In each Texans Care for Children advocacy training, participants learn how to make their own "elevator speech” – a short, compelling pitch for a cause. Elevator speeches become your own personal talking points, and help you make your case concisely (e.g., if you happen to be in an elevator for two minutes with the Texas governor). Use elevator speeches when talking to elected officials, journalists, or anyone you want to convince that your issue for children needs attention.
Open strong
Start your elevator speech with something that gets your listener’s attention, such as a dramatic fact or short statement that connects to a value that listener holds dear. Keep this opening statement to one sentence if possible.
"Texas can boost the overall economy and help children and taxpayers alike, by bringing health insurance to more kids.”
Discuss the problem
Next, address the cause of the problem for which you are seeking a solution and work to get your audience past whatever barrier they may have, meaning whatever prevents them from taking action.
"Because children are so affordable to cover, economists say leaving children uninsured carries heavy costs for the Texas economy. States like ours waste money patching together health Care for uninsured children, when simply providing coverage through existing programs lets kids see a doctor and costs less than allowing children to remain uninsured.”
Provide the solution
Always follow your description of a problem with a proposed way to solve it. Develop your solution by examples of how and where it has worked, how it is proven and cost-effective, and the benefits it will bring to others. You can cite a recent study or report or give a first-person account of how the solution has impacted you or others you know.
"Programs like Children’s Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) deliver cost-effective and affordable health coverage for working families. They enable parents to take their kids to a doctor, miss less work, and spend less taxpayer money in emergency rooms.”
Deliver your call to action
Finally, ask for action, in a way that connects to the values of your listener. Ask for something that is clear, which you can follow up about in your next communication with the listener. Often your call to action will be a simple yes-or-no question.
"Will you vote for SB 123, so more children can get health coverage through CHIP and Children’s Medicaid and so Texans can get the economic benefits of coverage for kids?”
Once you have finalized your elevator speech, practice it, until delivering it feels natural and convincing. Now you are ready to go out, and spread your message!
