Talking Points
Collecting, Vetting, and Organizing Talking Points
After reviewing the plan below, check out the Advocacy and & Legislation page on the GOAL website and our sample letters for specific examples.
Step 1: Define Your Advocacy Goals
- Identify the Cause: Clearly define the issue or cause for which you are advocating.
- Set Objectives: Determine what specific outcomes you want to achieve (e.g., passing a bill, raising awareness).
Step 2: Research and Collect Information
- Gather Data:
- Statistics and Facts: Use reputable sources such as government reports, academic studies, and respected non-profits.
- Historical Context: Understand the history and background of the issue.
- Current Legislation: Review existing laws and proposed bills related to your cause.
- Personal Stories:
- Collect Anecdotes: Gather stories from individuals affected by the issue to humanize your advocacy.
- Diverse Perspectives: Ensure you have stories representing different demographics and viewpoints.
- Expert Opinions:
- Interviews and Quotes: Reach out to experts for interviews or find credible quotes from thought leaders in the field.
- Published Works: Include insights from books, articles, and papers written by experts.
Step 3: Vet Your Information
- Verify Sources:
- Check Credibility: Ensure all sources are reputable and trustworthy. Don’t trust that guy yelling on YouTube just because he has a lot of followers.
- Cross-Reference: Compare information from multiple sources to confirm accuracy.
- Evaluate Relevance:
- Timeliness: Make sure the data is up-to-date.
- Relevance to Objectives: Ensure all information directly supports your advocacy goals.
- Assess Bias:
- Identify Biases: Be aware of any potential biases in your sources and try to present a balanced view.
- Balance Perspectives: Include information from multiple viewpoints to strengthen your argument.
Step 4: Organize Your Talking Points
- Categorize Information:
- Primary Points: Identify the most critical points that directly support your goals.
- Supporting Points: Collect additional information that reinforces your primary points.
- Counterpoints: Prepare responses to potential opposition arguments.
- Structure Your Message:
- Introduction: Clearly state the issue and your position.
- Body:
- Main Points: Present each primary point with supporting evidence.
- Personal Stories: Integrate anecdotes to make your case more relatable.
- Counterpoints: Address and refute common opposing arguments.
- Conclusion: Summarize your key points and restate your call to action.
Step 5: Create a Reference Document
- Compile Information:
- Detailed Document: Create a comprehensive document with all your research, organized by category.
- Summary Sheet: Prepare a one-page summary with the most crucial points for quick reference.
- Presentation Materials:
- Slides: Develop a slide deck for meetings or presentations.
- Handouts: Create concise handouts with key points for distribution.
Step 6: Practice and Refine
- Rehearse:
- Presentation: Practice presenting your talking points aloud to ensure clarity and confidence.
- Q&A: Prepare for potential questions and objections.
- Get Feedback:
- Peers: Present your talking points to colleagues or fellow advocates for feedback.
- Experts: Seek input from experts to fine-tune your arguments.
- Refine:
- Adjust Based on Feedback: Make necessary adjustments to strengthen your talking points.
- Update Regularly: Keep your information current by regularly reviewing and updating your talking points as new data becomes available.
By following this plan, you can effectively collect, vet, and organize your talking points, ensuring you are well-prepared to advocate for your cause with confidence and credibility.
