Campaign Analysis
What was your favorite part of campaigning ?
My favorite part of campaigning was really getting to meet people from across the NJCL . It can be easy to stick around your friends during National Convention , but campaigning pushed me to start conversations with people from all JCLs . It is also such a fun way to express your creative side ! My late-nights were spent making posters with my friends , coming up with slogans , and singing silly campaign-related parodies of popular songs .
What would you have done differently ?
If I were to do anything differently , it would have been how I spent my campaign budget . I bought poster supplies and button-making materials , and while they are fun , buttons are small so their campaign power is limited . The posters and signs were so fun , and especially if you can make them interactive , funny , colorful , etc ., I think those can be great campaign tools .
What tips do you have for speaking to people and / or giving your speeches ?
If you ' re like me , speaking on stage can be stressful . I think a great way to deal with speech-related nerves is finding someone or a group of people in the crowd you are comfortable speaking to . When I gave my speech , I looked for my state JCL and focused on speaking to my friends and teachers . Practice your speeches so you are comfortable with timing , and can slow down and take breaths . Approaching JCLers to talk about your campaign can also be nerve-wracking . Use these opportunities to make friends ! It was much easier to discuss platforms when I could connect with the people I was speaking with , and find something to laugh about .
If nothing else , what tip should they take away ?
Try to make many meaningful , personal connections during your campaign . You are not in this alone ! Make friends with the other candidates , meet students across the JCL , and work with your own delegation ! The support my state gave me made campaigning so much fun . Take advantage of this incredible opportunity to meet students across the world and make friendships !