I am broading the topics and going beyond politics. You may now find my thoughts and ramblings at http://brandonwright.wordpress.com.
I appreciate your viewership and hope you will continue to check me out on my new site. Things are little bare right now, but there will losts to read very soon.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
Words That Work: Rules #9 and #10
Rule #9 Ask a question
There is nothing worse than staring back at blank faces, or worse an empty room. Asking questions gets people listening, thinking and feeling, what you are saying. Getting your listeners involved will go a long way in getting your message heard.
Rule #10 Provide Context and Relevance
How many times have we heard someone claim their statements were "taken out of context?" What does that mean exactly and how can you stop the problem from happening to you?
First, make sure the words you use can be understood by your audience. You wouldn't use the same words explaining Einstein's theory of relativity to graduate-level physics students that would to high school kids. The other solution is to explain why what you have to say is important to them. What relevance does it have to their lives and be sure the words you use are relevant to your topic. I think we all remember KKT mixing her football lingo and I know we remember the result. Don't let that happen to you, and you will go a long way in getting your message heard.
There is nothing worse than staring back at blank faces, or worse an empty room. Asking questions gets people listening, thinking and feeling, what you are saying. Getting your listeners involved will go a long way in getting your message heard.
Rule #10 Provide Context and Relevance
How many times have we heard someone claim their statements were "taken out of context?" What does that mean exactly and how can you stop the problem from happening to you?
First, make sure the words you use can be understood by your audience. You wouldn't use the same words explaining Einstein's theory of relativity to graduate-level physics students that would to high school kids. The other solution is to explain why what you have to say is important to them. What relevance does it have to their lives and be sure the words you use are relevant to your topic. I think we all remember KKT mixing her football lingo and I know we remember the result. Don't let that happen to you, and you will go a long way in getting your message heard.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Words That Work: Rules #7 and #8
Rule #7 Speak Aspirationally
People will forget what you say, but they won't forget how you made them feel. The key to successful aspirational language is to personalize the message. If the listener can relate the language to the his or her own life, that's personalization.
Aspirational language sells you - a better you. It's about encouraging the listener to want something better. It's not what you say, it's what people hear - and how you make them feel.
Rule #8 Visualize
Paint a picture. There are few words that immediately triggers the process of visualization like the word imagine. The word imagine is perhaps the single most powerful communication tool because it allows individuals to picture whatever personal vision is in their hearts and minds.
People will forget what you say, but they won't forget how you made them feel. The key to successful aspirational language is to personalize the message. If the listener can relate the language to the his or her own life, that's personalization.
Aspirational language sells you - a better you. It's about encouraging the listener to want something better. It's not what you say, it's what people hear - and how you make them feel.
Rule #8 Visualize
Paint a picture. There are few words that immediately triggers the process of visualization like the word imagine. The word imagine is perhaps the single most powerful communication tool because it allows individuals to picture whatever personal vision is in their hearts and minds.
Monday, March 19, 2007
Words That Work: Rules #5 and #6
Rule #5: Novelty
The average American is cynical about politics. Most distrust their political leaders and believe they have heard it all. There is nothing you can say that will capture their attention. How long have we heard about a 13th high school, or improvements to Route 3.
Skilled leaders will present fresh ideas, or repackage old ones with a fresh spin that moves beyond the old rhetoric.
Communicating a fresh idea - new or old - will go a long way in getting your message heard.
Rule #6: Sound and Text Matter
It is important to not only remember the audience, but also the delivery when developing a communication strategy. How will the message get to the target audience?
I once heard told the story of how a few words and phrases added by President Reagan forever changed what would have been customary remarks, to one of the most famous and oft-quoted speeches. It includes the phrase, "tear down this wall."
That simple phrase has forever changed the world. Remembering not only the audience, but how the audience will hear the message will go along way in getting your message heard.
The average American is cynical about politics. Most distrust their political leaders and believe they have heard it all. There is nothing you can say that will capture their attention. How long have we heard about a 13th high school, or improvements to Route 3.
Skilled leaders will present fresh ideas, or repackage old ones with a fresh spin that moves beyond the old rhetoric.
Communicating a fresh idea - new or old - will go a long way in getting your message heard.
