Some politicians despair today at the difficulties they see in reaching out to their voters. Yet, there are many more opportunities today than there used to be. For example, my local liberal candidate in the first two days of being the official candidate took part in a webinar and a telephone town hall. He probably thinks I know little about the technologies but the truth is we were working on those ideas more than 40 years ago.
Webinars are based on computer-aided learning. Many of our current parents will be quite familiar with this as their children have bounced in and out with this technology during the pandemic. They probably saw some very bad methods along with some good.
For webinars, you can start with good technology. They have to have professional level sound, lighting and graphics. You would swear that some efforts are broadcast from the bathroom, by the way the sound bounces off all the porcelain. Good lighting can make a considerable difference in how people perceive the speakers. And you really need to check the clutter behind them.
Good telephone town halls are just as critical. You need good scripts for the intros and any prepared questions. You need to check the sound quality constantly. A professional master of ceremonies can make a good event better.
Frankly, I have been appalled at the lack of understanding of social media. This is an opportunity not envisaged 40 years ago. Social media is a form of creative media. It requires planning. It requires an on-going story line. It needs to build audience and interest. It is definitely not something the candidate dreams up daily.
And what are you doing about the ubiquitous lawn sign? You will probably have to Google it but you should look up the idea of the Burma Shave signs. This was a series of signs you saw on American highways back in the 1920s and 30s. They were small signs that were in a series of four or five that were funny and entertaining. You really do not have to compete with the local real estate agents for attention.
Creative approaches can help you win.
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Copyright 2022 © Peter Lowry
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