An elevator ride might be a minute long, or just 30 seconds. If you were in that elevator with the president of the company where you were an intern, what would you say? How might you introduce yourself?

Don't worry that 30 seconds is too short a span! It is actually plenty of time to communicate something about yourself and make an impression. Think about how powerful a 30-second TV commercial can be. The Elevator Speech is your commercial!

Plan Your Speech

What can you plan? Name... what you are doing in your internship... even what floor it's on! "Hi, Ms. President. I'm Shelly Jones, and I'm an intern in marketing this summer. Thanks for welcoming us at the orientation. I appreciate the opportunity to write ads for the Eco-Green campaign and if you come by the 7th floor I can show you the carbon footprint design I'm working on."

That's a friendly and informal Elevator Speech that manages to include your name, your task, your location, and even a thank you. (Good job!)

Of course, you don't have to be in an elevator to deliver a short, informative speech. You can introduce yourself to colleagues and bosses (and customers, too), in many settings. What's important is that the introduction be short and informative.

Open with a Smile

Are you comfortable in starting the conversation? You can open with a smile. That's the universal sign that you are ready for communication and most people will smile back. Then you can dive in.

Should you offer your hand in a handshake? That's another topic for another lens, but we can at least agree that in an elevator, a handshake is optional. Researchers tell us that human behavior in elevators is different due to the close proximity. Outside an elevator, a handshake is more likely to be offered and expected, but even then you will want to know the local culture about such greetings.

Practice Makes a Perfect Speech

A good Elevator Speech is usually a practiced one. Rehearse in front of the mirror at home until several phrases are smooth. You don't have to memorize every word, but it's good to know the order of items you will mention. The mirror is also a great place to see yourself smile. Develop a habit of smiling and you'll find more people react positively to you.

And the more you deliver your short speech, the better it will become and the more comfortable you will be in starting conversations.

Professional Communication

The internship is your opportunity to develop skills in professional communication. Not many intern sites have formal training in this, but you will have two supports for skill-building: models in the professionals you work alongside, and the setting itself as opportunity to practice. You can take the initiative to start practicing.

Some interns may hold back, though. Even though the Elevator Speech doesn't qualify as "public speaking," it can be intimidating. If this describes you, then you will have to remind yourself that it will be over in 30 seconds!

The internship is an ideal place to build communication skills. Your mentors are glad you are there, they expect to be supportive of you, and they don't expect you to be a polished professional yet. Take advantage of the supportive environment and try out your own Elevator Speech.