Poster and news conference
An effective election poster
You can use the text and images from the mayor’s newsletter. Print them, play with the size of images and text, write by hand or with the help of a computer, design or improvise a layout. Give your imagination and fantasy free reign!
What the poster should include
- The name of the candidate, which may be mentioned more than once.
- A large photograph of the candidate.
- A slogan.
The slogan should highlight the main characteristic or the most important accomplishment of the former mayor (A cleaner city! A winter carnival! etc.). - The candidate’s major accomplishments should be summarized in short sentences: one sentence per accomplishment. One paragraph or two or three sentences might explain his accomplishments. Two or three images could support the text.
A successful press conference
During a real electoral campaign, press conferences are organized when candidates want to publicize their electoral program, to take a position on an issue of the day or to react to accusations made by an adversary.
Have you ever seen part of a press conference on the television news?
The candidate is seated at a table. Beside the candidate is his or her press officer. The journalists are seated facing the candidate. First, the candidate reads the statement that has been distributed to the journalists. The press officer then orchestrates a question period. Journalists raise their hands to ask to speak; the press officer notes the order of the questions. Sometimes journalists ask questions spontaneously, without waiting their turn. After about fifteen minutes, the press officer lets the journalists know that no more questions will be accepted.
In class, the procedure can be different. A student can play the role of the candidate. Or you can simply present your candidate’s program using your campaign poster. Take advantage of this opportunity to communicate information you have not been able to include on your poster. You have to convince the audience that your candidate is the best. Your professor can play the role of press officer. He or she will ensure that the questions asked by the student-journalists are pertinent and that you have the information you need to reply to them.
