Opportunity is on the mind of any driven individual eager for the next step up in his or her life. That chance may arrive with well-deserved results or come up entirely by luck. The “elevator pitch” scenario can occur beyond its literal setting, and they may happen in only rare, strange occurrences. But those who prepare for even the most unlikely circumstance can make the best out of those uncommon opportunities. Here are several tips to stick to so that your Cinderella moment can go smoothly. 

First, use your pitch time wisely. Time in an elevator could range from many levels of floors to just two. Maybe they are just walking across the office or washing their hands. As long as a moment with superiors is relatively isolated and comfortable, cover as much important material of your pitch as you can. Shape the big ideas around the scenario you have to work with.

With that in mind, clearly address the point of your pitch. Lay out why you are talking to them one-on-one and why this proposition will benefit what they work for — or better yet, them. Specificities are out the door unless absolutely necessary to make sense. The outcome of your proposed idea usually matters much more than the process or methods to get there. That comes later when they call in for additional meetings.

Next, talk succinctly. No time for fancy words or flattery. A straightforward approach will allow you to hit on many key points and the higher-up will have an easier sense of what you are pitching. If done correctly, employers should be impressed with your knowledge and effective communication skills, both desirable traits they look for. Definitely go beyond the niceties and formality usual for display.

Time may be short but stay calm and focused. Nothing can go worse than appearing desperate for someone’s attention or posing as a bigger hassle than the one you want to solve. Appear like an admirable human being, not as an another annoyance. Look potential employers in the eye and gauge their reactions. If signs show you can’t handle this level of pressure, odds are they won’t want you for the bigger leagues.

To get there, make sure you are at least semi-familiar with whom you intend to talk to. They probably won’t remember and a chance encounter may throw them off. Before you make the pitch, introduce yourself somehow and find out more about them. Read how they act, see what they respond to more favorably. This will increase your chances of running into them and give higher chances for their approval. 

Practice is also essential, but remain flexible. Odds are the pitch won’t go the way you have planned, so be ready to catch yourself for changes. If you want to write out a script, stick to remembering big ideas so you won’t trip up over the small things. Have friends randomly ask you about your “big project.” Little tests such as these will help you think on your feet more effectively.

The elevator pitch is rarely the be-all and end-all of a career or brought toward high-end executives. So remain calm and work on it in time. Put these principles into your real-life scenario and good things should happen. Just make sure it’s not between bath stalls.

Adlai can be reached at [email protected].