By Michelle Ramsay, 2nd year PR student
Conducting research can be a challenge. Trying to convince people to give you their time can be difficult if you do not approach them correctly.
Public Relations Management (PRM) students had the opportunity to assist with a business feasibility survey in Franschhoek. As part of the STREAMLINE student volunteer group, we had to target a specific market, which we had to base on appearance, a difficult task because we have always been taught to ‘never judge people based on appearance’.
Carrie Christien, B Tech PRM student, Simoné Swanepoel, recent graduate (B Tech PRM 2008) and I, a second year PRM student, conducted research along with Monique Boucher, the research co-ordinator from STREAMLINE, the PR agency within the PRM department. Reporting back on the feedback we received revealed mixed responses with some having found that people were not interested while others said, “I found it quite easy!”
Conducting research can be a challenge. Trying to convince people to give you their time can be difficult if you do not approach them correctly.
Public Relations Management (PRM) students had the opportunity to assist with a business feasibility survey in Franschhoek. As part of the STREAMLINE student volunteer group, we had to target a specific market, which we had to base on appearance, a difficult task because we have always been taught to ‘never judge people based on appearance’.
Carrie Christien, B Tech PRM student, Simoné Swanepoel, recent graduate (B Tech PRM 2008) and I, a second year PRM student, conducted research along with Monique Boucher, the research co-ordinator from STREAMLINE, the PR agency within the PRM department. Reporting back on the feedback we received revealed mixed responses with some having found that people were not interested while others said, “I found it quite easy!”
Above: Michelle Ramsay surveying local Franschhoek resident
So what is the secret to persuading people to answer your survey? Here are a few tips on how to make your research easier:
Environment
The environment that you do your research in plays a huge role. If it is very hot, people may not want to stop as they hurry to get out of the heat. It is important to pay attention to their behaviour, if they look like they are in a hurry, rather do not approach them and avoid wasting your time and theirs.
Make Eye Contact
“When I approach people I take off my sunglasses and look them in the eye. This is a common courtesy and helps to establish trust, two very important aspects when you are asking people for their time and opinions,” said Boucher.
Body Language
Watch your body language. If you are holding a clipboard, make sure you are holding it and not hiding behind it! Keep an open body language when approaching and speaking to an interviewee.
What You Say
Briefly explain that you are not selling anything. Speak clearly and confidently, without rushing through your words, and communicate what you are doing and why.
You could start by saying, “Excuse me, can I have one minute of your time to ask a few questions?” Make sure that it will only be one minute. If it takes five minutes, people will become annoyed.
“I asked people if I could pick their brains for a minute,” said Christien, who returned to CPUT to complete her degree after working abroad as an events coordinator. People are flattered when you ask for their opinion and this was just the approach she used.
Smile Power
Most importantly, smile, smile and smile some more! A smile often ensures that people react favourably, mirroring the courtesy that you have shown them. It immediately makes them less hesitant to help you.
Following these tips will help get you started with your research, whether for a client or for an assignment. You may find your own ways to approach people successfully and hopefully you will find perception surveys as fun and interesting as the STREAMLINE team of volunteers did.
Environment
The environment that you do your research in plays a huge role. If it is very hot, people may not want to stop as they hurry to get out of the heat. It is important to pay attention to their behaviour, if they look like they are in a hurry, rather do not approach them and avoid wasting your time and theirs.
Make Eye Contact
“When I approach people I take off my sunglasses and look them in the eye. This is a common courtesy and helps to establish trust, two very important aspects when you are asking people for their time and opinions,” said Boucher.
Body Language
Watch your body language. If you are holding a clipboard, make sure you are holding it and not hiding behind it! Keep an open body language when approaching and speaking to an interviewee.
What You Say
Briefly explain that you are not selling anything. Speak clearly and confidently, without rushing through your words, and communicate what you are doing and why.
You could start by saying, “Excuse me, can I have one minute of your time to ask a few questions?” Make sure that it will only be one minute. If it takes five minutes, people will become annoyed.
“I asked people if I could pick their brains for a minute,” said Christien, who returned to CPUT to complete her degree after working abroad as an events coordinator. People are flattered when you ask for their opinion and this was just the approach she used.
Smile Power
Most importantly, smile, smile and smile some more! A smile often ensures that people react favourably, mirroring the courtesy that you have shown them. It immediately makes them less hesitant to help you.
Following these tips will help get you started with your research, whether for a client or for an assignment. You may find your own ways to approach people successfully and hopefully you will find perception surveys as fun and interesting as the STREAMLINE team of volunteers did.
Above: Carrie Christien surveying a visitor to Franschhoek
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