Need Help -- My First "Political Speech"

[GiovanniC]

I received a call about a week and a half ago from a man who read a letter of mine in the newspaper. The letter dealt with the talk of postponing the elections and spoke of the massive restriction in American freedoms in the past couple years.

He is 74 years old and is a member of a group that discusses current events at a local senior citizen's center. He wants me to come to the center later this month. He is clearly a liberal Democrat and I definitely get the impression that most or all of the rest of the group shares his political viewpoints, so at least I'll be among friends.

So here's what I want feedback on. This man said that they want me to come and speak, and that I can speak about whatever I want (regarding political and current events) and I can take any amount of time I'd like.

What should I talk about? What should I say to these guys? I've got lots of ideas, but I'm all about getting more, or getting good reasons to pursue one over any other. There are so many things that I could talk about -- black box voting, the media, the politics of fear, the erosion of our freedoms, economic injustics... but I need to keep it down to one thing. The question is, which one? And there's the chance that maybe I'll be invited back to do another. Any thoughts?

[goju]

1. Well, I would make the meat of it about

senior issues, medicare, social security etc. Maybe from a historical perspective contrasting it to today. AARP being bought by the bushies for their medicare bill, everything they worked hard for the last 60 years being shot to hell in 4, etc.

[GiovanniC]

4. I'm Pretty Young

And senior citizen issues are not something I know a lot about and I'm willing to bet that on those issues, these guys know way more than I do.

I want to focus on big picture issues -- things that outrage, things that get the blood pumping, things that motivate people to work for change.

[BeFree]

2. Ask Questions

Listen to their answers and if need be, give them the correct info.

Instead of a sermon, have a discussion about the issues. You, being a member of DU, have the knowledge: share it with them conversationally.

[GiovanniC]

5. I Might Do a Q&A

But I want to talk for a little while about some ISSUE, preferably a topic that can be interesting and motivating.

[BeFree]

6. Good idea.

Ya might begin talking about your patriotism and what it means to you.

People like being asked questions. Whatever subject you start off with, do so with the idea that you may also learn something from their responses.

[goclark]

12. I agree. listen to them first!

I am constantly amazed when I hear my mom (80+) talk about politics. I have now convinced her to watch CSPAN and she is so bright.

I would strongly encourage the seniors to listen to CSPAN. I would also tell them that CNN, FOX and just about all the rest are pawns of the Bush administration. Some do not know that piece. Once you give them some examples and explain who OWNS these stations, they get it.

I would also come with resources that they can use to volunteer by writing letters/make phone calls for the election. Seniors are a massive resource and we should not think of them as too old to make a real difference in this election.

What a message it sends to see a Senior registering voters at a mall.The young votes will think of their grand parents and most of them loves their grandparents.

Great luck on your presentation!

[Divernan]

3. Importance of voting this fall and how to get absentee ballots

for themselves and/or less than mobile friends. You know how bad weather can depress voter turnouts I think this is more true for seniors. If their polling place is inconvenient for them to get to or their health would be at risk by going out into cold or wet weather, they should use the absentee ballots. In fact, why don't you bring a stack of applications for absentee ballots with you and show them how to fill them out!
ON EDIT: Also bring materials for voter registration - some may be new to the area or have likeminded friends or relatives who aren't registered.

[BillZBubb]

7. Perfect group for the Medicare drug benefit fraud.

Talk about the Repug Medicare bill and what it means. Then talk about what a decent bill would look like. Most of them are probably familiar with the topic, but don't know the details.

Try to use a little humor in your presentation too. That always helps.

Good Luck!

[Radio]

8. Tell them how the present government

wants to control their medicare

[GiovanniC]

9. I Want to Avoid Medicare as a Main Topic

I might touch on it if it fits in with some other theme, but I don't want to devote my time to Medicare with a group of people who are certain to know more than I do about it. I'm in my mid-twenties and these guys are all senior citizens who pay attention to politics and current events. The odds are quite low that I'll be able to tell them anything they don't already know.

[cally]

10. I would expand on your letter

It's what got them interested in the first place. Talk about why this election is so important to all of us. Talk about what this maladministration has done and the dangers of black box voting. These are smart and curious folks. Ask for their input and help this election.

I agree that you should avoid senior issues. Talk about what you know and learn from them. I'm meeting many seniors during campaigning. Many have run countless campaigns and are so much smarter than I am. They are not as mobile as I am but they are dedicated and informed. I'm trying to learn from them.

[OneBlueSky]

11. whatever the topic, when you prepare your remarks . . .

write them in short sentences . . . not the way you'd write an article or an LTE . . . this will provide frequent natural breaks that will help your delivery . . .

[sangh0]

13. Be careful

Check the group out and make sure it is what it seems to be.

[GiovanniC]

14. As Opposed To?

I spoke with the guy on the phone, he seems fine. What's your concern, if you don't mind me asking?

[Mayberry Machiavelli]

15. You could talk about bias in media coverage of the parties.

That's a pretty easy topic, easy to provide with specific examples.