Messaging and Communications: Six Fail Safe Steps to a Candidate Stump Speech

Step 1: Who are you?

• Identify/emotionally connect with the audience
• Why are you asking for their attention, and why should they?

Step 2: What is the problem?

• Figure out who is hurting and what pain you are trying to address

Step 3: What is your experience?

• What qualifies you to address this problem?
• Don't list your resume—show the voters that you truly understand their needs

Step 4: Find a creative solution

• Your goal: to get the audience to nod their head in agreement
• Define what could be
• Why are we doing x when we should be doing y?

Step 5: What do you stand for?

• What type of opponent are you facing?
• Characterize your opponent—it doesn't have to be a person

Step 6: What do you want?

• Whether it is votes, financial support, the voters' hearts and minds, accountability or something else, convey that

What to Do When Giving Your Stump Speech

• Be respectful
• Act with professional passion
• Deliver your message
• Stay on subject
• Talk to the audience
• Put your microphone below your chin
• Spray glasses with non-glare
• Look and speak to the camera
• Wear more solid colors

(TM Jennie Blackton)