Job hunters, writers, entrepreneurs, actors, and salespeople know that their success relies on networking.

Often, the chance to make a critical personal connection happens unexpectedly — say, in a shared elevator ride between floors.

When there is no time for small talk, an entire working relationship can hang on an effective elevator speech.

An “elevator speech” is a short, succinct statement describing a concept in such a way that any listener can instantly understand it. It conveys enthusiasm, excitement, and energy. It intrigues listeners, encouraging them to ask questions and invest in the exchange of information.

The elevator speech rarely closes a sale, but a good one will open the door for future conversations of greater depth and nuance.

If it is important for a job seeker to practice and perfect a pitch, how much more should Christian believers be ready to answer for their faith? As today’s verse illustrates, the apostle Peter knew how critical having such an answer was. No doubt his denial of Jesus before the crucifixion weighed heavily on his mind.

Right now, during this quiet moment, how would you answer someone who asked: “What reason do I have for hope?”

Craft your response, then hide it in your heart for the moment you can use it to deliver an “elevator speech” of hope to someone without any.