Welcome to the world of Therapeutic Recreation, where you will be explaining what you do for a living into the foreseeable future.
At times, it may be slightly frustrating to be asked to explain what you do as a recreation therapist. But with a positive mindset, you can use this as an opportunity to educate, advocate and impress with your Therapeutic Recreation Elevator Pitch.
What is an Elevator Pitch?
An elevator pitch is a clear and concise explanation of who you are and what you do.
Sounds pretty simple right? … not so fast my friend…
Your elevator pitch needs to be said in a way that a listener who has no background knowledge on therapeutic recreation, could walk away after the 30-seconds of listening to you with a clear understanding of what you do.
An exceptional elevator pitch entices your listener to ask more or be open to future conversations while showcasing your passion and personality.
Trust me when I say, there will be many opportunities for you to use your therapeutic recreation elevator pitch throughout your career.
Why Do You Need an Elevator Pitch?
Here are a few real-life situations you may need a therapeutic recreation elevator pitch for:
- Trying to get an internship with the amazing CTRS you just heard present at a conference.
- A new co-worker who has never worked with a recreation therapist before and is asking to learn more about what you do.
- Building a relationship with a community organization that you are trying to form a partnership with.
- Trying to collaborate on a new program with a member of the interdisciplinary team.
So whether it’s at a conference, networking events, talking to a member of the interdisciplinary team, or your great aunt at your second cousin’s wedding, you need to have your elevator pitch in your back pocket.
How to Create Your Elevator Pitch
This part needs a little background work, so grab a pen and print off the Therapeutic Recreation Elevator Pitch – Worksheet and let’s do this one together.
Step 1 – Introduce Yourself and Provide Context
Introducing yourself includes simple, yet crucial information such as your name. It could go a little something like this, “Hi, I’m Meagan Young, it’s so nice to meet you.”
Once you have wowed them with your enthusiastic smile and firm handshake, it’s time to talk about your credentials. Here are two examples of how this may sound.
If you are a working professional – “I am a (job title) and I provide therapeutic recreation services (work location) to (population you serve).”
If you are a student – I am a student studying (degree title) at (name of post-secondary institution) in my (year or study) specializing/with a special interest in (inset specialization or special interest).
Step 2 – Wow them with the Therapeutic Recreation Factor
Here comes the fun part.
Start with the Facts
Like any strong healthcare professional, we start by doing our research. Take some time to read up on some current definitions of therapeutic recreation. Here are a few of the links that I used when I developed my elevator pitch:
- 7 Things You Should Know About Recreation Therapy
- ATRA
- CTRA
- NCTRC
- Temple TR
- Memorial University (<- shout out to my alma mater)
- SMART CEUs Hub
- What The Rec
- Recreation Therapy Today
While you are reading through the definition of therapeutic recreation, take some time to write down what stands out to you in the brainstorm section of the worksheet. Think about what words and terms that you think are important to include in your 30-second window.
Build Your Pitch
It’s time to turn your favorite info into a paragraph or two of therapeutic recreation solid gold.
The most important part of this process is that you stay true to your personality. If you create a pitch that you don’t connect with you will a.) think is boring and never use it b.) never remember it or c.) sound like a robot who hates their job...none of these are what we want.
Spend some time visualizing how you would look, sounds, and behave when giving the best elevator pitch of your life. Is it interactive, is it personal to my story, is it purely academic?
Remember, you NEED to feel connected to your pitch, that is secret sauce to marketing yourself and your field of work.
Step 3 – Practice Makes Perfect
Y’all, I have a ton of conversations with my mirror and I’m not embarrassed about it.
This secret technique of talking to my reflection has helped me succeed at presentations, have difficult conversations, and absolutely nail the punch line of a hilarious story at dinner parties.
Once you have your elevator pitch finalized, practice it over and over and over.
You should be so comfortable with it you could say it in your sleep and still get a standing ovation.
Step 4 – Make the ‘Ask’
The ‘Ask’ is the optional part depending on the purpose of your elevator pitch.
(If your great aunt is asking about your new job…you probably can leave the ask out.)
But if you are speaking to the director of a company you think needs a recreation therapist or the CTRS you idolize and would love to do your internship with them, they will not be able to read your mind.
Keep the ask simple, confident, and to the point.
- I would be happy to talk with you more about how a recreation therapist could help your company better serve your clients needs. Can I get your email address?
- If you are taking an internship student this summer, I would love to have the opportunity to apply. Can I get your contact information to follow-up with you after the conference?
Side note – If someone is taking the time to ask you about recreation therapy, please thank them for giving 30 seconds of their very busy day to you.
My Therapeutic Recreation Elevator Pitch
Listener: So, what is it that you do for a living?
Me: I am a Recreation Therapist (big smile)
Listener: Cool. I have never heard of that profession before, what do you do?
Me: Thanks for asking, I’d love to share a bit about what I do.
Imagine if you woke up one morning and something tragic happened that completely changed your life. You are now unable to engage in the meaningful activities that provided you with enjoyment, relaxation, and a connection to others. How would that affect you? (…pause for dramatic effect…).
As a recreation therapist, I work with youth at a behavioral health treatment center who are receiving treatment for behavioral and mental health needs. Using a systematic process, I implement recreation, leisure, and play-based activities to improve or maintain their holistic health. My goal is to help the youth I serve overcome barriers that prevent them from having a truly meaningful leisure lifestyle.
…mic drop…
I would LOVE to hear your Therapeutic Recreation Elevator Pitch! Please share with the TR community below 🙂
