Tech 2020 Lunch and Learn with Ellen Kern of Stand and Deliver

Intro

Have you ever tried to explain what a hackerspace is to someone who doesn't know? Have you ever tried to give a 'pitch' about a project you're working on, only to see the recipients eyes glaze over?

Knox Makers attended a short lunch and learn with Ellen Kern of Stand and Deliver, to learn how to handle these conversations.

Summary

We started off introducing ourselves, and Ellen probed us with a few questions. She made a point that much of communication is nonverbal, and that we should consider narrowing down what a hackerspace does, and consider the terms we use.

Material

• Use clear, concise messages. You only have a few seconds to draw people in or turn them away. The objective of an elevator pitch is to entice interest and further communication, in other words to make the best possible first impression.
• Lead with WIIFT benefit statement instead of title (What's In It for Them). Note in this case, WIIFT may be how we benefit the community rather than this particular listener.
• Two models for visual presentation: 3Ps and So What. 3Ps are "Pain / Problem", "Promise / Solution", and "Picture It". What problem are they faced with, how will you fix it, and how can you make them imagine the solution? So What is a statement that begins with an example problem or metaphor. "You know how..." or "You know when..."
• Some practice writing and presenting our elevator pitch

Results

This was a free introductory class, but it was exciting for two reasons:

1. Get a feel for elevator pitches and how to craft one
2. Get unique perspectives on what people think the hackerspace is, and / or what we do!

Example

• Shane - "You know how kindergartens are interest-based environments for creative play? We're like a kindergarten graduate program. We manage a shared space, filled with community tools, for the development of new ideas and fantastic creations."
• Sam - "The problem that Knox Makers is solving is that technology is too often isolating, and we fight this by supporting a group of creative individuals as they enjoy learning about technology and the creative arts in a shared space filled with community tools. My favorite example would be {Insert favorite project anecdote here.}"