How to Create Your DECA Elevator Pitch

What is an elevator pitch?

An elevator pitch (or elevator speech) is a short summary used to quickly and simply define a product, service, or organization and its value.

Where did the idea come from?The name "elevator pitch" reflects the idea that it should be possible to deliver the summary in the time span of an elevator ride, or approximately thirty seconds to two minutes.

Why do we need to now how to do this?

Being able to sum up the unique aspects of your (service, product or) organization in a way that excites others is a fundamental skill that every business person should know.

The Perfect Pitch

Know how to create it, rehearse it, and tailor it for a specific audience.

Here are some things to keep in mind…

Keep It Fresh

Every business grows and changes, and your pitch needs to grow and change with it

Tailor it to Fit You & Your Audience

How do you convey excitement and spark interest to those outside your organization? What do you highlight? What do you leave out? And how do those choices change with your audience?Be flexible enough to be adapt to their reaction or questions.

Know What Your Goal Is

The first goal of any meeting is to get a second one. In the short time you have, you want to find a way to pique interest and highlight what makes our organization unique.

Keep It Real

It has to be believable. You don't want to say anything you're not comfortable with. Stick with those "messages"—the bigger selling points of your organization or business—to which you can really speak well.

Let Your Passion Show!Let them see your enthusiasm via direct eye contact and confident body language.

An elevator pitch is not a dry recitation of facts delivered neutrally.

Practice!

Clear speaking reflects clear thinking. Even if your pitch is one you have used regularly, get some feedback from a mentor, teacher or a trusted source on how to improve it.

Just for fun…

1. Find a partner.

2. Choose from the following “characters” and describe the benefits of DECA to your partner, as they would.

• Superhero• Auctioneer• Cheerleader

• Flight Attendant• Car Salesman• Preschool Teacher

How to Get Started

Greeting

Name

These two steps speak

for themselves. Say hello

and introduce yourself.

How to Get Started

Association

This step is where you tell the listener about DECA. Who are we? What do we stand for?

You should incorporate DECA’s mission statement, guiding principles & core attributes.

How to Get Started

Association

DECA’s mission statement:

DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management.

How to Get Started

Association

DECA’s Guiding Principles:

DECA prepares the next generation to be• Academically Prepared• Community Oriented• Professionally Responsible• Experienced Leaders

How to Get StartedAssociation

DECA’s Core Attributes:

• Competence

• Innovation

• Integrity

• Teamwork

How to Get Started

Now is your chance to make it personal. What has DECA done for you? Or how do you plan to benefit from the DECA experience? What are you most excited about?

Passion/Personal Testimony

Write It Out!

Greeting

Name

Association

Passion/Personal Testimony