Seeking VOTES

It’s that time again when candidates are out seeking your vote. How should they go about it?

          Many people vote for their favourite party often being influenced by tradition but that doesn’t necessarily get them the best person to represent their views.

          These days mass media presentations have largely replaced the old-fashion political speech. Electronic messages, letters to the editor and media interviews can reach many people fast. It is still possible to add many votes by personal visits and handshakes. This is stressful and takes much hard work.

A handful of tips to help you get elected

* When addressing an audience

          Chat to them in a friendly manner – be honest and discreet. Share your feelings and try to use some humour.

          Policy statements are best left to questions and media interviews.

* Who are you?

          People want to know your background. They want to be able to relate to you. Where did you grow up? Where were you schooled? Where have you worked and what are your qualifications?

          Tell them your interest and hobbies. What organisations do you belong to and support? What is your family situation?

* Why are you standing for a political office?

          Many people suspect candidates stand for personal and financial gains so give honest convincing reasons why you are a candidate.

* Why should people vote for you?

Why are you the best candidate to represent them?

          What changes will you try and make on their behalf?

* Ask for their vote

          Don’t take it for granted they will vote for you. Ask them to 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 Moss (mossassociates.co.nz.)

“Promise voters 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”. First published by  Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand and in Chinese by the Shanghai People’s Publishing House, the Singapore Institute of Management, Kogan Page Ltd, U.K and Hungarian by Bagolyvar Konyvkiado.  Also published as the “Secrets of Persuasion” by Cengage Learning Asia and as an e-book and sold by Amazon.com.