Recruitment Ideas - Instead of Singing While Girls Enter

[gee_ess]

If pnms are telling you they don't feel connection with members, then the problem is more than likely in your conversation technique and not the songs. Songs can help set the mood, but the real meat and potatoes of rush occurs between the member and the pnm.

Do you role play different conversations in preparation for recruitment? Practicing with a "shy" pnm, a "chatty" one, learning how to direct the conversation toward certain topics, etc. can all help. Also, in conversations, it is so important to learn the art of the "follow up." For example, you begin a conversation about the pnm's major which leads to her mentioning she chose political science after her father served on the city council. Grab onto that fact and ask about the election, etc. Don't just nod and go on to a more routine question like, "Do you like your classes so far?" Boring.

Do you provide sample conversation questions/starters for each round? Typically it is a good idea to have 5 - 10 of these per round that your members can use as jumping off places for these conversations. PLUS, it is important to coach your members in the skill of "Closing the deal" as the last round gets closer. If you are still having "how are your classes going" type conversations at pref (or even the round prior to that) then your members are not doing their job.

In my experience with recruitment, fine tuning conversation skills AND knowing your pnm data (you know she was a basketball player in hs? Then talk to her about basketball) is key.

[AlphaXi_Husky]

Originally Posted by gee_ess

If pnms are telling you they don't feel connection with members, then the problem is more than likely in your conversation technique and not the songs. Songs can help set the mood, but the real meat and potatoes of rush occurs between the member and the pnm.

Do you role play different conversations in preparation for recruitment? Practicing with a "shy" pnm, a "chatty" one, learning how to direct the conversation toward certain topics, etc. can all help. Also, in conversations, it is so important to learn the art of the "follow up." For example, you begin a conversation about the pnm's major which leads to her mentioning she chose political science after her father served on the city council. Grab onto that fact and ask about the election, etc. Don't just nod and go on to a more routine question like, "Do you like your classes so far?" Boring.

Do you provide sample conversation questions/starters for each round? Typically it is a good idea to have 5 - 10 of these per round that your members can use as jumping off places for these conversations. PLUS, it is important to coach your members in the skill of "Closing the deal" as the last round gets closer. If you are still having "how are your classes going" type conversations at pref (or even the round prior to that) then your members are not doing their job.

In my experience with recruitment, fine tuning conversation skills AND knowing your pnm data (you know she was a basketball player in hs? Then talk to her about basketball) is key.

I agree with the PP's and particularly the part I've bolded. It definitely sounds like the conversation is the problem, and the biggest thing to keeping the conversation going and the PNM comfortable is to keep her talking about her favorite subject - HERSELF! Open-ended questions and lots of them.

As for your question, one thing the chapters at my alma mater started doing instead of door chants/songs was playing music - mostly Top 40 or 80s music. This provides some background noise for when the PNMs come in, as well as when they leave (and cues the end of the party, if you need it to).

[TexasDarling]

Originally Posted by gee_ess

In my experience with recruitment, fine tuning conversation skills AND knowing your pnm data (you know she was a basketball player in hs? Then talk to her about basketball) is key.

I have not gone through recruitment yet. However what would make me feel connected to girls has to do with those two things.

If there are lags in a conversation it would make me feel awkard and since I know I will be overanalyzing EVERYTHING I would take it as they dont like me.

If they KNOW things about me, then it makes it feel like they WANT me. And I think thats what most PNMs look for. To feel wanted and equalled not intimidated. At least I can speak for me and my friends. If you can say "Hey! I heard you were a StuGov President? What was your favorite dance ya'll planned?" That will make me open up and feel welcomed.

But thats just me.

[aephi alum]

Originally Posted by gee_ess

If pnms are telling you they don't feel connection with members, then the problem is more than likely in your conversation technique and not the songs. Songs can help set the mood, but the real meat and potatoes of rush occurs between the member and the pnm.

This.

Practice your conversations. Pair up with another sorority or a fraternity - they'll want the convo practice too, if they have any members who've never recruited from the members' side.

Where possible, pair up sisters and PNMs who have common interests. The later the round, the more important this is. If you pair up a PNM who's hoping to be a professional singer with a sister whose favorite key is Z, they're not going to be able to have much of a conversation.

If your goal is to not intimidate the PNMs by cheering and screaming and singing really loudly as they enter your house or rush room, then you could try singing or humming a quieter song. But if all the other chapters cheer and scream and sing really loudly, PNMs may think "what's wrong with this chapter, why aren't they as loud as everyone else?" So weigh that into your decision.