Cynthia D’Amour posted a challenge to put the essence of our chapters in just 6 words. The challenge started over in Facebook to put the essence of your speech in six words, but I like how Cynthia issued the challenge to us in the chapter world.

We know that we have a nano-second (okay maybe 60-sec minutes) to capture a person’s attention and draw them in to take a look at the chapter. Whether it’s a member who you are trying to engage as a volunteer or a nonmember to consider membership – you have the same 60 seconds to share your elevator speech.

Cynthia’s challenge is to take that to six words – think “Your Headline.” As you’re working on that, Cynthia suggests that you test the headline with members … do they agree and do they recognize your chapter in the headline?

So, here’s my six-word headline:

Read my original posting on that (and tell me if you agree). Now create one for your chapter and share okay? Maybe issue a contest to your chapters to each come up with the special headline and share – give each a prize or pick a few to highlight.

Need inspiration? Read Cynthia’s six-word headline here. Check out these resources too:                                                                                                                                

• Elevator Pitches on TechCrunch – Very cool site where you can upload a video of your elevator pitch and get feedback from others! Bonus, get inspiration and ideas by listening to others.
• Elevator Pitches on YouTube – Okay not all are great, but some good ideas. One worth checking out is the LAMS 2007 Elevator Speech Contest Winner
• Philanthrophy Journal Developing an Elevator Speech
• Elevator Speech Do’s & Don’ts