{"id":60625,"date":"2017-12-04T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2017-12-04T06:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2017\/12\/04\/perfecting-the-elevator-pitch\/"},"modified":"2022-09-02T20:48:40","modified_gmt":"2022-09-03T01:48:40","slug":"perfecting-the-elevator-pitch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.unmc.edu\/newsroom\/2017\/12\/04\/perfecting-the-elevator-pitch\/","title":{"rendered":"Perfecting the ‘elevator pitch’"},"content":{"rendered":"

Science can improve individual lives, and even change the world. But only if the world knows about it.<\/p>\n

Research changes paradigms. And especially, if key individuals get on board. <\/p>\n

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The art of the elevator pitch<\/h3>\n

Another “Promoting your science: the art of the elevator pitch” session is set for Tuesday, Dec. 12, 8:30-10:30 a.m. in the Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center. The session will be held in the classroom just north of the reception desk, room 0.12.103. This workshop will require prior registration. Please register here<\/a> or contact Max Kuenstling<\/a> with any questions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

And so, Jennifer Larsen, M.D., vice chancellor for research, recently told a roomful of researchers, “It is important that you talk about what you do.”<\/p>\n

Dr. Larsen was making a presentation, as part of Innovation and Research Month, on how to develop an “Elevator Pitch.”<\/p>\n

Dr. Larsen likened this pitch to ones made in the entertainment industry – succinct, bottom-line summaries designed to grab attention, peak interest, and leave the listener thinking, “Wow, I would love to see that movie!” (Or, even better, finance it.)<\/p>\n

And so, Dr. Larsen said, scientists need to be able to talk to people who are not scientists.<\/p>\n

That doesn’t mean dumb it down, necessarily. But don’t use the jargon of a peer-reviewed journal. Instead, try for familiar words and concepts.<\/p>\n

How would you explain your latest project to your next-door neighbor? To a small group at a party? To a state legislator? To a potential donor?<\/p>\n

If you were telling a story instead of writing a grant, what would that story be?<\/p>\n

Most people are smarter than you think. If you can explain it, they’ll get it. If you can tell them why they should care, they often will.<\/p>\n

But, how can you translate your science into a language non-scientists can understand?<\/p>\n

Dr. Larsen said it might help to approach your message-shaping this way:<\/p>\n