Does the thought of talking with strangers send shivers down your spine? Do you feel more comfortable with animals and dread having to talk with live humans? Were you just nominated to host a table or booth at a local event, and are now panicing at the idea? Don’t worry! Talking with people at a booth is as simple as sharing a few details about your favorite subject– your rescued animals!

Anyone who has ever met a home party consultant or a salesperson of any kind can tell you that the good ones all use scripts. Why? It gives them a way to start up a conversation, provide some details, and get the person hooked on the subject so they listen for more.

Here are a few phrases to get you started. The more you talk to people about your animals, the more comfortable you’ll begin to feel with tabling and striking up a conversation with strangers. Write the scripts down on a 3×5 index card and keep them nearby for reassurance. You may never need to look at them, but it will help raise your confidence level. Be chipper and cheerful. Remember that by giving something away like candy, a brochure or bookmark, you have an instant ‘approach’ to talk to people. 
 

• “Hi there! Would you like a copy of our disaster prep checklist for animals? Hurricane season has started and we want to make sure our best friends are safe!”
• “Feel free to browse through our scrapbook of cute faces!”
• “Are you a dog lover? We’re looking for new foster homes to help us care for our rescued cuties!”
• “Have you heard of our group before?” If you’re a new group or small, they haven’t, so you have a chance to let them know about you and the work you’re doing. If you’re more well known, then give an example of the most recent work your group has done, and one event coming up in the next 2 or 3 months.
• “Would you like to sign up for our quarterly newsletter? We have great articles on animal care, a Q&A section with a vet, and special recipes for pet treats!”
• “Thinking about cleaning out your garage or doing some last minute spring cleaning? We’re looking for some great garage sale items to raise money to help us rescue more pets!”
• “Please take our business card… we’re always looking for household items that most people throw away. If you ever have any old blankets or towels, they will really help make our shelter animals more comfortable!” (Have a biz card with a wish list of items printed on the back!)
• If they’re looking at a pic of your rescue pets… “Isn’t she just adorable now? She had a rough life before she was rescued but now she’s turning into our sweet princess!” Then, you can talk a bit more about the animal and what your group is doing for her and others like her. Don’t be gross or gory, just mention that she must have been left in the woods, or turned in due to owner neglect. But, now she’s living the good life while she waits for her forever family to find her!
• If there are kids in the area… make sure you have candy to bring them to the table and keep them busy while you talk with the parents! Put the spay/ neuter slogans on paper and attach to a piece of candy. Smarties neuter (on smarties sweetart candies). Dum Dums breed (on a dum dum lollipop). Be a lifesaver- ADOPT (on mini-lifesavers). Take a look at the

Your rescued pets are counting on you to do this one small task. Even the most shy person can still use a script and get great results!