Do's and Don't Guide

DO

• Rehearse your presentation so that it can be delivered in five minutes.
• Introduce yourself briefly.
• Open by thanking the elected official for meeting with you (if you have met the person before, mention the last time you saw him/her.)
• Use formal titles (Council(Wo)man_____, Mayor_____, Representative_____, Senator_____, Governor____) unless you have a personal relationship.
• Get to the main point-using two sentences about why you are there and what you want.
• Keep to the point; stick to your presentation.
• Stress key messages.
• Answer questions directly, calmly, and factually.
• Rebut arguments with facts.
• Speak up.
• Watch for the official's reaction while others are speaking.
• Pay attention to "body language"-Talk with your head up; make eye-to-eye contact; be physically and vocally animated.
• Maintain eye contact.
• Leave behind a business card or your name, phone number and address.
• Leave behind a one-page summary of your position, if possible.
• Ask if you can count on the official's support.
• Offer to provide additional information.

DON'T

• Be emotional-be positive and offer alternatives.
• Attack or question motives-beware of attacking your opponents and criticizing other elected officials.
• Dwell on non-related issues.
• Rush.
• Become defensive or agitated.
• Don't get into partisan politics.
• Linger and make small talk.