(FOCUS Lunchtime Seminar) Developing Your Elevator Speech

There is tremendous value in having a well-prepared science pitch. An effective pitch requires forethought and preparation. We all certainly know the importance of our own work, but verbally conveying this to those outside of our field is challenging.   This session will help participants develop a personalized explanations of their science using the following format:

• Participants will have 3 minutes to present their work with the understanding that is a mixed audience who may not understand the intricacies of the science but ultimately could impact the participant’s ability to take the science to the next level.
• Although participants will come to the session with a script of the pitch, they will present the pitch with no notes to peers and the faculty panel.
• Following each pitch, participants will receive feedback from peers as well as from the faculty panel.
• Participants will then do a true 45 second elevator speech and obtain feedback.

Homework: Each participant will be expected to come to the session having prepared a written “Science Elevator Pitch.”