The Elevator Speech – aka “So tell me a little bit about yourself”
In my last post I said that shorter is better. Here's part one of my two part answer as to why that is. Whether you're seeking representation or meeting other industry peeps the first time at networking events, workshops, an interview, auditions and more, this is the answer to how to communicate what you offer another human being IN PERSON. (Part two will be IN WRITING)
Invariably almost every time you are asked about yourself, or are attempting to introduce yourself without being asked, you’ll have so much information to share you'll often not know where to start. It's sometimes called an elevator pitch because the premise is the answer should last no longer than it takes for a ride in an elevator – clear, concise, and leaving the other person wishing you didn't have to get off on that floor because they want to know more about you! So this major message needs to be as prepared as your monologues and as sharp as your cold reading skills. Let's call it “loosely memorized” and at the ready.
The answer to that simple little question, “So tell me a little bit about yourself” is often not that simple. You've been asked it many times before but here's the problem: no matter how old you are – 11, 18, 25, 45, 70 or more – you've had a vast and varied life and immediately what happens to the human brain is that you don't know where to go or what to say about who you are.
“What do I tell them first? Oh gosh! Uhhhhh”…and you usually end up with egg on your face. I implore you to be as prepared as possible. Pick the one or two things that you think they might be interested in knowing about you as a person and not necessarily you as the product or your skill set to begin. This sets the tone that gets them interested and engaged in who you are. Confidence and charisma is 50% of this business and if you're naturally funny, here is where to put in a bit of humor. If you are fresh, new to the area, returning to the business or just out of school, here is where to mention that. You get the picture. Take the time to practice it with a friend or relative a few times – I'm not kidding one bit. DO IT!
Next throw in a bit of the biz info on what you offer as talent. What is the type you’re consistently cast as, your most recent projects, performances, or training is what you speak about here. Balance is key. Don't talk forever about what you love or want most about anything, but mention briefly why someone else liked working with you or enjoyed your performance. (Perhaps an award or article) That's called 3rd party authority.
Now I'm going to give you a BIG clue – ACTIVE listening to others when they talk about themselves or their project is your goal when sharing information in person. Listen for things you can address later that will help them. Also listen for things that they share that you may have a common interest in. You might take notes and then enter quality information in your database so that when you have the opportunity to have a conversation with that person again or follow up in writing, you’ll be more remembered because you were interested in what they had to say. Get it? A common denominator is an immediate connection and right off the bat you become more interesting to them too! Everything that follows after that is GOLD (Pun intended!).
Have the answer to “So tell me a little bit about yourself” prepared with the 3 or 4 things you think will showcase your “person” as well as your product, to break the ice AND be interested in them as well.
I'd love your comments in the section below on this subject. What are your thoughts on active listening? How about what you're offering instead of what you want, a subtle yet vital shift? Lemme hear ya!



As actors we love a good story so we tell them a lot. As a woman, I know I have the urge to tell all of the minor components that set up the actual point to what it is I really want to say before saying it. The POINT of it all. I'm not sure that's an entirely female quality but I've noticed it with my girlfriends where my guy friends seem to get to their point a little faster. I've even been told I talk too much. Whaaaat? Well now I'm told I write too much. In fact this first paragraph is not even needed to get to the point of what I'm writing today, but I'm keeping it in as an example!
I see actors make a lot of mistakes that could totally be avoided. When it comes to figuring out your fit in the vast marketplace of actors, where there’s a large supply and you’re not yet in demand, distinguishing yourself, i.e. defining your product, is ESSENTIAL. Here are some mistakes to avoid:
What are you uniquely qualified to do as an actor that NO ONE else can do or be? Have you ever thought of that? What’s your brand, archetype, bread and butter niche range of characters that you’ll become known for and reliable and counted on to create time and time again? This is where the rubber meets the road. Having this down pat is not an option. It’s what will inform and feed the actions you take in advancing your career. Your actions determine your results. This is a big CLUE here so if you haven't taken this important step, this is your reminder to do it now!


Want to quicken the abracadabra of your career? The truth is, you already inherently know what to do. Before I move on to my next set of posts with the content “to-dos” of your career, you’ve first got to realize that trusting your own intuition is key. It won’t matter if I give you the Keys to the Kingdom if you don’t know how to unlock the door.
OK, OK, I hear ya. A few posts back I gave you the answer to how to stop struggling by creating inspiration. The answer was this: the minute you’ve recognized the thought that is creating the struggle, just let it go.
I’m glad you asked! The truth is, staying motivated is very difficult for most actors. We deal with on-going rejection, slow results, stretches of time without paying work and more. What’s the difference between the actors who are able to stay motivated and those who don’t? It comes down to one primary factor…
People often ask me, “what is the most effective technique for transforming my career quickly?” OK the truth is, they don’t really ask this exact question but the bottom line is that what they mostly want to know is how to get what they want in this biz faster and easier.
You‘ll be faced with a thousand obstacles in this career, many over which you have absolutely no control. Didn't get the agent you submitted to? Can’t seem to get a call back or haven’t gotten any auditions from your online submissions lately? None of those are under your control.