How many times have you been in a situation where you’re talking with someone on a specific topic, and then that person gives you a 30-second explanation of details? 

These kinds of brief presentations happen all the time in the working world, whether it’s a job interview (“Tell me about yourself”), a product launch (“Our widget will change the world — here’s how”), or an idea pitch (“I have three reasons why this will work”). 
 
They’re known as elevator speeches because the amount of time you kick off this presentation from start to finish equals a ride up an elevator. American Legion Auxiliary members most certainly should have an elevator speech ready. Why? Because that brief amount of time could be what attracts a potential member to becoming an official member (or donor!). 
 
Think about these very common scenarios:
• You’re in line at the grocery store when someone sees your ALA branded jacket. They say they’re vaguely familiar with the Auxiliary but want to know more about what the organization does. 
• There’s a stand down in your community and your unit has a table/booth at the event. Someone comes up to you and asks, “What’s the American Legion Auxiliary?”
• Members are distributing poppies when a person accepting a flower says, “Tell me how your Auxiliary helps veterans.”
 
Always be prepared. Can you give a quick introduction, provide details that highlight your unit’s accomplishments, and give a call to action at the end? A person giving a good elevator speech has a positive demeanor while talking, sticks to the basics and doesn’t ramble, and always offers something to wrap things up (e.g., invites you to call/text them for more info, asks you to attend a unit meeting, activity, etc.). 
 


The best elevator speech is a short one:
30 to 60 seconds tops. Here’s what to include: 

Introduce. Hi! I’m Jane, and I’m a member of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 123. 

Enlighten/educate. Our local ALA unit serves veterans, military, and their families, and has been part of the community for nearly a century. Every year, we volunteer hundreds of hours in the local VA hospital, we distribute poppies for donations on the days leading up to Memorial Day, and we host a flag education event at the elementary school. 

Finish. If you’re available the second Tuesday of the month, we’d love to have you at our unit meeting. If not, that’s OK too because our members’ dues make a difference in the lives of those we serve. Here is my number if you ever have any questions or want to chat for more information.