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. This may be a dramatic fact or short statement that connects to a value that listener holds dear. If it is your elected official, a strong opener is to simply say who you are and that you live in the district! Keep this opening statement to one sentence if possible.
"I'm from your district, and I'm here to talk about how 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. Bring your personal story to bear, if you have one. Explain why this issue touches you or your community personally. Your authenticity and presentation will help get your audience past whatever barrier to agreeing with you they may have.
"As an E.R. doctor, I've seen the costly impact of too many children without health insurance."
Provide the solution
Always follow your description of a problem with a proposed way to solve it. You might support your solution with evidence of how and where it has worked, how it has proven cost-effective, and the benefits it will bring to others. You can cite a recent study or report, or simply expand on your first-person account of how the solution has impacted you and others you know.
"Simply providing coverage through CHIP
or Medicaid lets kids see a doctor in a doctor's office, instead of the
E.R. This approach helps families, and it also costs far less to the community and taxpayers, in the end."
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!
