The Elevator Speech

So there I am in the elevator with the global head of xxxx at my company, so what do I say?

Years of training, etiquette and priming have come down to this. This is my chance to shine - I must use my elevator speech...(that specially preapred 45 second spiel that explains who I am and what I do).

I've already said Hello, and he's asked me how I am doing... I need a bridge to help me launch my speech, so that I don't sound like a rehearsed robot. What to say?

I notice him looking at my sneakers... inwardly I groan, oh no, he must be wondering why I am not in 'business attire' (since trainers are on the not-allowed-to-wear-in-off

ice list).

I know:

I open my mouth and I say:

"I have orthotics in my shoes"

it was meant to sound explanatory but it comes out all proud like.

He gives me a funny look: 'erm... '
he opens and closes his mouth, he thinks about it and obviously decides that I am retarded and so he kindly replies: 'so do I'

I look at his shoes

Ain't no way he has orthotics in them.
He sees me about to open my (stupid) mouth again and quickly cuts in:

"Are those 'New Balance?'" he asks pointing at my shoes

"Yes" I say (secretly impressed that he recognised the brand)

He smiles kindly, the way an adult does to a child who can't understand much but has to wear thick glasses, special shoes or braces...


"I have those too"...


Then he presses the button and hops out the lift.

.

.

.

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My 45 seconds to make an impression and all I could say was: "Hey dude, I got special shoes!"