Tips for effective canvassing

I noticed that many people in my groups on BarackObama.com are going to spend their next few weekends canvassing for Barack Obama. I also noticed that others will be canvassing for congressional, Senate, State Senate and State Assembly candidates in their areas.

I have canvassed in four out of the last six presidential elections and I've canvassed in each regional and midterm election over the past six years. Canvassing is how I feel I can contribute best in an election (and it's proven to be one of the most effective GOTV tactics, as 1 out of 12 voters you contact will go to the polls that otherwise would no). Unfortunately, some health problems are keeping me from hitting the streets this year. Still, I've learned a lot about canvassing over time and I feel it would be a waste if I did not share what I've learned with others.

You might have heard many of these suggestions from field coordinators already; I've been told that team Obama has some savvy field ops. But I thought I might share them anyway:

1. Work in teams with people of various ages. Split up the canvassing list by age, if possible. People being canvassed respond much better to their age peers. The Young Voters Project did a study and found that voters under 29 years of age respond better after being canvassed by someone in the same age group. I have always imagined that this theory works with all age groups.

2. Assume it will rain. Have an umbrella, boots, and a raincoat in your car.

3. Take care of your feet. Wear flat rubber-soled shoes that breathe (preferably running shoes). Also, an extra pair of socks helps keep your feet dry in all types of weather (wet or sweaty feet lead to blisters). It doesn't hurt to bring Band-Aids, foot powder, and bunion pads, either.

4. Bring a few dog treats. Use them only if a seemingly menacing dog comes toward you. The treats are not bribes for other's pets, they're purely for self protection.

5. Identify a restroom. Scout out nearby gas stations, restaurants, stores, etc. Never, ever ask to use someone's home bathroom.

6. Shut off your cell phone—or better yet, put it on vibrate—while canvassing. A ringing cell phone turns people off, whether or not you answer it. You'll may need to bring your cellphone, however, to contact other canvassers.

7. Don't jump to conclusions about potential supporters based on the house, the street, or the neighborhood.

8. After ringing the bell or knocking on the door, take a giant step back. A stranger standing too close to the door when it opens can be off-putting to the person opening it.

9. Smile. Smile even if you're getting a tongue lashing.

10. Watch your body language. Don't try to be imposing. Make sure your shoulders are turned to the side an not square to the people that you speak to. Don't make large motions with your hands while you talk and look people in the eye.

11. Get your information out quickly. Practice using the "who, where, what, and why" format. "Who" is you and "where" is where you are from or what group you represent (this is very important and puts people at ease when they know why a stranger is at their door). "What" is the candidate that you're canvassing for. "Why" is when you give them your pitch on why they should vote and why they should vote for your candidate.

12. Talk about the issues until you identify a "hot button" issue with that voter. Many times, they'll tell you what concerns them, but often, you'll have to pick up facial cues like a furrowed brow or a nod. Continue to talk about this issue. If you can't identify which issues are important to them, don't be afraid to ask.

13. Try to reach an agreement on an issue with the potential voter. No matter where people may fall on the political spectrum, it is not difficult to find common ground. Once you do, highlight that you're in agreement with them. I like to use phrases like "that's a problem, don't you think?" or "so we both think we'd better off with...." to establish that we're in agreement. Once you've established this common ground, talk about your candidate's stance on this issue and how it's applicable.

14. Don't talk about your pet issues. Talk with the potential supporter about their important issues. Also, don't offer up your personal theories on issues. If you are unfamiliar with your candidate's position on an issue, tell this to the person and ask them if they would like to talk to someone over the phone about this matter. Most importantly, stick with your candidate's platform.

15. Always ask potential supporters if they have any questions or anything that they'd like to share with you. Demonstrating that you care about someone's thoughts is more effective at swaying voters than reciting the virtues of your politician. In addition, you're likely to get some background on the area that you're in, so that you can better identify with other people that you canvass. For example, you're likely to find out that a school has cut programs, the river is polluted, or the axle plant closed. So, these regional issues give you another opportunity to fine tune your message to either education, the environment, or the economy, respectively.

16. Tell everyone that you've canvassed that you appreciate their taking time to talk to you and that you enjoyed talking to them.

17. Take scheduled breaks with other canvassers and share your experiences (and change your socks while you're at it). Just as you become better at canvassing after your first several houses, you'll become even better after you find what your colleagues have learned.