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Sales Skills / Tell Stories That Sell / Lesson 15
LESSON 15 · TELL STORIES THAT SELL

Your Ten-Second Introduction

Practical ways to craft a ten-second introduction that is clear, friendly and easy to remember.

Ten seconds is enough. Say who you help and how.

10 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan
Start with tip 1
Jump to the 7-day plan

10 tips that really help

These ideas come from Building a StoryBrand (Donald Miller), Pitch Anything (Oren Klaff), Made to Stick (Chip Heath and Dan Heath), and everyday practice. The first six help the most. Pick one and try it today.

Photo for the tip: Ten seconds is all you get
TIP 1

Ten seconds is all you get

A short introduction must tell people who you are, whom you help and what changes for them, in plain words.

TRY THIS
Write yours in two sentences.
Photo for the tip: Start with your name, slowly
TIP 2

Start with your name, slowly

People forget names said in a rush, so speak it clearly and pause briefly before the next part.

TRY THIS
Practise saying it calmly.
Photo for the tip: Name the people you help
TIP 3

Name the people you help

Saying I help small shop owners is far more memorable than saying I work in sales consulting.

TRY THIS
Choose your main audience.
Photo for the tip: Describe the result you create
TIP 4

Describe the result you create

The listener cares most about what improves for them, such as more customers or less stress.

TRY THIS
Finish the sentence so that they can.
Photo for the tip: Avoid leading with your job title
TIP 5

Avoid leading with your job title

Titles rarely explain value, while a short benefit statement invites a follow-up question.

TRY THIS
Replace title with outcome.
Photo for the tip: Add a hook that sparks curiosity
TIP 6

Add a hook that sparks curiosity

A small surprising line, such as I help shops that nobody walks past, makes people ask for more.

TRY THIS
Test two hooks with friends.
Photo for the tip: Keep a friendly face and tone
TIP 7

Keep a friendly face and tone

A warm smile and relaxed voice make a short introduction feel natural rather than rehearsed.

TRY THIS
Smile as you speak it.
Photo for the tip: Prepare versions for different settings
TIP 8

Prepare versions for different settings

A networking event needs a quick line, while a meeting allows a slightly fuller version.

TRY THIS
Write a short and a longer one.
Photo for the tip: Practise until it sounds natural
TIP 9

Practise until it sounds natural

Saying it aloud ten times removes stiffness so you can deliver it while thinking about the listener.

TRY THIS
Rehearse in the mirror.
Photo for the tip: Ask others if it is clear
TIP 10

Ask others if it is clear

A friend outside your field can tell you instantly whether your introduction makes sense.

TRY THIS
Ask what they understood.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many sales conversations.

INTRO

“I help small shop owners save hours on stock counts.”

NAME

“I am Sam from Bright Tools.”

HOOK

“Most owners tell me counts take all of Friday.”

ASK

“Does that sound familiar?”

CLOSE

“I would love to hear how you handle it.”

THANKS

“Nice to meet you.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Write three versions
DAY 2
Pick the clearest
DAY 3
Cut to ten seconds
DAY 4
Say it aloud
DAY 5
Test it on a stranger
DAY 6
Ask what they remember
DAY 7
Use it daily

Further reading

  • Building a StoryBrand (Donald Miller)
  • Pitch Anything (Oren Klaff)
  • Made to Stick (Chip Heath and Dan Heath)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.

More lessons in “Tell Stories That Sell”

Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.

← Previous: Ask for Testimonials Without AwkwardnessNext: The One-Sentence Pitch →

  1. Why Stories Beat Statistics
  2. The Simple Story Shape: Problem, Struggle, Win
  3. Make the Customer the Hero
  4. Find Stories in Your Everyday Work
  5. Keep It Short, Keep It Real
  6. Add One Vivid Detail
  7. End Every Story With a Point
  8. Collect Stories While They Are Fresh
  9. The Before, During and After Story
  10. Use Real Numbers Honestly
  11. Tell a Story Like Your Customer Would
  12. Match the Story to the Buyer
  13. Case Studies People Actually Read
  14. Ask for Testimonials Without Awkwardness
  15. Your Ten-Second Introduction
  16. The One-Sentence Pitch
  17. Cut the Jargon
  18. Lead With the Problem You Solve
  19. Make the Benefit Obvious
  20. Use Simple Words and Short Sentences
  21. The Message Test: Can They Repeat It?
  22. Open With a Hook
  23. The Three-Point Presentation
  24. Slides That Support, Not Distract
  25. Demo the Result, Not the Features
  26. Use Pauses Like a Pro
  27. Handle Questions Mid-Presentation
  28. Close Your Presentation Strongly
  29. Hold the Room Without Shouting
  30. Use Your Hands and Eyes
  31. Control Your Pace Under Pressure
  32. Recover From a Slip
  33. Pitch to One Person or Twenty
  34. Pitch Over Video With Energy
  35. A One-Page Proposal That Wins
  36. Open With Their Problem, Not Your Company
  37. Show Options: Good, Better, Best
  38. Make Pricing Easy to Understand
  39. Add a Clear Next Step
  40. Proofread Like a Professional
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