What makes an elevator pitch memorable is not a perfect script. It is the ability to clearly share who you are, what you do, and why it matters in a way that feels natural and invites conversation. In this episode of Speak Arizona, Rupesh Parbhoo and cohost Tatum O'Kennedy talk with Eloïse Eonnet about how to move beyond rambling, résumé recitals, and self-doubt. They break down a practical framework for building an elevator pitch, explain why delivery matters just as much as content, and even workshop Tatum's pitch live on the show. Perfect for professionals, job seekers, and emerging leaders who want to communicate their value with more confidence and connection.

Key takeaways

- An elevator pitch should begin a conversation, not try to say everything at once.
- Strong pitches are built by making clear decisions about your audience, your goals, and the story you want to tell.
- Confidence often improves when you practice the experience of speaking, not just the exact words.
- Sharing just enough about you is generous: it helps others engage in conversation with you and remember you
- Executive presence comes through credibility, relatability, and reliability.

Chapters
00:00 - Cold Open
02:05 - Why first impressions depend on clarity, not just confidence
03:25 - Eloise demonstrates a strong elevator pitch
05:43 - Defining the elevator pitch as a conversation starter
07:19 - Why people freeze and how to choose the right narrative
11:14 - Eloise's framework for building a strong elevator pitch
16:22 - Common mistakes: saying too much, too little, or not practicing
18:32 - How to get out of your head and make it conversational
21:24 - Younger professionals, confidence, and finding your voice
23:53 - Practice the experience, not just the content
27:54 - Why future impact makes a pitch more engaging
29:30 - Using your elevator pitch beyond job interviews
33:39 - Live workshop: Tatum rewrites her pitch in real time
42:34 - Executive presence: credible, relatable, and reliable
46:08 - Rapid fire: charisma, public speaking habits, and audience connection
51:51 - Where to connect with Eloïse

About the guest
Eloïse Eonnet is the founder of Eloquence, where she helps leaders strengthen their presence and communication ability so they are seen as strategic, credible, and ready for greater responsibility.

Connect
- https://www.linkedin.com/in/eloise-eonnet/
- https://www.eloquencecoaching.com/

About the co-host
Tatum O'Kennedy is a Senior Solution Consultant who built her career on the front lines of manufacturing, where data is abundant but clarity is rare. Today, she helps organizations cut through that complexity, turning operational data into insights that drive smarter decisions and continuous improvement.

https://www.linkedin.com/in/tatum-o-kennedy/