A Handful of Tips 24 – The New Political Candidate

Five of the best tips when making a political speech

Today mass media presentations have largely replaced the old-fashioned political speech.

          Electronic messages, letters to the editor and media interviews can be more effective in reaching more people than political speeches. But during the selection process, or when a new candidate is being introduced,  the political speech is a vital tool so follow these tips.

1. Be friendly and discreet

The greatest mistake new candidates make is to say too much.

          You are trying to establish a rapport with your audience and make friends. Be sincere and if possible add some humour and anecdotes in your speeches.

          Policy statements are best left to question and answer sessions.

2. Tell them your background

People want to know who you are and if they can trust you. Where do you come from? Where did you grow up? Where have you worked and what are your qualifications?

           Tell them your interests, your hobbies, what clubs and organisations you support. What sports do you play, or have played?  Have you travelled overseas?  They are looking for common ground so you can relate to them and help them.  

3. Give reasons why you are standing for a political office

Many people suspect candidates stand for office for personal gains so give honest convincing reasons. Leave the audience in no doubt as to your reasons.

4. Tell them why they should vote for you

Why are you the best person qualified to represent them?  

          What changes will you try to make on their behalf and how will they benefit if you are successful?

5. Ask for their vote

All too often candidates take this for granted and fail to ask them to cast their vote for you on polling day.

           Always finish with an appeal for their vote and tell them once again the reasons why you are the best candidate for the job.

– Geoffrey

“Promise the voter you will try to get whatever they want. Unless you get elected you won’t be able to help them.”

Source: “Persuasive Ways ; Tricks of the trade to get your ideas across”, Moss Associates Ltd, New Zealand. “Secrets of Persuasion” Cengage Learning Asia, Singapore (Thomson) also as an e-book available from Amazon.com and as “Persuasive Ways” in Mandarin published by the Shanghai People’s Publishing House.