I was frustrated by some behavior at the last city meeting about Central Square, so I want to suggest a few strategies for wielding more influence at tonight’s meeting, and other meetings in the future. These suggestions are based on both my own experience talking to people and my understanding of the relevant social science research.
1-
Some people at the meeting will be prejudiced against libertarian activists and Juggalos. Why help them exercise that prejudice by advertising your background with your clothing? If you dress more discreetly, these people will be forced to listen to you without prejudice (at least for a little bit).
Dressing nicely and professionally helps, too– it automatically improves your social standing, and encourages people to give more weight to your argument.
2-
Decorum is important. If you break the rules of the meeting– say, for example, by speaking out of turn– that is perceived as rude. When people see that you are being rude and disruptive, they conclude (correctly) that you don’t care about what they have to say, and that you don’t intend to contribute to a productive meeting. Then they stop listening to what you have to say.
If you want your views to be dismissed out of hand, the most effective way to do that is to disrupt the meeting by breaking decorum. (So don’t do it!)
3-
It’s tempting to try, but you aren’t going to convert anyone to free market anarchism at a city council meeting. It’s a waste of both your time and everyone else’s time to attempt it. Better to discuss the specific proposals at hand and the practical reasons to support or oppose them. Keep your effort focused on the areas where you have a reasonable chance of persuading people.
4-
Listen– really listen— to other people’s opinions. This is important. If you can take opposing opinions into account when you make your argument, rather than dismissing them out of hand, you will be much more persuasive. (Here‘s an interesting blog about psychological research supporting this conclusion, if you like science.)
But, in order to take those opposing opinions into account, you first have to listen to, comprehend, and, most importantly, honestly consider the arguments that people make.
Along these lines, the Keene Sentinel helpfully provides a .pdf file of the report which will be presented at the meeting. It’s a good idea to look this over in advance, so that you are prepared to communicate, clearly, exactly what disagreements you have with it, and why you think it’s wrong (or right, as the case may be).
Following these tips will not guarantee that the meeting goes your way, but they do guarantee that your views will be more persuasive and better received than otherwise.
Don’t forget that this meeting is also a great opportunity to make friends!
Although Central Square matters aren’t very important to me, personally, I will at least try to stop by and see how things are going.
Good luck!
