Workshops & Speaking
Science of Influence Workshops for Lobbying, Grassroots & PAC Professionals
Unlike other organizations, TSG does not consider "customized training" to be programs that are pulled off the shelf and presented with your organization's name thrown in during the training. You tell us your highest priority outcomes and we reverse–engineer the process to design a curriculum that produces your highest priority outcomes.
All of our efforts are custom-designed based on learning outcomes that reflect comments and feedback from the actual trainees and staff that we collect prior to the training. We do, however, offer numerous signature programs that use formats we have refined over time as the starting point for your custom-designed effort. Several of our workshops are based on proprietary TSG grassroots research offered only through The Showalter Group, Inc.
The Persuasive PAC™
Are you tired of a lackluster response to your PAC recruitment presentations, letters, and emails? Are the same patriotic clichés failing to inspire involvement? Does your PAC website serve as an advertisement rather then a recruiting tool?
The Persuasive PACTM incorporates scientifically tested methods of persuasion to increase not only your PAC receipts but also emotional allegiance to your cause.
Each time we are hired to engage this approach, clients experience at least a 50 percent increase in PAC receipts and/or participation. (See the comments below for more client results)
We can custom design and deliver a Persuasive PAC TM presentation for you, or train your staff and/or volunteer PAC recruiters to deliver our custom-designed presentation.
“As a result of your "Principles of PAC Persuasion" presentation, our average individual PAC contribution jumped 300%! I attribute this to the solid ethical persuasion skills our members gleaned from your talk.”
Holly ReedCoordinator, Political Affairs
Connecticut Association of Realtors
"What a great program! You connected very well with our members. The evaluations from our attendees have been very positive."
Derenda UpdegraveGovernment Affairs Director
Pennsylvania Association of REALTORS
"I loved Amy's presentation. I am going to use this in my sales, networking and production responsibilities. I wish we had more time to go deeper into the subject."
Anna HeadleySOS Video Communications
"Although we have one of the larger PAC's in the country, we always look for ways to improve. Amy's session on the science of persuasion and how to ethically integrate it into our PAC presentations received very high reviews from our members. Based on specific after-conference evaluations, her session was extremely well received. She took our PAC leadership to a higher level in their PAC fundraising strategy. We will include Amy at future events."
Ned MonroeVice President
Government Affairs
National Automated Merchandising Association
"Thank you for speaking at our National RPAC Conference. Our State chapter members and staff have not stopped talking about your presentation regarding the science of persuasion and how it relates to PAC fundraising."
John E. Ferruggiaro IIVice President, Political and Community Affairs
National Association of Realtors
"Even though our PAC is the largest in the state, and our members certainly know how to sell, we continuously seek to improve our RPAC fundraising efforts. Our members raved about Amy's scientific persuasion approach to fundraising because it works for PAC fundraising, and for any sales situation."
Jim HilzDirector, Government Affairs
Ohio Association of Realtors (formerly)
President, BIA Central Ohio
"Amy - you're a star! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts with our group as they work to become the next generation or women leaders in government."
The Honorable Betty MontgomeryAuditor, State of Ohio
Chair, The JoAnn Davidson Leadership Institute
"I found all of the presentation to be really valuable, especially the context and contrast research. I found this very interesting and wish we could have listened all day. Amy, you are really dynamic!"
Pam MowryAshland City Schools
Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Institute
"Influential Narratives Workstorm”*
A 4-5 hour workshop that includes Rhoads’ Narrative presentation, but requires significant audience input. Participants are asked to create a compelling narrative for their current position or advocacy, and are given both psychological and literary guidance to that end. Writing and stylistic advice may be included. Specific story sequences and elements are offered, and stories are “tested” for their ability to transport. At the conclusion of the workstorm, participants will know how to develop persuasive stories that are both compelling and unlikely to arouse reactance in their intended audiences.
Issues:
- Vital when influence must be subtle but powerful;
- Important when the audience is likely to argue against your position;
- Useful in persuading while maintaining positive relations.
“After Dr. Rhoads’ workshop on developing compelling stories, I used his formula and in less than 30 minutes, came up with four stories that I can use to clearly and persuasively communicate with legislators. His tips are applicable for persuading policy makers, as well as recruiting grassroots advocates. I learned it's not just having a story, but its construction and delivery that make it resonate with the listener.
Betsy VetterGrassroots Advocacy Manager
American Heart Association
"Influence In Under an Hour"*
As influence consultants, we asked ourselves: "What's the most useful information to know about the persuasion process, that could be taught in under an hour?" This is the essential quick-start guide to persuasion & compliance, taught from a scientific perspective.
"Stages of Change"*
One of the most common mistakes made by government affairs professionals is that we do not understand our prospect's current position. When prospects DO change, they do so in a predictable number of stages. Each stage requires a different type of message. Learn the stages and you'll dramatically improve your influence success.
"The Ideal Communicator for Hostile Audiences"*
There are lots of tactics that work successfully for friendly or neutral audiences. Hostile audiences are a different matter altogether. This presentation will show you how to successfully communicate with audiences that don't like you or your message.
"Orbits of Influence"*
There are scores of influence tactics that may be used to move or change a prospect. Learn how to select the appropriate tactic for the situation and the prospect.
“Upward Influence Workshop”*
People of higher rank and status must often be persuaded to change their ways-options that go beyond persuasion simply aren’t available. Lobbyists must persuade legislators, managers must persuade VPs, departments must persuade other departments that have equivalent power and hegemony. Such influence attempts are often constrained by short lead times, meagre access, and scant leverage. This presentation looks at the range of influence tactics that are available for upward influence, while keeping these vital relationships friendly and in tact. Also included are tactics that the social sciences have shown must be used for minority opinions to change majority thinking. Requires organizational input for customized exercises.
“Thanks to Dr. Rhoads' workshop to our advocacy staff on persuasion techniques, our staff felt that they had recieved in-depth management consultation and training. Rhoads went the extra mile to present a customized workshop for our advocacy staff, to illustrate how the power of persuasion can be effective. Time and time again, I've found Rhoads to be a superior trainer, that really moves our staff to be the best they can be.”
Suzanne PolisGrassroots Advocacy Manager
Office of Federal Advocacy
American Heart Association
*Scientific influence workshops delivered with Kelton Rhoads, Ph.D.