Rule #6: Sound and Text Matter
It is important to not only remember the audience, but also the delivery when developing a communication strategy. How will the message get to the target audience?
I once heard told the story of how a few words and phrases added by President Reagan forever changed what would have been customary remarks, to one of the most famous and oft-quoted speeches. It includes the phrase, "tear down this wall."
That simple phrase has forever changed the world. Remembering not only the audience, but how the audience will hear the message will go along way in getting your message heard.
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Words That Work: Rules #3 and #4
Two more rules for your reading enjoyment.
Rule#3: Credibility
Do you know why FNC, CNN, MSBC, etc hire contributors? It's because they can talk intelligently on a subject; they lend credibility to the discussion. No one listens to you speak if they believe you are not being honest and are credible. A doctor without any training in the law, would not be credible to discuss legal doctrine and likewise an attorney without medical training would not be credible to discuss surgical procedures.
Before you speak (or write on a topic) be sure you have credibility. It will go along way in getting your message heard.
Rule#4: Consistency
On average, people need to hear information repeated five to seven times before it sinks in. Reporters on the campaign trail get tired of hearing the same stump speech, but often its the first time voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina are hearing it, and they will again and again and again between now and the caucuses and primaries.
Repeating a message with small words and short sentences will go along a way in getting your message heard.
Rule#3: Credibility
Do you know why FNC, CNN, MSBC, etc hire contributors? It's because they can talk intelligently on a subject; they lend credibility to the discussion. No one listens to you speak if they believe you are not being honest and are credible. A doctor without any training in the law, would not be credible to discuss legal doctrine and likewise an attorney without medical training would not be credible to discuss surgical procedures.
Before you speak (or write on a topic) be sure you have credibility. It will go along way in getting your message heard.
Rule#4: Consistency
On average, people need to hear information repeated five to seven times before it sinks in. Reporters on the campaign trail get tired of hearing the same stump speech, but often its the first time voters in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina are hearing it, and they will again and again and again between now and the caucuses and primaries.
Repeating a message with small words and short sentences will go along a way in getting your message heard.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
Words That Work: Rules #1 and #2
I know it has been some time since I last posted, but I wanted to post my thoughts on how we can better communicate with each other. As a veteran of many campaigns and leader of a grassroots organization, I know how difficult it can be motivate people to action.
In the posts to come I will offer my thoughts on Dr Frank Luntz’s book, Words That Work: It’s Not What You Say It’s What People Hear. As many of you know Frank Luntz is a noted Republican pollster and wordsmith. He outlines 10 rules of successful communication. It’s a fantastic read and I recommend it to everyone.
Rule #1 Simplicity: Use Small Words
The attention span of voters gets shorter every election cycle. To get and keep their attention use small words that can be instantly understood. If you think about memorable campaign slogans and phrases, they used small words.
Rule #2 Brevity: Use Short Sentences
Rule #2 is similar to Rule #1. Again, it’s the short attention span. Short sentences with small words are easily understood and remembered. We remember the message of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, but few remember the keynote speaker and even fewer remember his message. Lincoln spoke very briefly, but was able to deliver a powerful message with only a few words and sentences.
In the posts to come I will offer my thoughts on Dr Frank Luntz’s book, Words That Work: It’s Not What You Say It’s What People Hear. As many of you know Frank Luntz is a noted Republican pollster and wordsmith. He outlines 10 rules of successful communication. It’s a fantastic read and I recommend it to everyone.
Rule #1 Simplicity: Use Small Words
The attention span of voters gets shorter every election cycle. To get and keep their attention use small words that can be instantly understood. If you think about memorable campaign slogans and phrases, they used small words.
Rule #2 Brevity: Use Short Sentences
Rule #2 is similar to Rule #1. Again, it’s the short attention span. Short sentences with small words are easily understood and remembered. We remember the message of Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, but few remember the keynote speaker and even fewer remember his message. Lincoln spoke very briefly, but was able to deliver a powerful message with only a few words and sentences.
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Vote Early, Vote Often
The Maryland General Assembly is once again considering legislation that encourages illegal activity. Democratic legislators from Baltimore County have introduced several bills that encourage voter fraud.
