scientists and non-scientists. For example, you could have one speech that you give at parties, one for your parents and family, and another for speaking with other scientists at meetings or symposia. The most important part of the elevator speech is that your comfortable with giving it. You should practice and polish your speeches, so that you can rattle them off with the ease of the best-trained actor.

Focus on the Impact of Your Research

Keep in mind that most lay people (and even scientists outside of your specialty) want to know the impact of your work. Will it lead to new pathways? New therapeutic targets? The impact of your research should be the focus of your elevator speech.

Besides being the life of the party, your elevator speeches can serve as motivation during difficult times in the lab by reminding you of why you’re doing this research in the first place.

Good Communication Skills Are a Must for a Successful Career

Developing the skills to explain your science is critical for success as a scientist. Remember that all grant applications have a Significance section, where you can really get reviewers excited about your proposal. Showing prospective postdoctoral advisors that you can explain your graduate work reflects the ability to sell your science and, therefore, the fundability of a promising young scientist. These skills will also be important if you decide to move into industry, where you will often interact with non-scientists who make business decisions based upon how well they understand your projects.

The best payout of good communication skills for starving graduate students or postdocs is, of course, vendor swag . Your elevator speech will get you all sorts of goodies at vendor fairs, because you’ll have quick conversation starters to the “What kind of research do you do?” questions from sales reps that get them all kinds of excited to shower you with shirts, gift cards, and Nalgene water bottles.

Developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills and performing good science are critical to be good scientists. But building the skills to communicate our science in a cogent manner to others is just as important for a successful scientific career.

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Elevator Speech: An Effective Way to Communicate Your Work

Have you heard about the concept of an “elevator speech”? It’s a brief summary of who you are, what you do, and your career or project goals—with an emphasis on brief . Imagine running into the CEO of the dream company you’d like to work for, while waiting in line for coffee or taking an elevator: you will need a well-planned “pitch” that you can deliver concisely, clearly, and with confidence. Your elevator speech is an abbreviated version of your response to the common job interview question, “Tell me about yourself.” Having a well-prepared pitch to share at a moment’s notice is essential to grabbing your audience’s attention—and to leave them wanting to learn more about you. An elevator speech is also easy to tailor to different audiences, once you have your first draft done.

Basic rules to follow:

• Keep it short (30 seconds to 2 minutes).
• Capture the person’s attention early and state your goals clearly.
• Focus on the WHY. It conveys the big picture and the importance of your work.
• Consider the audience: don’t use jargon or acronyms that your listener may not understand.
• Tell your story with enthusiasm.
• Make it personal: it is about you, your work or research, your strengths.
• Leave some room for the imagination. People will definitely ask follow up questions, if they are interested in learning more about you.

Invited by the Office of Postdoc Affairs, Dr. Mike Matrone, Associate Director for Office of Career & Professional Development at the University of California, San Francisco led a workshop on this topic in late August 2019. To help you get started on drafting your elevator speech, below are example prompts from the workshop.

An easy way to start drafting your elevator speech: Example 1: You’re interviewing for your dream job, and are expected to answer, “Tell me about your research”.

• I am a ______/ I study_____

Supporting Details

• My question is…
• My approach is…

Findings & Conclusion

• I discovered that ___
• This is important because ___
• In the future___

Example 2: You’re a speaker at TEDx Seattle.

Bottom line

• My name is ___ and I am a ____.
• Did you know___? / Every year___
• I found that___
• This is significant because ___
• I did this by___
• Nuggets of what’s next.

Last but not least, the elevator speech is not something you can make up on the spot. It’s important to think ahead, prepare a draft, and practice your delivery. Practice is always the key to success. Practice with peers or mentors, or come to our office hours for feedback. In addition to the examples above, check out the following informational resources on crafting an elevator speech.

• UCSF Mission in a Minute
• Elevator Pitch – Career Network for Student Scientists and Postdocs at Yale University
• How to write a PhD Elevator Pitch – Academic Positions
• Communication: Two minutes to impress – Nature Jobs
• Can You Describe Your Research in 30 seconds? 60? – BiteSizeBio

Animal Research

Updates and breaking news, subscribe today for the latest updates and breaking news, developing an elevator speech for discussing animal research.

But despite our extensive knowledge and experience with this topic, discussing our work with those outside the field can be daunting. We’ve all attended social gatherings and struggled to decide what to say when asked “What do you do for a living?”  

In many cases, we respond with a generic (AKA safe) answer. “I’m a health researcher at company X,” or “I work in a lab at university Y.” And while we feel guilty for not sharing more, we’re also wary of getting into a heated discussion. Here’s the thing: The approach of providing a general response is convenient. But, it has not helped our cause.  

