Real-Life Communication
Communication skills are a government relations officer's number
one asset, says government relations officer Louise MacNaughton.
"It's
all about having really good communication skills," she says. "Even if you
know the political system inside out, if you don't know how to go into a meeting
and talk to a politician and ask for what you want, you can't do this job."
Although
they lobby only part of the time, communication skills help government relations
officers stand out when in a crowd of other lobbyists scrambling for a politician's
attention and clout. The more effectively you communicate, the taller you
stand against the competition.
"Everyone's there trying to make their
pitch and so you need an overall communications strategy that suits your needs,
and refine that down to how you're going to deliver it," says government relations
officer John Tomlinson. "Some people do it through a lot of mailings, but
one on one is best because these people get thousands of pieces of mail each
year. So you've got to have an impact."
In the frantic atmosphere of
a capitol, lobbyists generally have a small window of opportunity to make
their case. They have to use these snatched chances to make a big impact in
a short time.
"You have to be able to deliver succinct messages in
a short period of time," says government relations officer Cynthia Wilbanks.
"Probably most important is the ability to communicate effectively with a
set of prioritized messages. You can't just dump information and demands on
people every time you have an opportunity to sit down with them for a few
minutes. You have to selectively decide what your key message is and how you're
going to deliver it."
You are a government relations officer leaving
a phone message with a legislator. Construct a message based on the following
facts and apply the subsequent lobbying tips, as provided by Tom Bolt and
Associates, a lobbying firm in the Grand Cayman Islands.
- You are calling about bill S. 100, which, if passed, would
see funds to after-school programs increase by 20 percent. Senator Frank Smith
sponsors the bill.
- You represent Springwood PTA, a parent-teacher organization in the legislator's
constituency. Its members rely heavily on after-school programs, and would
like to see them improved.
- They want the bill passed, as they feel increased funds would be in the
best interests of their children.
The following tips will be helpful in making sure your phone call
is properly noted:
Before you call, know your facts. What is the bill
number and title, and who is the sponsor? How does the legislation affect
the legislator's constituents' interests, jobs or livelihoods? What action
do you want your legislator to take?
When you make your call, be brief,
to the point and courteous. Identify yourself. It is not necessary that you
speak directly to your legislator. Leave your message with the person answering
the phone, or with the staff person working on the issue.
Present your
facts and position on the issue. Tell the person what action you would like
your legislator to take. Try not to argue. To ensure your message is transmitted
to your legislator, request a response in writing. Thank the person for listening
to your request. Be ready to answer their questions.
Follow up. Determine
how your legislator voted on the issue. If your legislator supported your
views, be sure to thank them. If the vote was not what you wanted, note your
disappointment but indicate you want to continue working with your legislator
and to keep lines of communication open. NEVER, NEVER be rude, impolite or
threatening.