Other "Thinking Drafts" and writing by Keith Drury -- http://www.indwes.edu/tuesday .
Are you a delegate to a denominational conference this summer? Is there some legislation coming up that you're opposed to? Some plan you want to get passed? Something you are worked up about and need to speak to? Perhaps by now, you've collected some influence and going to District or General conference is where you plan to use that influence. The following tips have been collected through the years to help you practice using your influence wisely—practicing good stewardship in "spending your influence."
1. Speak positively.
Avoid being an "agin-er" more than once or twice during the entire conference... even then it is best to speak positively. For example, "The goal here is excellent, but this legislation is unnecessary since..." Unless it is a deep moral issue, no need to spend your influence being against things.
2. Don't refer to how much you speak.
Avoid saying things like, "It's me again" or "Sorry to speak so much." By all means never promise "I'll only be speaking to three issues this today." This is a promise you may not be able to keep. If you have something to say, say it, otherwise be quiet. Don't make references to how much you have spoken, or promise how much you will speak.
3. Offer amendments.
Avoid as much as possible being flat out against a motion. As negative as we are about National politics, most of us don't like to vote "no." Rather, offer an amendment or substitute that enables people to vote "no" with a "yes." For example, in the general board of my denomination a few years back, if someone had amended the resolution to close one of our colleges with some sort of action to put the school on probation for a year, or to take some other action, most everyone agrees it would have passed. A speech against a motion seldom gains the support as a speech for an amendment, even if the amendment has the same effect as voting "no" for the main motion. Such an amendment often requires only a simple majority when more drastic action requires a 2/3 vote. But in the case cited above, nobody offered such an amendment, but rather chose to place their hopes on a strong "no" vote. That left things in a win lose position. The school lost, and closed. Important lesson. Rather than being opposed to legislation, offer amendments that still accomplish your objective but enable people to vote "yes."
4. Speak strategically.
Decide early when you'll speak, or at least plan your timing. Don't waste your "clout" on minor issues. If you want to make a "clincher speech" prepare carefully and speak late. If you want to merely explain the issues and stake out your position not persuading others too much, speak early.
5. Don't nit-pick.
Don't correct all the little things people less perfect than you goofed on. Let the tiny mistakes in the whereas's, and little errors on numbers and references pass by, or let some other nit-picker catch them. Why do this? To embarrass others and make yourself look good? You will make yourself the conference gnat.
6. Don't separate yourself from the body.
Use "we," "us," "our," terms as much as possible and avoid saying things like "what you're going to do here is..." or "You are really making a mistake..." Instead, use consensus