When you are asked, “So, what are you working on?”, do you roll your eyes, duck your head, and say in a muffled voice, “Oh, I, uh…well, you know, I’m kind of writing my sort of book thing.”
It is humbling to tell people that you value your own opinion, your life experience, or your ideas. That’s where the elevator speech comes in handy. You can create a standard answer, an answer you can believe in and share with strangers and dear friends.
The elevator speech is a way for you to focus on the work and the benefits of the message. By turning your focus from yourself to your work, you will find a comfort level with saying, “I’m writing a book on how to run a pet rescue and keep your sanity!”
Facts
An elevator speech is a short statement that describes who you are and what you do—what you would say to a stranger you met on a 1-minute elevator ride.
“My name is Alice, and I write books about dogs.”
Well, that works, but it’s boring. That statement is focused on the facts: who, what, how. Those are all important elements, but to grab the attention and interest of your listener, start with the ”why”—your motivation for writing this book.
Benefits
A good elevator speech lets your listener know what problem your book solves. Consider these questions:
- What solution does my book offer?
- Why am I writing this book in this way?
- What problem does my book solve?
- What is my purpose for this book?
- What would I consider a successful outcome for a reader of my book?
“I’m Alice, and I’m so passionate about the plight of animals in our city that I’m writing a book to help others understand how they can set up their own pet rescue organizations.”
I’m not writing that book, but it’s not a bad idea. – Alice Bass
