Channeling your inner-Ronald Reagan: An Afternoon of Advocacy Training

As this year’s annual UNA USA conference came to a close, members left with a heightened sense of confidence, purpose and self-awareness which will prove advantageous and instrumental in their future advocacy campaigns. Following an afternoon of communications training with the Truman National Security Project, attendees learned effective techniques to persuasively connect with their audiences when endorsing the benefits and importance of stronger US involvement in the UN.

The Truman Project offered an engaging and informative communications workshop centered on psychological findings and participant interaction. Presenters stressed the importance of appealing to the emotions of your audience and creating a personal rapport with them. Only by convincing your audience to believe in you will you be successful in converting them to your viewpoint. A powerful delivery is also key and participants learned new techniques to improve their posture and to maintain their cool in nerve-racking situations. Think pleasantness, affability and charm! Embody the collected Obama, the smiling Ronald, and the charming John Fitzgerald.
To emotionally connect with your audience, you must first understand them, their emotions and their perceptions of you. Then apply facts and anecdotes to lead them in the direction of your view, all the while remaining respectful of their original opinions. By poignantly highlighting your main selling point, you will leave a lasting impression.

UNA-USA members were then able to refine these skills with role-play scenarios. They were given two synopses in which they were to persuade senators to continue UN funding in the midst of controversial scandals which tarnished its image and effectiveness. By presenting and critiquing their various approaches, UNA-USA members learned firsthand how to be as effective as possible when advocating their cause. Armed with this knowledge and experience, they guarantee a brighter future for UN advocacy and assure a stronger and more respected American perception of the agency.


Sponsor: UNA USA
Date: June 9, 2008
Time: 12:30 – 4:30 pm
Representative Attending: Elizabeth Caniano