Taking the Stage: How Women Can Speak Up, Stand Out, and Succeed

Chapter FourteenElevate Your Elevator Scripts

Amanaging director named Simone told me that the most important thing she learned about taking the stage is how to deal with elevator conversations. She explained, “If you happen to be in the elevator with the head of your firm, don't just say, ‘What do you think of the weather?’ Take the opportunity to say, ‘Our group is having a great year. Revenue is up, margins are better, and we've had several big wins.’ Use those conversations to pitch yourself internally to your colleagues. This is especially important when you work for a large organization.”

Simone saw the power of these brief, impromptu exchanges and was able to deliver clear, crisp scripts that boosted her stock and that of her team. ...