Today's blog is about that ever important "Elevator Speech" that we all spend so much time crafting, perfecting, and tweaking - and if you're like me - forgetting to use.

I've learned that it's OK to forget it - or even better yet, not to have one. At least not a scripted one.

If you buy into my Chit-Chat theory (easy banter that is fun and gives you a peek into another person's life thereby developing a really nice relationship with that person), you know there's a time and a place for the elevator speech and that's when you don't want to have a good conversation.

Honestly, would you really want to talk to someone who upon first meeting you says, "Hi, I'm Ciaran and I work for an innovative interactive agency that provides results-driven solutions to our clients. What do you do?" Or would you give me a polite nod and say, "Oh, I work for Comcast. I see a friend of mine over there. Nice meeting you."

Chit-Chat is about the other person. Period. Stories that you share and questions that you ask have to interest them. I don't know many people who like to talk to someone who monopolizes a conversation with their opinions or never asks what the other person thinks.

So, how do we bring this to life?
Asking questions to learn about another person can be a little tricky. Children, marriage, and jobs can be sticky subjects. Asking about any fun vacations is always a go-to, but that's such a common question the other person probably has a stock answer.

Here are some questions I'm going to try at a networking event I'm going to on Wednesday. I'll let you know how it goes (feel free to steal them and share any good conversations they started):

"What’s your go-to summer recipe?"

"I’m looking for a kid-friendly day trip – any recommendations?" [this may be a clue as to whether or not they have kids]

"My ten-year wedding anniversary is coming up - we're choosing between an all-inclusive island resort or a trip to Europe - any thoughts?" [this shares a tid-bit about you]


"I've been looking forward to trying this restaurant [or fill in the blank with appropriate noun] - have you been here before?"

One of these has got to get a good Chit-Chat session going.