Neil H. Baum, MD, presented “The Elevator Speech: Getting Your Point Across in Thirty Seconds” for the Grand Rounds in Urology audience in January 2022.

How to cite: Baum, Neil H. The Elevator Speech: Getting Your Point Across in Thirty Seconds.” January 2022. Accessed Mar 2024. https://grandroundsinurology.com/the-elevator-speech-getting-your-point-across-in-thirty-seconds/

The Elevator Speech: Getting Your Point Across in Thirty Seconds

Grand Rounds in Urology Contributing Editor Neil H. Baum, MD, Professor of Urology at Tulane Medical School, discusses elevator speeches and explains how physicians can use them to effectively advertise their practice to potential patients and business partners. He defines an elevator speech as a way to tell your professional story in 30 seconds. Dr. Baum states that, due to the fact that first impressions are established in less than seven seconds, elevator speeches are effective thanks to their short length. He recommends beginning an elevator speech with a 7-10 word headline to grab a listener’s attention, and following up with an explanation of how you will achieve the promise in your headline. Dr. Baum suggests ending an elevator speech with a 1-3 sentence success story that is customized to your listener’s needs and makes them want to invest more time with you. He concludes that elevator speeches provide a great opportunity to connect with potential patients and that a good elevator speech will capture the listener’s attention.   

For more commentary on practice management from Dr. Baum, visit his Improving Your Urology Practice page.