Earlier today the Maryland Senate passed legislation on a party-line vote to roll back the one and three-year ban on voting for convicted felons. Under current law, first-time offenders can vote one year after they have completed their jail time and any probation. Felons convicted more than once and convicted of more serious crimes must wait three years after jail time and any probation. Prior to these waiting periods enacted in 2002, felons could not vote at all, so to argue as the Democrats do, that felons have been disenfranchised or do not have the right to vote is absurd - they can vote once their waiting period expires.
Democrats want to go even further and allow early voting without and identification provisions. This legislation would create an environment ripe for "vote early, vote often" abuse. Voters could vote in the days leading up to election day, and again on election day without providing any identification and the pollworkers without any indication the voter has already cast his/her ballot.
What Democrats neglect to mention is that early voting already exists. It's called an Absentee Ballot. Voters may simply request via USPS, email or telephone an absentee ballot and it will arrive with their regular mail in a few days, eliminating the need for a special trip.
Stay tuned for developments on these issues and other tricks Democrats will employ to ensure the results of the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections don't happen again. By any means necessary will they work to ensure they have votes for victory.
Earlier today the Maryland Senate passed legislation on a party-line vote to roll back the one and three-year ban on voting for convicted felons. Under current law, first-time offenders can vote one year after they have completed their jail time and any probation. Felons convicted more than once and convicted of more serious crimes must wait three years after jail time and any probation. Prior to these waiting periods enacted in 2002, felons could not vote at all, so to argue as the Democrats do, that felons have been disenfranchised or do not have the right to vote is absurd - they can vote once their waiting period expires.
Democrats want to go even further and allow early voting without and identification provisions. This legislation would create an environment ripe for "vote early, vote often" abuse. Voters could vote in the days leading up to election day, and again on election day without providing any identification and the pollworkers without any indication the voter has already cast his/her ballot.
What Democrats neglect to mention is that early voting already exists. It's called an Absentee Ballot. Voters may simply request via USPS, email or telephone an absentee ballot and it will arrive with their regular mail in a few days, eliminating the need for a special trip.
Stay tuned for developments on these issues and other tricks Democrats will employ to ensure the results of the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections don't happen again. By any means necessary will they work to ensure they have votes for victory.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Smoking Ban
I am incredibly outraged at our leaders in the county and Annapolis City government who continue to support such horrid legislation to ban smoking in restaurants. While I do not encourage the habit of smoking, it is most certainly not the place of government to involve themselves in such matters.
For a collection of conservative-minded people that support the ban, they must have bumped their heads to even acknowledge the government has a role to play in the matter. It is terrible to think what the government will next try to legislate, perhaps our choice of clothing will be a matter of public health, which requires immediate and extreme intervention by the government.
This is legislation is deplorable and counter-productive to attracting businesses - the economic engines of communities - to Maryland. I hope these legislators realize the mistake they are making with their support of legislation to ban smoking. This is a business decision best left to the business owner, not a bureaucrat.
For a collection of conservative-minded people that support the ban, they must have bumped their heads to even acknowledge the government has a role to play in the matter. It is terrible to think what the government will next try to legislate, perhaps our choice of clothing will be a matter of public health, which requires immediate and extreme intervention by the government.
This is legislation is deplorable and counter-productive to attracting businesses - the economic engines of communities - to Maryland. I hope these legislators realize the mistake they are making with their support of legislation to ban smoking. This is a business decision best left to the business owner, not a bureaucrat.
Monday, February 5, 2007
Annapolis High School
It has been widely covered in the print media that AA Co. Superintendent Kevin Maxwell has required Annapolis High teachers and staff to reapply for their positions July 1, 2007.
This decision, made in hopes of improving test scores to at or above federally mandated levels, widely misses the mark. Maxwell has in fact blamed the teachers for the failure of a minority of students at AHS to pass federal standards. Students and parents must also bear responsibility too.
Though doubtful, I hope Maxwell will reconsider this failed policy. Otherwise many good students will miss out on many great teachers.
This decision, made in hopes of improving test scores to at or above federally mandated levels, widely misses the mark. Maxwell has in fact blamed the teachers for the failure of a minority of students at AHS to pass federal standards. Students and parents must also bear responsibility too.
