Reach out and touch someone

[Tim Gier]

First, get your mind out of the gutter, I'm not talking about touching someone in that way! 

What I'm talking about is "vegan outreach": What is it, how should we do it, where should we do it, who should we be talking to, should we do it at all??

If you had only 15 minutes to talk to people on the topic "Why Vegan?" what would you say?

Would even mention the word vegan?

Here's something I wrote this morning on why I am vegan:  http://timgier.com/2011/04/05/why-vegan/

Why are you vegan and what do you say to help others consider why they should be vegan too??

 

 

[Brooke Cameron]

You got me all excited then, Tim!

 

i think there are so many different approaches we should be open to when we're speaking with people about why we're vegan and encouraging them to consider living vegan. What works for some people doesn't for others, obviously. There is no one approach that works, of course, because all people are different.

I certainly mention the word vegan. If I'm not clear about what I'm asking for, I'm only confusing those who I'm speaking with. I think it's important to be consistent and explain that if you believe animal use/abuse is wrong, and don't wish to be part of that circle, there really is only one way to remove yourself from it.

What I don't think we should be doing is bullying people, ridiculing their choices, being rude to others, using verbal violence or abusing them. Ahimsa!

 

[Monique]

I agree that it's necessary to adapt your approach to the person. 

To be effective you have to meet people where they are, not where you are.  If you don't touch a chord in your listener they probably won't hear what you're saying at all. Why should they listen if all you're going to do is blather on about what's important to you?

To influence another person you must get their engaged interest. I think first you have to be prepared to listen, listen, and listen.  Ask a few questions.  Let them talk a bit.  Find out what they care about and show respect for their opinions.

Another advantage of doing a bit of attentive listening up front is the psychological effect. The person will start to feel trust in you, and be more open to what you say.

If you only have 15 minutes I think it pays to spend the first five asking and listening.