Essential Rules for Delivering a Message

Regardless of the situation you find yourself in, there are some essential rules to effectively
communicate your message. Keep these rules in mind whether you are speaking to a large group
or even to one individual.

Passion:

You have to speak with real passion if you want to get and hold the attention of your
audience. Believe in what you want to say and say it with great conviction. Remember, if you
lack passion for your subject, how can you interest anyone else?

Know Your Member and Staff Person:

Have a good idea of what interest your particular
member has in your issue. This is vital to making a good presentation. You can do everything
else well, but if what you’re saying is irrelevant to them, you will not be effective. Be sure to
demonstrate how the issue you represent affects them, their constituency and their district and
state. Thus, you need to do some homework.

Know Your Topic:

Knowing the topic is similar to knowing your audience; you are there
because of your passion and knowledge of your issue. Be sure to have your briefing materials
from your Hill Day Kit studied, reviewed and on hand during the meeting.

Have A Clear Objective:

Know what you want. Meetings and interviews are often very short.
You need to make sure to get your message across right away. Before your meeting think of a
few key phrases that amplify your message in a succinct and memorable manner. During the
meeting you can find places to insert this important message clearly.