Though doubtful, I hope Maxwell will reconsider this failed policy. Otherwise many good students will miss out on many great teachers.
Saturday, January 20, 2007
Smoking Ban
Below is the text of a letter I have sent to my alderman, Mike Christman (Ward 2) opposing the smoking ban under the consideration of the Annapolis City Council. I oppose a smoking ban at all levels of government and encourage everyone who shares my view, to write a letter to their alderman, councilman, County Executive and state delegates and senator.
***************************************************************************************
The Honorable Michael Christman
Annapolis City Council
707 Arundel Place
Annapolis, MD 21401
Dear Mr. Christman:
This is but a brief note to express my strong opposition to legislation banning smoking in bars and restaurants in the city of Annapolis. I encourage you to oppose Alderman Shropshire’s legislation to ban smoking.
In every jurisdiction with a smoking ban, business has suffered. Bars and restaurants are experiencing fewer and fewer patrons. A government-imposed smoking ban could cause small businesses to close. The decision to provide a complete smoke-free dining experience should be left to the business owner. To deny hospitality business owners the right to make market-based decisions on issues that impact their bottom lines is a slap in the face of free enterprise.
This is bad legislation and would only hurt bars and restaurants so important to the life of Annapolis. Please consider opposing this bill. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this and other legislation before the council at your convenience.
Kind Regards,
Brandon Wright
***************************************************************************************
The Honorable Michael Christman
Annapolis City Council
707 Arundel Place
Annapolis, MD 21401
Dear Mr. Christman:
This is but a brief note to express my strong opposition to legislation banning smoking in bars and restaurants in the city of Annapolis. I encourage you to oppose Alderman Shropshire’s legislation to ban smoking.
In every jurisdiction with a smoking ban, business has suffered. Bars and restaurants are experiencing fewer and fewer patrons. A government-imposed smoking ban could cause small businesses to close. The decision to provide a complete smoke-free dining experience should be left to the business owner. To deny hospitality business owners the right to make market-based decisions on issues that impact their bottom lines is a slap in the face of free enterprise.
This is bad legislation and would only hurt bars and restaurants so important to the life of Annapolis. Please consider opposing this bill. I welcome the opportunity to discuss this and other legislation before the council at your convenience.
Kind Regards,
Brandon Wright
Friday, January 19, 2007
MGA
The Maryland General Assembly is underway, and the legislators seem to be waiting for Martin O'Malley to act the Governor of Maryland. He remains slow to fill appointments and set an agenda. We can't stay on the hamster wheel forever, eventually the Governor will need to submit legislation beyond the constitutionally-required budget.
All eyes are watching and doing a lot more waiting for some leadership from the 2nd Floor. I don't know about you, but I hope voters are beginning realize what they bought and return it in four years.
All eyes are watching and doing a lot more waiting for some leadership from the 2nd Floor. I don't know about you, but I hope voters are beginning realize what they bought and return it in four years.
Sunday, January 7, 2007
Present: MDGOP Where we are, where we need to be
On the eve of the 2007 Session, I thought it an appropriate time to discuss where the Maryland GOP is and where it needs to be to reclaim the governorship and add seats in the House and Senate. Maryland is a blue state with pockets of purple (and I don't mean where there are Raven's fans). In those purple areas are voters who work hard, but need a break from the government. I don't mean a handout, what I mean is tax relief; relief from higher taxes, fees, increased business regulation.
A demographic, that in my opinion is overlooked is voters age 25-40. Pocketbook issues are very important and I think the Republicans need get back to their fiscally conservative roots and begin with this group. 25-40 year-olds have a lot going on financially. Many are making enough money to beingsaving for retirement, some are starting families, and others are buying homes for the first time, and most have an incredible amount of debt from student loans and credit cards. This demographic is under-represented.
There are few policies that focus on the needs of this group. I would recommend policies that offer incentives for establishing and funding retirement accounts, expanding first-time home buying programs, and creating a business-friendly environment in the state to attract employers and employees.
Republican lawmakers need to create an agenda that reflects its values that are aligned with the YP (young professional) crowd. They need to introduce legislation that eases the burden of young people, single or married and without passing that burden on to the taxpayer through increased taxes or fees.
