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Life Elevator Speech

3/21/2012

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 An elevator speech is a boiled down message you can give in the span of time it takes for an elevator to go from one floor to another – usually 30 seconds to 2 minutes max. Elevator speeches are created by salespeople regarding their product, non-profits regarding their service, Christians regarding their beliefs, and good conversationalists regarding what they wish to talk about.

You can create an elevator speech about your life. This requires careful thought of what will be included and what will need to be left out. My 60 second life elevator speech is:
I grew up in Dalbo, Minnesota where the population doubled to 64 people when the cheese factory was built. I asked Jesus to rule my life at age nine, was water baptized my sophomore year of high school and baptized by the Holy Spirit at age 32. I dairy farmed with my father 13 years following high school. I have been married to my high school sweetheart, Connie for 31 years. We have five children: Caleb (28), Allison (26), Elliot (24), Nathan (22) and Rachel (19); and one daughter-in-law Amanda married to Caleb. My claim to fame was delivering our last two children in our home when they arrived before the mid-wife. I pastor an amazing group of people called River of Life Church in Cambridge, Mn and am currently pursuing my master’s degree at Bethel Seminary. I enjoy anything with my family, BWCAW camping, hockey, and learning.

If I am waiting at the clinic, aboard an airplane, sitting on the hockey bench between shifts and I am asked what my name is and what I do – I have time to deliver my life elevator speech. Typically, I have already asked the person for their name and I like asking them what they are passionate about. I find out so much more with that question that asking them what they do for a living.

If the wait has ended and their clinic appointment has taken them to the exam room, we have shared a meaningful conversation. If we are on a flight to India or Africa, there are many hours to either ignore one another or take a step deeper in life.

Now, I know what their area of passion is and have a good sense on where we have shared interests. I share my faith journey very briefly, yet it is something I almost always refer to again. After talking hobbies, families, and careers, I may ask what the spiritual climate was like in their home growing up – did they pray at meal times, did they go to church, did they hate it or like it, what about now?

Whether the other person is talking about their passion area or the spiritual influences while they were growing up, good listening is the key that unlocks the door of trust.

Grab a notebook, laptop or pen and paper. Write out your life elevator speech. Keep it 30 seconds minimum to two minutes max. Read it to your spouse or friend. Edit it and then watch how God will give you opportunities to share your life elevator speech and enjoy how the Holy Spirit will use your story for God’s glory!


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    Mark Radeke

    Husband of one, father of five, pastor and friend of many.

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