HaHa. I have learned from each person I have volunteered with and every voter I've spoken with.
Be nice, be respectful, be positive, and listen. Use the script when you feel tongue tied, tweak it as you gain confidence. Don't argue - it only makes people dig in. Find common ground and work from there. Where people agree with you, ask questions which give them the opportunity to reinforce and expand on the agreement.
You are intruding on someone's life. Sometimes they will want to tell you more than you have time for. Politely get back on topic. Take 'no' for an answer. Don't ever go inside a house or apartment, especially when canvassing alone. If you feel uncomfortable on the doorstep, smile, back away, and leave. On the very rare case of an irrationally angry or threatening person, mark it down to warn others - in decades, this has only happened to me a few times. I was shaken but nothing bad happened.
And whether canvassing or phone-banking, make sure to keep hydrated. Seriously.
I’d like to canvass with you next time. I’d learn so much!
HaHa. I have learned from each person I have volunteered with and every voter I've spoken with.
Be nice, be respectful, be positive, and listen. Use the script when you feel tongue tied, tweak it as you gain confidence. Don't argue - it only makes people dig in. Find common ground and work from there. Where people agree with you, ask questions which give them the opportunity to reinforce and expand on the agreement.
You are intruding on someone's life. Sometimes they will want to tell you more than you have time for. Politely get back on topic. Take 'no' for an answer. Don't ever go inside a house or apartment, especially when canvassing alone. If you feel uncomfortable on the doorstep, smile, back away, and leave. On the very rare case of an irrationally angry or threatening person, mark it down to warn others - in decades, this has only happened to me a few times. I was shaken but nothing bad happened.
And whether canvassing or phone-banking, make sure to keep hydrated. Seriously.