Recap: Going Up! Improving Your Elevator Pitch

By Justine Sutton

Wednesday, September 8th, members and guests of AWC-SB gathered on Zoom for the initial meeting of the 2021-22 season. After greetings from AWC-SB President Lisa Osborn, the new slate of Board members was announced.

Then it was time to welcome storyteller, speaking coach and AWC-SB Woman of Achievement honoree Kymberlee Weil, who presented on “Honing Your Elevator Pitch.”

Kymberlee is also an NCAA Woman of the Year, the author of two books on technology, the founder of an award-winning software company, an improv comedy performer and trainer, an international speaker, and the creator of StorytellingSchool.com, specializing in high-stakes short-form storytelling.

Kymberlee advised attendees on how to tune up their elevator pitches.

“Use language that makes it compelling and memorable,” she said. “Tell a little less, so the listener wants more, and make it juicy and inviting!”

Above all, “Be so memorable they can’t ignore you.”

After some time working with Kymberlee’s “Building Statement” formula—“I am building a movement/collective/community…”—breakout groups of three were formed and each shared their newly-minted elevator pitches, then received brief feedback.

Afterward, participants described this experience as “spot on and inspiring,” “very helpful,” and “enlightening.”

One shared that her statement began, “I am building a poetic revolution…” Enthusiastic comments from participants indicated that these words struck a chord. Apparently, we all are inspired by the idea of such a revolution.

And that was a wrap on another edifying and empowering meeting of AWC-SB.

 

AWC-SB Member Spotlight: Lauren Bianchi Klemann

A government affairs and communication professional for the Santa Barbara County Association of Governments (SBCAG), Lauren’s public, private, and nonprofit professional experience spans more than 15 years. She has been named one of the Pacific Coast Business Times’ “Top 40 under 40.” Lauren is also an AWC-SB 2021-22 board member, and the chair of the 2022 AWC-SB Women of Achievement Awards. View Lauren’s two-minute Member Spotlight by clicking here.

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