CSC 595 is a required course for computer science graduate students that teaches new researchers how to choose a research method, prepare for and present a research talk, prepare a research proposal, do a literature search and evaluate research.
As part of their course requirements, students worked to polish and deliver their elevator pitches. The instructor is one of my mentors and the past-chair of the UVic computer science department, Sue Whitesides. Sue and I had pulled off many successful intrustrial networking events together and she was confident that I could show the students how to sell themselves in seconds. No pressure.
Looking around the classroom as we waited to start, I took in the diverse crowd and tried not to feel intimidated. I’m pretty sure any number students seated in the room could have out-pitched me! No matter, I kicked off the class off with my own elevator pitch. It was over in just under two minutes. Here’s how I did it.
Who are you?
Keep it short. What would you most want the listener to remember about you?
What can you do?
Here is where you state your value phrased as key results or impact. To organize your thoughts, it may help to think of this as your tag line, or purpose statement.
Why are you doing it?
Now it’s time to show the unique benefits that you and/ or your company bring. Show what you do that is different or better than others
What are your goals?
Describe your immediate goals. Goals should be concrete and realistic. Include a time frame. This is the final step and it should be clear to the listener what you are asking of him or her.
Vocabulary
Use words that show what you do instead of tell: advanced, approved, authoritavie, certified, confirmed, dominant, early, endorsed, established, finest, foremost, inaugural, inceptive, key, responsive …
Practise practise practise so you don’t repeat words or ramble, but be careful not to sound like you’re reciting off a script.
Be flexible. If your audience asks a question or looks like he or she wants to interrupt, be willing to go in a new direction. After all, the pitch is designed to start a conversation. If that conversation starts sooner, well done!