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 C-611, 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.