Elevator Story Formulas

Roundup from Experts

A. Framework adapted from Tony Jeary, author of Life Is a Series
of Presentations:

1. Define your audience universe.
2. Define the content or subject matter of your story.
3. Define your objective.
4. Define your desired image or style.
5. Define your key message and build your story around it.
B. Story-based variation on a formula suggested by Jean
Hanson:

1. Who am I? (Introduce yourself.)
2. What field or industry am I in?
3. What position am I in and what position do I want to be in?
4. What is my USP (Unique Selling Proposition)? What makes me different
from the competition?
5. A brief story that illustrates the benefits that employers can derive from
my skills, based on my proven accomplishments.
Example
Who am I?
Hi, Im Reka Nyitrai.

What field or industry am I in?
Im a storytelling couch in the political communication area.

What position am I in and what position do I want to be in?
I want to add value to a political party/politician in a senior position by being involved in planning
their/his/her communication strategy, particularly in constructing a compelling campaign
narrative.
USP


What is my USP (Unique Selling Proposition)? What makes me
different from the competition?
I am a certified political communication expert with more then eight
years of expertise in image building, media relations handling,
strategic message crafting able to provide valuable advice in a timely
fashion who knows the difference between theory and practice.
Brief story
A brief story that illustrates the benefits that employers can derive from my skills, based on my
proven accomplishments.
For instance, when the so called apartment renovation scandal exploded and all journalists were
ringing aggressively requesting live broadcasts, telephone interviews, comments of any kind me
and the other aids did not loose our heads, cooled down our alarmed boss, made up a crisis cell,
sat down and made up a temporary exit strategy and handled the crisis situation with minimum
image damages.
C. Formula that requires researching targeted employers and telling
your story to someone connected to the targeted employer - Its adapted
from Randy W. Dipner
1. List target employers. Group them and ultimately define the employer.
2. Define the need or opportunity. That is, what critical issue does the
employer face?
3. Identify yourself in terms of a job function or contribution. What do
you do?
4. Tell a story that incorporates the benefitsnot the featuresthat you provide to the
employer. Prioritize the benefits to identify the single benefit that is the most compelling reason
for the employer to hire you. To the maximum extent possible, the benefit should be both
quantified and expressed in story form.
5. Develop a statement of the primary differentiation of yourself, which should be the single
most important thing that sets you apart from the competition.
D. Pepperdine Universitys Story Formula

1. Who am I?
2. What do I offer?
3. What problems can I solve?
4. What are the main contributions I can make?