Perfect Your Pitch

You have 30 seconds to describe your research in sufficient detail: ready, set, go! (Be thankful you're allowed to use more than just seven words.) Jared Snider at Bitesize Bio says that because "developing the skills to explain your science is critical for success as a scientist," researchers ought to perfect their so-called elevator pitches for non-scientist friends and families. Thirty to 60-second elevator pitches are "very handy, not only at parties … but also when … rubbing elbows with members of the National Academy of Science at meetings or symposia," Snider says. Further, he adds, as all grant applications ask for summaries to explain your proposal's background and significance, the elevator pitch also helps researchers to succinctly state what it is that they plan to do and exactly why it's important.