What to Look for in a Politician

Election time will soon be upon us.

          Don’t vote for a party for traditional reasons – because you always do, or your parents always did. This time look for the best candidate that will support your wants and your beliefs.

          First examine your own wants and needs.

          Once you have thought your own ideas you can then look for a candidate with similar beliefs. Remember your are voting for a person to represent you.

          At a high powered political meeting held by the Brookings Institute in the United States a Presidential adviser once said to me;   “Promise the voters whatever they want. Unless you get elected you won’t be able to help them.”

          Experience shows this is not an uncommon policy.  

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

          Electronic messages, letters from your local candidates and media interviews can be effective in reaching more people than the old fashion political speech.         

          During the selection process, or when a new candidate is being introduced, the political speech is still a vital tool.

A Handful of Tips to help you get the representive of your choice

* Friendly and discreet

          The greatest mistake new candidates make is saying  too much.

          They try to establish a rapport with their  audience and make friends. They must be honest, sincere and if possible add some humour and anecdotes in their speeches to help them relate to their audience,

          Policy statements are usually best left to question and answer sessions and media interviews.

* Background and experience?

          People want to know who their candidates are and if they can be trusted. Where do they come from? Where did they grow up? Where have they worked and do they know about our history.

          What is their work experience and qualifications?

          What have we got in common with the candidate?

          What are their interests, their hobbies the clubs the organisations they support? What sports have they played?

          Have they travelled overseas? Do they understand what the world is really like? Over population and global warming are real threats today.

          They are our representative so we should be looking for someone who believes in our beliefs. 

          We need parliamentarians who are leaders. Ones who will listen to our views, are good communicators and ones that know how to make use of the media. 

* Why are they standing?

          Many people suspect many candidates stand for office for personal gains.  They must give honest convincing reasons why you should vote for them.

* Why should you vote for them?

          Why are they the best person qualified to represent you and support your ideas? 

          Will they be able to make the changes you wish for? Are your wants economically possible?

* Your vote?

          If you live in a free democratic country your vote is very important. Do your homework and make a special the effort to vote.

– Geoffrey Moss(mossassociates.co.nz)

“Doing  your homework beats moaning.”

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.