I would like the see the MDGOP build a coalition with area organizations like Young Professionals to advocate these issues. Each community has an organization that is similar to a Chamber of Commerce, but more like a networking group for people 25-40.
I know this is really a narrow demographic but too much is made of the larger special interest groups. I think this group is particularly overlooked and can bring a lot to the table with ideas and money. Beginning a dialogue, listening to what they want, and working with them to achieve these things will build a stronger party and I think bring new people to politics that thought their vote or their participation would have an impact.
A demographic, that in my opinion is overlooked is voters age 25-40. Pocketbook issues are very important and I think the Republicans need get back to their fiscally conservative roots and begin with this group. 25-40 year-olds have a lot going on financially. Many are making enough money to beingsaving for retirement, some are starting families, and others are buying homes for the first time, and most have an incredible amount of debt from student loans and credit cards. This demographic is under-represented.
There are few policies that focus on the needs of this group. I would recommend policies that offer incentives for establishing and funding retirement accounts, expanding first-time home buying programs, and creating a business-friendly environment in the state to attract employers and employees.
Republican lawmakers need to create an agenda that reflects its values that are aligned with the YP (young professional) crowd. They need to introduce legislation that eases the burden of young people, single or married and without passing that burden on to the taxpayer through increased taxes or fees.
I would like the see the MDGOP build a coalition with area organizations like Young Professionals to advocate these issues. Each community has an organization that is similar to a Chamber of Commerce, but more like a networking group for people 25-40.
I know this is really a narrow demographic but too much is made of the larger special interest groups. I think this group is particularly overlooked and can bring a lot to the table with ideas and money. Beginning a dialogue, listening to what they want, and working with them to achieve these things will build a stronger party and I think bring new people to politics that thought their vote or their participation would have an impact.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Past, Present and Future
After an extended break for the holidays, I am glad to be back to blogging.
Much has happened since my last post and much can be said about those significant events. I hope over the next several days, to share my thoughts on events past, present and offer my predictions for the events to come.
One of the most significant events to occur particularly in my lifetime was the execution of Saddam Hussein, one of history's most evil dictators. What is significant about this event is a free people came together to draft a constitution, including a fair judiciary, which carried out justice without prejudice. Saddam Hussein's crime met the standard for capital punishment under Iraqi law and it was meted out quickly by Iraqi judges quickly. This was great step forward for the people of Iraq.
Domestically, Nancy Pelosi ascended to the Speaker's Chair in the US House of Representatives. A Maryland native (from Baltimore City), Ms Pelosi becomes the first woman speaker in our nation's history. Like many, I wish her luck - but not too much. The Democrats have laid out a weak agenda, "tackling" such issues as reducing student loans, raising the minimum wage and lobby reform in the first 100 hours. This isn't exactly the ambitious "Contract with America" agenda the 1994 Republicans worked to pass in the first 100 days. I hope the American people are satisfied with the sort of leadership we can expect from the Democrats, which is to say not much. "Buyer beware."
Much has happened since my last post and much can be said about those significant events. I hope over the next several days, to share my thoughts on events past, present and offer my predictions for the events to come.
One of the most significant events to occur particularly in my lifetime was the execution of Saddam Hussein, one of history's most evil dictators. What is significant about this event is a free people came together to draft a constitution, including a fair judiciary, which carried out justice without prejudice. Saddam Hussein's crime met the standard for capital punishment under Iraqi law and it was meted out quickly by Iraqi judges quickly. This was great step forward for the people of Iraq.
Domestically, Nancy Pelosi ascended to the Speaker's Chair in the US House of Representatives. A Maryland native (from Baltimore City), Ms Pelosi becomes the first woman speaker in our nation's history. Like many, I wish her luck - but not too much. The Democrats have laid out a weak agenda, "tackling" such issues as reducing student loans, raising the minimum wage and lobby reform in the first 100 hours. This isn't exactly the ambitious "Contract with America" agenda the 1994 Republicans worked to pass in the first 100 days. I hope the American people are satisfied with the sort of leadership we can expect from the Democrats, which is to say not much. "Buyer beware."
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