Other "Thinking Drafts" and writing by Keith Drury -- http://www.indwes.edu/tuesday .

SPENDING YOUR INFLUENCE AS A DELEGATE

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."

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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 pronouns.

Let people know what your position is as soon as you begin speaking. For example, "I want to support this idea because..." then close with "...so I think we should pass this motion." Never sit down with people not knowing which side you spoke for.

Every conference has one or two people who pester the chairman with constant questions or comments. Don't be that person.

Avoid a constant image of the conference joker or comedian. If you say something hilarious, make sure your next several speeches are more serious. People like to watch a clown, but they seldom follow a clown's leadership.

10. Elevate your opponent.

Avoid demeaning the other side of an issue. Treat them with respect and dignity—even if you're opposing a group. The best example I've seen of this is Pennsylvania's Harry Wood when he is opposed to anything—you're never quite sure whether he stood to compliment his opposition and explain how he understands their position, or to oppose the motion. It is persuasive.

Don't constantly ask "What would this mean if..." or "would someone explain to me how..." Who is supposed to answer these questions? The Chairman can't. And nobody else has to. So, in the worst case, your question simply evaporates into thin air. Rather than asking questions all the time, state your case, e.g. "It appears that if we pass this, then any church would be free to... if so, I believe we need to amend it..." That will get you an answer from the other side. It is fine to ask some questions but not many. And when you do ask questions, give a response such as "in light of your answer, then I believe we should vote this motion through because...."

Whenever possible avoid speaking to little issues when big issues are hiding behind the little ones. For instance, on a financial resolution, speaking to the principle of generosity or frugality is preferable to getting bogged down in the smaller issues of finances.

Use the big issues of the total church mission as a springboard for speaking. For instance, start with "evangelism" or "discipleship" or "training leaders" rather than the specific action of the motion.

Seldom speak from your own position or job or geography and thus look self-serving. For instance, do not say "Coming from the Eastern part of the district I oppose this..." Or, "As a Canadian we need this sort of..." Or, "We in education need to have this sort of legislation because...". Don't get caught saying "as a district superintendent I need this authority so I can..." At least say "I believe our district superintendents need this authority because they..." or "Our smaller churches need this freedom because..." It is much better to speak as a statesman from the total church perspective representing all angles, not just your own position or region

If you have pestered the chairman, been nit picking too much, or repeatedly served as the conference clown, you will notice people starting to make light jokes at your expense. It may come from the chairman, or from others. If you catch even a hint of this sort of treatment, sit down and keep quiet for the rest of the meeting. It will only get worse and eventually lead to a lasting reputation.

Avoid being so political that you always win. If you are constantly on the winning side in any voting arena, ask yourself some serious questions. Are there principles you are willing to stand alone for and "go down with the ship?" If you are invariably in the majority—never taking a position which is unpopular, and following the above rules so scrupulously that you wind up always winning you will not be considered a leader—just a politician! The above advice is not about being political, it is about spending your influence wisely—and spending it for principle. Influence is like money, it should be spent sparingly and wisely.

What do you think? At conference this summer, keep watch—what other mistakes do we make in spending our influence? What stories do you have? What additional "rules" would you add? How would you change district conferences if you were king? (Whoops, that's a bit beyond the scope of this column—but we need some perking up during these Summer dog days—go ahead and push the envelope!)

So what do you think?

To contribute to the thinking on this issue e-mail your response to Tuesday@indwes.edu