Suddenly it's a phrase I've been hearing all over the place -- The Elevator Speech.  As in, "I've got my Elevator Speech down."  "I'm working on my Elevator Speech."  It kind of popped up quickly, gained momentum and now suddenly everyone, everywhere has been talking about the Elevator Speech. 

For those who might have missed the wave, an Elevator Speech is a :30 synopsis of who you are and what you do, so by the time you've taken an elevator ride with someone, they know all about you.  Sounds pretty good, right?

No.  Wrong. 

There are a couple of problems with the whole concept.  First, I'd bet quite a bit that no one has ever been offered a job, or even had the opportunity to give their speech, in an elevator. 

But the operative word isn't elevator, it's speech.  "Speech" implies that you're talking AT someone -- you have something to say and you're going to say it.  What it doesn't take into account is that every person with whom you're talking, networking, or interviewing has a uniquely different opportunity in front of them.  If you've got a pat, standard synopsis of who you are and what you do, you haven't taken into account any of the research I HOPE you've done before you've connected with that person.  Have you read articles about their company?  Talked to other employees?  Gone on their website and learned about their products and services?  Read their press releases?  Have you identified how your skills and style will fit into their environment and needs?  And are you prepared to tailor your conversation to what you've learned before you step into that meeting and what you're hearing during it?

The last thing you want is to be tied to a pre-conceived idea of who you are and what you do.  It's hugely limiting.  And if it deviates in the slightest from what the interviewer is looking for, you'll be out of the running. 

Learn about the company, listen carefully to the interviewer, and talk about why your experiences fit their needs, using their examples.  If you've done your homework, you should know what they're up against.  Are they in the middle of a product introduction?  Talk about a launch you've worked on.  Are they navigating a nasty product recall?  Let them know a case study you've read that might apply (and then send them a copy afterward with your thank-you note).  Show that you're already engaged with their company.

You've already done so much in your life.  Please ... don't minimize who you are by editing it into a :30 soundbite.  Ditch the Elevator Speech!