Tips for door knocking

Prepare

We are in Scotland so you need to prepare for all types of weather as you move from door to door! It’s useful to pack a rucksack with things like a water bottle, a jumper, an umbrella and waterproofs.

It’s not just the weather you need to prepare for, you also want to prepare what you want to say. Spend time writing and learning a short (around 1 minute) ‘script’ with your key points and some answers to frequently asked questions.

Start at the top

If you are in a block of flats, take the lift or stairs up to the top and work your way back down. This should mean you are less likely to be out of breath moving between floors.

Always work in pairs

It’s good practice to go in pairs when you’re door knocking for your safety and comfort.
Equally, try to avoid going up to someone’s door in a big group as this can be intimidating.

Visit at daytime

The timing of your visit is important. It’s best to stick to daylight hours, after mid-morning, and before 5pm. That way you will most likely avoid interrupting someone who is in bed, getting ready or having their dinner.

Be confident

If you are relaxed and confident when someone opens their door it can help make them feel more at ease. Think about your body language:

• keep your arms open (rather than crossed)

• gesture when you’re talking

• make eye contact

• smile during your conversation

Also think about where to position yourself. If you’re both standing right in front of the door, it may feel intimidating, so try to both stand slightly to one side of the door.

Most people will be nice to you, even if they’re not interested in what you have to say. And try not to let someone not being interested knock your confidence – it’s perfectly okay if someone is not interested! You can just thank them for their time, ask if they’d like some information to take away with them and head on to the next door.

Speak from the heart

Knowing your script can help you get your key points across but you also want to make sure your passion comes through. Try to avoid using statistics. Instead, explain why you are passionate about the housing issue.

If someone is in a hurry, you can focus on the key points you’re most passionate about to still get a heartfelt message across.

Have a clear call to action

Always make sure you have a very clear call to action. You could ask them if they want to:

• share their views on a local issue

• join your campaign group

• sign a petition

• answer a survey

• come to your next meeting

Whatever it is, make sure you’re super clear on what you want them to do and follow up with how they can get involved with you.

Enjoy it

You should get over your ‘first door nerves’ once you’ve knocked on your first couple of doors. Then you can try to enjoy yourself. Door knocking can be a fun way to get to know people in your community and a great way for your group to build local power.