Conservative Messaging Workshop

Become a Trusted Messenger

For the full workshop advice click the "Watch" tab and here are some of the highlights:

• Build a relationship with the person
• Talk about shared values - with concrete examples from your life
• Understand there is a good chance the conservative supports action on climate
• Show that there are solutions - tackle solution aversion
• Don’t exaggerate climate impacts; avoid hyperbole
• Don’t lead with science and data
• Reference other trusted validators

Sharing Your Own Story

Build your own story that accurately reflects your background and highlights conservative values. 

• “I want to kick-start America’s economy while reducing emissions.”
• “I support a market-based approach to manage energy and climate risk.”
• “I work on a market-friendly alternative to the EPA’s climate regulations”
• “I’d like to replace clunky regulations with a simple price signal.”
• “I’m caring for God’s creation.”
• “I’d like us to be more competitive with China while creating cutting-edge jobs and opportunities for folks here at home.”

Areas to focus on: Manage the risk, protecting quality of life for Americans, concern for farmers and business owners, stewardship, and conservation. 

Responding to Objections

Find the points you can agree on first - listen for agreement before correction

Listen for underlying values and don’t respond to the “bait”

Pivot from an agreement to your point: 

• “I agree American jobs are at risk - that is why we need a solid conservative approach to address risks from climate change.”
• “There is uncertainty in the models, as there is in all business or economic discussions. And I want to make sure we deploy a reasonable approach to manage the risks posed while accepting that the models may underestimate and overestimate risks in some situations.”

Intro & Agenda
(From beginning)

Conservative Messaging Recap
(5:26)

Becoming a Trusted Messenger
(10:28)

Responding to objections
(17:37)

CCL's bipartisan record
(33:48)

CCL's Conservative Caucus
(37:28)

Download PowerPoint presentation.

To skip ahead to a specific section go to the time indicated in parenthesis.

Intro & Agenda
(From beginning)

Conservative Messaging Recap
(5:26)

Becoming a Trusted Messenger
(10:28)

Responding to objections
(17:37)

CCL's bipartisan record
(33:48)

1. Download this episode (right click and save).
2. Find the episode on CCL's iTunes channel.

• What have you found to be effective in your conversations? Share in the forums

CCL Conservatives Page (CCL Main Site)

For additional conservative themed outreach resources, check out the Conservative Caucus