By Gordon Schiff, MD
Know the values, needs, and issues of the audience/organization
Be sure to have a good conversation before your talk with someone from the organization (perhaps the person arranging the talk), and read up on the group’s literature. One highly effective practice is to come early, listen to their issues at their (business/residency) meeting, and refer back to these issues while you talk. Every organization you speak with is a potential ally in a coalition.
Use humor and modesty to win over the audience
So many of our opponents are arrogant, uncaring, thoughtless, and non-clinical. This often makes it easy and important to distinguish them from ourselves.
If possible, go in a pair
Bring a partner. If you are more experienced, bring along someone new to help you and learn from you. If newer, go along with someone more experienced and take notes on their tricks and audience responses. Share constructive criticism and feedback when you debrief each other.
Be self-critical, and honestly introspective
Identify the weaknesses of single payer (past strategic miscalculations, Canadian weaknesses) – without being apologetic. However there is nothing worse than a speaker who begins by apologizing and persists in doing so throughout the talk. Don’t apologize for any speaking weaknesses and certainly don’t be apologetic for your bold ideas – put these forward distinctly and forcefully.
Get names
Sign-in sheets allow the local chapter to continually build its list of names and contact information. If you are speaking with physicians who would like more information or to become a member, feel free to contact the national PNHP office for assistance. If you are with another single-payer activist, they may be able to pass around a clipboard during your presentation. Be sure to follow-up on all requests in a timely manner.
Pass out information
Bring pamphlets and brochures with you to each talk. If you are speaking to physicians, PNHP can supply you with physician-targeted information. If you are speaking to community group, Healthcare Now can assist in providing materials. PNHP will donate $100 for lunches to any medical student organization that hosts a PNHP speaker.
Solicit other speaking engagements
Many people are involved in more than one organization. Feel free to let your audience know that you are available to speak with other groups on the importance of single payer. If you can’t meet a request, you can always forward the request to the national office for follow-up.
Revised 5/05 Gordy Schiff, MD. Transcribed/revised 11/09