Tips for Speaking for Refuse Fascism
One of the most important ways for people to learn about and get involved in the movement to drive out the Trump-Pence Fascist Regime, is for people like YOU to tell them about it. It’s great that you are stepping up to do this! Here are a few tips to prepare.
***Focus on the fact that you have something people really need to hear. Being nervous is normal, but remember: you are not speaking for yourself, you are speaking for the interests of all humanity.
***Practice reading the speech out loud ahead of time. Do it several times. Make adjustments so that you are comfortable with the style. Don’t water down the content, but do make it your own.
***Speak slowly and clearly. Give people time to allow people to process what you are saying. Pause for emphasis where appropriate. Speak with feeling. Let your ideas sink in.
***Use props. If possible, wear a “NO!” t-shirt or stickers. Hold up NO! signs when you speak about the signs and the slogans. Hold up the Call to Action when you quote from it in the speech.
***Bring lots of materials! Bring enough so that people can take stacks and get started right away.
Question and Answer:
This is the time for people to engage together with what you have presented. This is really important.
***We recommend reviewing the Call to Action, the FAQ’s and the factsheets in advance. Don’t hesitate to refer to them, or read from them, during the Q&A.
***Tell people honestly if you don’t know how to answer a question. Refer them to www.refusefascism.org and offer to look into what they are raising and get back to them. Then, pivot to what you do know. Speak from the heart.
Finally:
***Thank people for their time and thank the person or group who invited you.
***Collect contact info for people who want to get involved and send it to the National Office within 24 hours.
***Take a group photo holding NO! posters and/or a short video of people saying why they support driving out the regime. Post it on social media and tag @RefuseFascism and #NoFascistUSA.
***Call us at the National Office and let us know how it goes. If you want, call us in advance just to talk and prepare. We are in this together and really want to hear from you!
Checklist of Materials to Bring Along
a sign-up sheet
copies of the Call to Action
copies of the flyer about the 10 days of massive resistance
stickers
posters
copies of the Factsheets (optional)