When we think about nonprofit fundraising, we tend to focus on words. On exactly what to say. Exactly when to say it. And exactly how to time the words.
But arguably, the most important part of the asking conversation is silence.
Knowing When to Stop Speaking
In an asking conversation, you get to a point where you’re asking for a specific dollar amount. You and the prospect have visited. You’ve heard her values and her commitments. So you, because of what she’s said, you ask her to give a specific dollar amount to the nonprofit.
And she is silent.
Silence tends to make us feel uncomfortable. Since our assumption is that she must be feeling uncomfortable too, our urge is to fill the silence with more words.
But after you clearly ask a donor prospect for a specific dollar amount, stop talking!
Sales trainings will say things like, “He who speaks first loses.” It’s not that way in nonprofit fundraising. We’re not talking about winners and losers.
In nonprofit fundraising, this silence is about honoring the donor. We’ve just asked her to do something, to take an action she presumably hasn’t taken before.
So our silence honors her. It allows her to hear what was said, process what was asked, and make an answer. Anything you say while she’s processing will be adding confusion into the process.
So keep the ask clear by keeping your mouth shut.
She Who Asks the Questions Controls the Conversation
Too often, silence after the ask feels like losing control of the conversation. We mistakently think that filling the void with words helps us stay in control. But in reality, she who asks the questions controls the conversation.
You’ve just asked a question. And you’ll have more questions to ask as you continue the conversation. You just don’t know what questions to ask yet. The only way you’ll know, is when she speaks.
So as you go about preparing for your fundraising ask, in addition to practicing your words, be sure to practice your silence. Because your silence after a clear ask will help you raise even more money than just asking alone.
