![\"The](\"https:\/\/blogs.ifla.org\/lpa\/files\/2019\/04\/10-minute-library-advocate-number-15.png\")
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Sometimes, you need to be convincing, quickly.<\/p>\n
While a lot of advocacy is about patient effort over time, you might have an opportunity to spend a minute with a key decision maker \u2013 a mayor, a minister, a funder.<\/p>\n
They\u2019re likely to be busy, with many other things on their mind.<\/p>\n
But if you can get them on your side, you can make major progress.<\/p>\n
These moments can happen at any moment \u2013 at a reception, a public event, in a lift (or elevator!). You need to be ready!<\/p>\n
So for the 15th 10-Minute Library Advocate exercise, prepare your \u2018elevator pitch\u2019.<\/p>\n
This is the term for a very short speech you give which convinces someone else of your point of view \u2013 and in this case, of the importance of libraries.<\/p>\n
Something you can deliver in an elevator between floors!<\/p>\n
You need to focus your arguments, get rid of unnecessary information, and ensure you say what needs to be said, in the simplest, most convincing way possible.<\/p>\n
Try writing out your speech, and then editing it, word by word, until it is as short as it can be.<\/p>\n
Good luck!<\/p>\n
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