Imagine you are in a conversation with a friend, neighbor, colleague or just a friendly stranger. During the conversation you manage to work in the fact that you are a member of Rotary. Then your friend asks the question, “What is Rotary.” What do you say. You have about 60 seconds to make an impression that lasts. To set the hook.
We all know how important first impressions can be. How you answer the question can have a lasting impact on people’s lives so your “elevator speech” about Rotary is very important.
In the current issue of the Rotary Magazine there is an article entitled “6 Tips to Elevate Your Elevator Pitch.” If you haven’t read it, I highly recommend it. I do want to add a few things that may help you craft an effective elevator speech. Clubs have asked for an example of an elevator speech. It is almost impossible to craft one that fits all. Mainly because this should be personal to you and how you convey your passion for Rotary.
When thinking about your speech, ask yourself what drew you to Rotary, what is special and why you continue to stay in Rotary. Be passionate about the main thing you love about Rotary and let your friend know. If it’s service, let them know about one or two projects you do in your community. If it’s about how we create a better world, let them know about the Rotary Foundation and how it supports help for those throughout our global community, if it’s about the relationships and friendships you have developed through Rotary, tell them about what that means to you.
Don’t try to bore them with too many facts. They may not care how many members or clubs there are worldwide or how many countries we are in. Most people are interested in what Rotary could mean to them individually so try and keep it on that level. Rember you only have about 60 seconds to keep their interest. Hopefully they may ask some follow up questions where you can then expand on Rotary.
Memorize it and deliver it from your heart. This is not an advertisement or infomercial. It is meant to convey the one or two most important things about your Rotary experience. Most people relate to how you say something and not what you say. If you can keep their interest for 60 seconds, this may lead to them wanting to know more about Rotary and perhaps even becoming a new Rotarian. I hope some of this helps as we continue to strive to Grow Rotary by Growing Rotarians.
Jim Henry, Chair
Rotary District 5870 Membership Committee