According to recent polling data provided by Gallup, public support for animal-based studies continues to remain a serious concern. Data gathered in May 2021 shows that a little more than half of adults in the U.S. (52 percent) say they believe the use of animals in scientific research is morally acceptable. According to that same poll, 44 percent said they do not think it is acceptable. The most recent data from the Pew Research Center came in 2018 (notably, prior to the COVID-19 outbreak). That data suggested only 47 percent of Americans support animal research with 52 percent against it.    

There is a silver lining buried within Pew’s polling data however. Those with an increased understanding of science or those who have accomplished higher education levels are more likely to support animal studies. That being the case, it is our shared responsibility as members of the scientific community to increase public understanding of science.

But how does one begin? How can you develop an elevator speech for discussing what you do for a living? Here are a few tips.  

Consider Your Audience

Before discussing your work with someone outside the field, consider what you know about the person across from you. Are they somewhat familiar with health science or the research process? Have they been personally impacted by serious illness? Do you know if they likely have biases for or against research? If you work for a well-known company, how has news coverage influenced their opinions of the organization?  

One good way to start is with a question. “I work for company X. Are you familiar with what we do?” Then, let their answer inform what you say next. Provide background as needed and correct or acknowledge any challenging information they share.    

Also, consider whether there are parallels that you can draw between the listener’s occupation or experiences and the science.  

Start with the Goal

Once you have a better feeling for your listener’s background, explain in general terms what your lab is studying and why. Tell your story using the “inverted pyramid,” the same style adopted by journalists. Start with a general headline, then provide more details. This approach is a good one because it gives the listener an opportunity right away to understand the overall goal of your work. You can then go on to explain how animals are required to seek answers to the important scientific questions being asked. Using the inverted pyramid structure to explain what you do also allows you to gauge the response of your listener and address questions or concerns in a logical order.  

Avoid Jargon  

Like any other complex field, the science community loves acronyms. But remember, shorthand speak means nothing to the general public. Even common acronyms like “NIH” might require some background information. “Are you familiar with the National Institutes of Health? They are the federal agency that determines what research should be publicly funded.”

In addition to avoiding acronyms, be sure to define medical terms and when in doubt, ask questions. “Do you know about…?”  

Define Basic vs. Applied Science if Needed

It’s also important to remember that many Americans do not understand the research process. For instance, some might believe health research and product safety testing are the same thing. This is why it is important to define your research if needed. If you work in a basic science lab studying weight regulation, explain it. “We are trying to learn the mechanism in the brain that triggers feelings of hunger in order to assist those combatting life-threatening weight issues. The findings in our lab might one-day be used to develop new medications.”    

Remember, It’s a Conversation, Not a Speech

One common error is to forget that you are taking part in a conversation and not delivering a monologue. Don’t go too fast. Pause and allow the person you are speaking with to ask questions. Good communicators realize it’s not a race to get your message out. Instead, it’s an exchange of thoughts, ideas, questions and answers.  

It’s OK to Share Feelings

For decades, those involved in animal studies were advised to keep their emotions to themselves. We’ve heard research opponents make emotional arguments. We then, responded with logic. The problem with that approach is that for many, animal studies are an emotional topic. And this is not news to those who work in labs. You recognize the importance of the questions being asked and the need for animal research. At the same time, you understand there is a tradeoff. It’s completely natural and human to acknowledge this. Too often, members of the public incorrectly assume researchers do not care about animals. Therefore, we must be willing to share our conflicted feelings when we have them. We must also highlight there are systems in place to ensure the benefits of research projects outweigh any negative impacts on animals.    

  Don’t Be Afraid of Tough Questions  

Some members of the research community may be completely comfortable talking about what they do. It’s the questions they fear. Do animals die as part of your research? How can you do that? Do you feel guilty?

These kinds of questions are actually quite rare. However, if they come up, acknowledge what was asked and then respond. Also, if a loaded word or phrase is used, avoid repeating it. “Good question. Some animals need to be humanely euthanized as part of our work. Here’s why….” It’s completely OK to say things like “I would not do this if I did not recognize the need.”  

Learn from Your Interactions…and Practice

Finally, learn from your previous discussions. Was there a phrase or word that generated a negative reaction? Why? Did I go too fast or make incorrect assumptions about the person I was speaking with? Think about what parts of the discussion seemed to resonate. Also, recognize that you are not trying to “convert” the listener. Instead, you are trying to help them understand what you do and why.      

Finally, practice. Prepare with your partner, family members or even with your kids. By far, youngsters ask the toughest questions. If you can respond confidently to questions from an unfiltered ten-year-old, you can probably talk to just about anybody.  

