Sainsburys Active Kids Get Talking

How to win friends and influence people

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As well as talking to students about Active Kids Get Talking, you should also talk to other people about the ideas. Involving other members of the school or group and wider community will help your entry. You could make a presentation, send an email or have an informal chat with a whole range of people including:

• the headteacher and senior management team
• the school Governors
• the Parent-Teacher Association
• leaders
• support staff
• parents
• a local sports, arts or music club
• managers of local businesses, including shops
• local or national charities or environmental groups.

What sorts of things could you say?

Make sure you are well prepared:

• Have a look at the Assembly presentation and take some ideas from there.
• Read the Active Ideas to make sure you can explain the five different outline ideas.
• Explain your plans for running the consultation/market research phase of your project.
• Have some ideas of your own to discuss. For example, if you are thinking about Active Kids Alternative Sports and talking to a sports club, you could discuss whether they would be able to give some time or lend resources.
• Also ask the people you speak to for their own ideas.
• You could invite someone from the wider community to one of your Active Kids Get Talking meetings.

Top tips

Make the most of the opportunities to get people involved:

• Think carefully about why you think this would be a good person/group to talk to – what is it you actually want from them?
• Use persuasive language but give them a chance to speak too.
• Listen creatively to their responses and try to build on from their points.
• Make notes, use the questionnaire or record their answers.
• Make them feel valued and respected.
• Choose your time carefully and think about what might be going on at work or at home for those people you’re trying to influence.

Be positive, polite and appreciative!