Decision-Maker Scripts

Keep your focus on your objective:

1) Get the decision-maker to agree to an in-person meeting or presentation
 or

2) Get the decision-maker to listen to your position on the issue over the phone

Do:

1)      Find out the name and  title of the decision-maker (use the Internet) before you call.

2)      Greet the decision-maker by name and title.

3)      Introduce yourself  and the organization you represent, if any.

4)      Know both sides the issue.

5)      Know what positions the decision-maker has publicly or privately taken on the issue.

6)   Convey to the decision-maker that you understand the issue and that you have a solution that you would like to explore with him/her at an in-person meeting.

Don’t:

1)      Don’t get defensive, evasive or argumentative. Stay calm and let the facts speak for themselves.

2)      Don't ridicule or denigrate agencies or individuals representing the opposing view.

3)     Don’t get into an extremely detailed discussion over the phone; some detailed points are hard to follow over the phone. If there is serious detailed interest, request an in-person meeting.

4)    Don't misrepresent or exaggerate anything.  You will damage your personal credibility, as well as that of other animal advocates.

Decision-Maker Script 1:

Objective: Get the decision maker to agree to an in-person meeting or presentation

Decision-Maker Script 2:

Objective: Get the decision-maker to listen to your position on the issue over the phone

 [Only do this approach as a last resort -- preferable options are:

1) arrange a personal meeting with him/her

2) arrange a personal meeting with a top-level aide

3) arrange for a presentation to a committee]