Keep them at "Yes!"

Let's face it.  The odds are against you.  The vast majority of people will say no to your fundraising appeal. And sometimes we allow them to say no before they even get to our ask.

Because we make assumptions. 

"We know how much you value this program."

"You know how this works."

Because we ask questions.

"Don't you believe that...."

"I'll bet you think that...."

"Didn't you just love...."

Once they say no, it's all over. You've lost their attention.  And when you lose them early on, you've lost your chance to build your case, to tell your story, to engage with them just a little bit longer... to get them closer to saying yes next time.

So don't think you know what they believe.  And don't ask a question when you may not want to hear the answer. Instead, maintain forward momentum with simple, clear, passionate, and declarative statements.

This will get you closer to the ultimate ye$ that you want.