Have a clear message and be able to articulate it concisely: * Example topic: The windows in our apartment building need to be replaced by management. * Example topic: I want to propose a dog park be designed and fenced off in Central Park. Use language that is clear and impactful — appeal to your audience’s emotions and logic: * The windows in our apartment are dangerous because they do not always stay in their tracks when slid open and shut. [A comment that the windows are dangerous appeals to emotion and the hope the audience will care that the windows are a hazard] * The windows in the building are outdated; they are single-pane, and any new building currently being built has a minimum of double-pane windows, if not triple. Replacing the windows would not only keep the temperature more manageable inside the building, but would also save management heating costs. [Presents evidence and highlights the cost-saving benefits, which appeals to logic] * A dog park within Central Park would be safe in 2 ways. First, there would be dramatically less incidents between aggressive dogs and park users; secondly, people would be more likely to only let their dogs off-leash within the dog park, which would keep dogs from becoming lost or stolen. [Appeals in two ways to audience’s emotions, either their love of dogs safety or concern over park users’ safety] * Dog behavior impacts the landscaping and grass in the park, either through rough play, or through defecation. Dog owners are much more likely to utilize the dog park for exercise for their dogs, and they will be more attentive to when their dog poops while on leash (whereas now many dogs are off-leash and left to roam). [Appeals to audience’s logic, in that they will care to keep the park orderly and clean for families] Illustrate talking points with examples or anecdotes: * During the hot summer months, I frequently had trouble sliding the windows; they would come ajar and fall inwards, and once a window began to fall outwards. Thankfully I caught it to keep it from smashing on the street below! * Though the initial cost to replacing the windows would be upwards of 100,000 dollars, I estimate that it would only take about 5 years until that cost would be recovered through savings in heating and cooling. And most windows have a minimum 25 year warranty. * Not long ago my nephew was nipped by a dog in Central Park, whose owner was throwing it a frisbee. Even though signs are posted everywhere that dogs are supposed to be leashed, many people ignore this law and allow their dogs to roam free. * The park has signs about picking up after your dog, and even provides poop bags, yet it is still common to see dog poop on the side of the path, or on the grass where kids might want to play. This is a health hazard and is just plain gross. Dog owners would be more aware when their dog poops, and pick up after them, if they were to walk them on-leash on their way to or from the dog park. Highlight a win-win situation: * If windows were to be replaced in the apartment, it would elevate the standard of living and safety of the residents and would prove a long term cost savings solution for the management company. The building would attract and keep quality tenants, while the building owners would eventually be saving money. * A dog park would be a benefit to dog owners, create a community feel to those who want a safe space for their dogs to play, while at the same time enhancing the cleanliness and safety of Central Park for other users. Propose a call to action: * If management agrees to replace the windows, I will organize a team to source out quotes from competing window companies; I ask that this action commence within the next 2 months. * I am ready with a team of volunteers to fundraise for the dog park if it is not within the city’s current budget. This team is happy to work in conjunction with the City engineers to map out a location and to commence work within 6 months, on a volunteer basis, to create fencing and any other necessaries for the dog park to be up and running this year.