Reconciling Ahern: A critical look at what grant writers can (and can’t) learn from direct mail: I gave this presentation at the 2019 GPA Conference in Washington DC. It starts with the idea, now well-founded in the research on human decision making, that people are more compassionate toward a single, identifiable person in need, compared to a "statistical victim" or a greater cause. We even know that statistics tend to spoil an emotional appeal. Our colleagues in direct-mail and e-mail fundraising have learned this well. But where does that leave us with our needs statements and evidence-based models? Let’s grapple with the tension between emotional and logical appeals.
DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION (.pdf)Data Visualization Basics: Telling your story in charts, graphs, and maps: I gave this presentation at the GPA Conference in November 2017 in San Diego. By communicating visually, grant writers and other development professionals can make their case succinctly, precisely, and with authority. This session teaches the basic principles and best practices of data visualization, helping newcomers to the field get started on the right foot and helping more experienced data users make improvements in their chart making.
DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION (.pdf)Readability Stats: How to write with greater power, clarity, and economy: I gave this presentation at the GPA Conference in November 2016 in Atlanta. You can use Readability Statistics to measure your writing and say more with fewer words. The session teaches how to use this little-known tool in Microsoft Word, how to interpret scores, and a few techniques for improving your readability score.
DOWNLOAD PRESENTATION (.pdf)Brains, Courage, Heart, and the Other: Using Temperament Theory to Reach Every Reviewer: I gave this presentation at the GPA Conference in November 2015 in St. Louis. I described how to use David Keirsey's Temperament Theory to broaden the appeal of grant proposals. Effectively reaching your audience requires speaking to a diverse group of reviewers, each with his or her own priorities and core values.
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