When you are on an ask, a meeting, a date or a conversation…it’s only weird if you make it weird.
I’ve been thinking about a study that showed that only 7% of communication is the words that you say. 38% is vocal and 55% is body language. When I think of all of the hours that fundraisers spend working on the “perfect pitch” I wonder how much time they spend on delivery.
The truth is there is no magical combination of words that will open up a gift like “abracadabra.” Instead, there is only the relationship in which your donor knows, likes and trusts you.
Your donor will not know, like or trust you if you communicate discomfort or tension through your voice or your movements, even if you say all the “right words.”
The next time you are getting ready for an ask, video yourself or ask someone to watch your delivery.
After all, it’s only weird if you make it so.
Rhea wong
