5 Tips for Getting Your Point Across

Are you chairing a project, leading a group, serving as club president or secretary in your Lions Club? Here are 5 little tips that might help you get better results next time you step up in front of a group.

1. Invite - don't order. If you tell them they "should" do something, you have lost them before you start. You may get better results by offering an opportunity to consider, something to think about, or a possible next step.

2. It's about them - not you. If you tell your Lions "I need you to sign up for White Canes" you leave them thinking you are either self-centered - or desperate. Make your message about your listener.

   Try "Here's a chance to help raise money we can spend on vision projects this coming year," or "I am giving those of you here today the first chance to sign up."

   Send the message that what you are asking will be worthwhile in their eyes, that it might be "insider information" or that they are getting something before everyone else.

3. Give them a visual. Remember, you are competing with the meal in front of them, the meeting they have next, or the list of groceries they have to pick up on the way home. How are you going to get their attention?

   Words alone may not do it - consider putting something in their hands or showing a picture. Three dimensional objects are even better.

   Trying to get members to sign up for convention? Make copies of the highlights sheet and registration form and give one personally to each Lion in attendance.

   Want more people to help pick up litter along the roadway? Bring in your new pick up stick to show off - or don your hat and gloves and grab a garbage bag before you head to the front of the room.

   Looking for some help sorting glasses? Share some of the pictures from an eyeglass mission or photos of other club members enjoying an outing at ALERT.

4. Make it personal. Whatever the topic, bring it home to your particular listeners.

   Maybe you want them to know that Camp Tatiyee needs club support. Talk about the camper your members sent to camp last year or what your donation can do for one child.

   Relaying a C. Kirby Smith request for host families? Ask someone from the club who has had a visiting student in their home to share their favorite memory of that experience.

5. Make it a minute - or less. TV commercials have us conditioned to the 30 second message - that's all you get before our minds begin to wander. Prepare your announcement by figuring out ahead of time why it is important.

   Will your members want to come to your club retreat to find out what is coming up for the club - or to help decide on new projects - or is it the donuts?

   Lead with the idea that will grab them. Be specific, be enthusiastic - and be brief.

   If you would like to learn more about making presentations, visit the Lions website at www.lionsclubs.org and check into the public speaking on line course in the member center.