Legislative - Action Center

__________________________________________________________________________________

Delivering your Message
Writing Your Elected Representative
Meeting with your Elected Representative
Presenting Information to your Elected Officials
Writing a Letter to the Editor

In Person Presentation and Live Events

The most important determinant of success in a presentation is the strength of the relationship between you and your audience. If a good connection is made, the result can be magical. If a connection does not materialize, both you and your audience are in for a painful experience. To help make this connection before speaking to any audience, ask yourself three important questions.

1. What does this person or group want from me?
2. What do I want from them?
3. How do I know that we have both gotten what we wanted?

Seven Essential Rules - Once you have answered these questions, you are prepared to combine the following tips with the seven essential rules and give a great presentation.

1. Anticipate and attempt to prepare for how a specific audience might accept your presentation.


2. Arrive early enough to acquaint yourself with the location of your Legislator’s office and your surroundings or in the case of a live event, the room, the sound system and the overhead you might use when speaking.


3. Do not memorize your message or speech, but you may want to have background materials, one pagers, note cards or bulleted talking points.


4. When reading a prepared message or speech, be comfortable with the subject and the language. A speech should be a dialogue. Be able to read the message or speech and maintain connection with the audience. Do not focus your attention only on the page. This takes practice.


5. Know the opening and closing lines to your message or speech.


6. Know the name of your Legislator, their district and significant staff persons. Know which staff member is responsible for following your issue and any relevant committee assignments held by your Legislator. Let them know you intend to follow up on your meeting. Make sure they know your name and contact information (leave a card with this information).


7. You have a limited amount of time. Be polite and gracious but remember you are not there to win a popularity contest. Keep in mind why you are there and stick to your goal and message.

Return to ACTION CENTER