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Research-to-Practice Highlight: Promoting Career-Readiness among Low-Income Students

May 1, 2024

by Jennifer Harvey, Joseph Kitchen , PhD, and PASS TEAM

Preparing low-income students for a successful career path is crucial, and career preparation is one of the key reasons why students pursue a post-secondary education. Research conducted as part of the PASS project identified several key approaches that facilitate the success of low-income students as they navigate their career path in college, highlighting the integral role of support from campus leadership, faculty, and practitioners. These key career development practices ranged from adopting asset-based, validating approaches to career support to comprehensive, ecological approaches to major and career development that are shown to increase student success .

While the PASS project identified several key approaches that successfully support career development, many low-income students face significant tensions as they navigate what it means to be a career professional — which is often rooted in middle- and upper-class, White, masculine behaviors, language, dress, and norms that do not always resonate with their own lived experiences and social class backgrounds. This inspired several PASS project researchers, including Rosemary Perez , Genia Bettencourt , Liane Hypolite , and Ronald Hallett , to explore the professional socialization process for low-income, working-class students who were engaged in career and professional preparation as part of a college support program.

They found that career and professional preparation often highlighted ways to stand out, compete with peers, and focus on a narrow, formulaic set of skills, behaviors, and dress – including how to eat in a professional setting, how to shake hands, what to avoid talking about in professional settings (e.g., race, religion, political affiliation), and strict, gendered expectations for formal wear in a professional setting (e.g., suit for men, dress for women) that were normative and not universally relevant to all professions. Several recommendations for practice were developed as a result of this research that highlighted asset- and equity-oriented ways to support low-income students as they navigated career and professional development.

Jennifer Harvey of the University of Nebraska Kearney described how this research shaped their low-income student support practices to promote a stronger asset-, strengths-, and equity-oriented approach to professional development. She and her staff: 

• Spent time reflecting on what they had been teaching and why they were teaching professionalism the way they were .  Many of the staff members were from first-generation and limited income backgrounds, so what they taught was based on what they had learned as students. While their intent was to help students prepare for professional careers, they realized that their approach to professionalism had a very narrow focus and, at times, was deficit-oriented and not inclusive. After reflection, staff stopped using the word “professionalism” and started utilizing the phrase “career ready” with students.
• Reviewed all presentations, documents, and assignments used to teach career-readiness with a focus on current trends and inclusivity , including the incorporation of student assets to enhance their approach in a way that recognized the multiple possible ways to exhibit professionalism.  One product was a career-ready attire document featuring “head to toe” images of program alumni from various professions displaying a wide array of workwear options. This was in an effort to recognize that there was not a universal professional dress code pertinent to all career fields (e.g., professional wear for a business person may look different from professional wear for a lab worker).
• Invited students to share their experiences and expertise as they grow in career readiness .  Students may have engaged in job shadowing, mentoring, or other professional development that has led them to their major. They may have role models from their home communities or extended families who are guiding or encouraging them in majors/career pathways. They bring assets and aspirational capital with them that we must recognize and value as educators.
• Incorporated authenticity into their work in multiple ways.  They made time to discuss “-isms” (classism, racism, ableism, sexism, etc.) that have long plagued workplace environments . Current events regarding “professionalism” were incorporated into their discussions so that students thought critically about performance versus their personal values in work settings.  They empowered students to think of majors and careers based on what career culture they want that allows for them to be their authentic selves.
• Provided scaffolding into career-ready experiences that allowed students of varied developmental levels to practice, reflect, and apply their learning . For instance, staff hosted a networking event with program alumni and colleagues so that students could practice using non-verbal skills, making introductions, sharing elevator speeches, and generating conversations with “student-centered” strangers.  Students had opportunities to reflect on that experience with staff and their peers and then applied their learning at a campus career fair. 
• Celebrated student growth and development intentionally .  Reflective practice with other students who validated one another’s strengths – as well as peer review of career ready materials, such as resumes, helped to highlight student effort over time. Their students were recognized at the end of the academic year at a community dinner with campus faculty and administrators, where they shared about their learning experiences, were “pinned” before introducing themselves by academic college, and then were split into groups with their academic deans to discuss experiential learning opportunities for the future.

Perez, R. J., Bettencourt, G. M., Hypolite, L. I., & Hallett, R. E. (2022). The tensions of teaching low-income students to perform professionalism.  Journal of 1 Diversity in Higher Education.   https://doi.org/10.1037 /dhe0000455

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2024 Summer Reading Lists

Titles on the 2024 Summer Reading Lists were compiled and annotated by members of ALSC’s Quicklists Consulting Committee. ALSC reading lists are created as a resource for children's librarians to share with patrons. Parents and caregivers are encouraged to explore these titles to find resources that may match or spark their child's interest.

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