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In her “Message guide: A tool every small business can use” post, Jeanne Yocum mentioned elevator speeches.  

The term ‘elevator speech’ seems to be a variant of ‘elevator pitch,’ which conventional wisdom suggests originated with technology-based start-up entrepreneurs who wanted to be ready in case they had a chance elevator encounter with a venture capitalist.  "Since I’ve helped entrepreneurs in the corner of a garage and business leaders in the corner office to develop this essential 30 to 60 seconds of pre-planned conversation, today I’m suggesting six rules for compelling pitches that can help you take your business to the top."