Smart Strategies to Apply when going to RGVH.I.R.E.S: by Alejandra Perez

The Elevator Pitch: how to make an impact in under two minutes

The elevator pitch is a brief and strategic presentation designed to communicate who you are, what you do, and the value you offer in approximately 30 seconds to two minutes. Its main purpose is to create impact, spark interest, and leave the other person wanting to continue the conversation or remember you.

This concept became popular in environments such as Silicon Valley and Hollywood, where entrepreneurs, screenwriters, and actors were constantly looking for opportunities in unexpected moments. The idea came from a very specific situation: running into an important person in an elevator and having only that short ride to introduce yourself. That limited time pushed people to structure clear, direct, and memorable messages, which led to the development of this presentation method.

A strong elevator pitch includes three essential elements: your name, what you do or what you specialize in, and the value you bring. It is not about telling your entire story, but about communicating the most relevant information in a simple, authentic way, tailored to the person you are speaking to. The key is to connect, not to overload with information.

I enjoy taking workshops and continuously preparing myself as part of my personal growth. I see these tools as useful not only in professional settings, but also in everyday life. This topic, in particular, stood out to me because of its wide and practical applications, from a job interview to a casual conversation that can open an unexpected opportunity.

The elevator pitch is especially useful for people seeking employment, entrepreneurs who want to present a project, students, professionals, and anyone who wants to improve the way they introduce themselves. It can even be helpful in social situations, such as starting a friendship or introducing yourself in a new environment.

The goal of an elevator pitch is to be clear, create impact, and be memorable. It is not about impressing with complex words, but

about communicating with intention and confidence who you are and what you can offer. For this reason, it is highly recommended to look for books, workshops, or courses, whether online or in person, to develop this skill. It is also an excellent tool for job fairs, networking events, and informal presentations.

Learning how to build a strong elevator pitch is a personal investment that can make a difference in many moments of life. Having a clear message and knowing how to express it in a short amount of time can open doors when you least expect it.Assertive communication is a fundamental skill in the way we relate to other people and in how we communicate what we think, feel, and need. It allows us to communicate with clarity and respect, without falling into aggression, but also without silence or passivity out of fear of creating conflict. Finding that balance is key to building healthier and more conscious relationships.

Being assertive means being able to state our needs in a simple and honest way, while taking care of both our own well-being and that of those around us. It is not about imposing ideas or staying quiet to avoid problems, but about opening spaces for dialogue where both parties can benefit from better communication. Over time, this way of relating creates clearer agreements and more stable relationships.

As part of my personal growth process, I enjoy taking workshops, conferences, and continuous learning opportunities. Through them, I have realized that assertive communication is not only useful in professional settings, but also in everyday life. It is a very powerful tool for work, networking, personal projects, and coexistence within a company.

It is also essential when we share spaces with other people, whether at home, at school, or in any environment where there is constant interaction. For this reason, I find it very valuable for this type of training to be integrated into workplaces and educational institutions. And when it is not available, it is always possible to look for information in public libraries, online courses, or specialized workshops that help us develop this skill.

Assertive communication workshops provide very powerful strategies and tools that help us, first of all, to get to know ourselves better. They invite us to identify how we feel emotionally, to recognize the signals of our body, and to detect those triggers that lead to reactions we do not like and that can bring negative experiences. This self-awareness is the foundation for learning to regulate our emotions.

Among the most common strategies are not responding immediately, stopping to think and reflect on how we are feeling, identifying whether there are physical changes such as tension or an increase in body temperature that could lead us to respond without thinking, and asking for a moment of space to calm down. Breathing techniques and conscious pauses are also taught to help restore balance before responding.

Another very valuable tool is learning to speak from the I perspective. This means taking responsibility for what we feel and need, instead of reacting in an explosive way or with a raised tone of voice. For example, saying I need more time to complete this task because the current deadline causes me anxiety is a clear and respectful way to communicate a need without attacking the other person.

We cannot control what others think or do, but we can work on how we respond. For this reason, assertive communication becomes a great support in environments where people with different ways of thinking, feeling, and acting coexist. Having workshops and tools that teach this way of communicating can make a big difference in the quality of our relationships and in our personal well-being.