When used well, the “Greetings Message” can be a hugely powerful tool when it comes to promoting amateur radio.
During an online chat with the inspiring Michael G0POT, we’re sharing our thoughts on Special Event Stations, and how we can do a better job of promoting the hobby.
Keeping the Focus:
It’s easy to lose focus when running a Special Event Station or at a field day – Whilst chasing that bit of DX is important, and get-togethers are handy to facilitating a good old gossip with fellow club members, it’s important that we all remember that engaging with the public is what we’re there for.
We all love the hobby, so we need to inspire others to get as excited about radio as we once were when we first set out.
It’s been said lots before, but sitting at a Special Event Station with headphones-on, facing away from the punters, is not the way.
In an ideal world, it’s worth agreeing a “greeting” strategy up-front. One or two people at each field day who’s mission is to explain and demonstrate amateur radio to anyone who shows a glimmer of interest.
Greetings!
If a member of the public shows any sign of interest – go and say hello. They probably have no idea what you’re up to, so a non-pushy “hello, do you want to know what we’re doing” is a good opener.
If they seem interested, move them towards the station and give them a chance to listen – point out the country that the voices are coming from, and if possible, get them in the chair.
Next step, let them spin the dial – there’s something quite powerful about tuning in to a distant voice. At this point, it’s worth mentioning that there’s no Internet, phone network or subscription – it’s two bits of wire.
Finally, if they’re still interested – let them take a contact. 2m or 70cm is a good bet, and if there’s no-one local on the bands, send one of the team off sneakily with a handheld out of vision – OK, it’s no DX, but they’ve made a contact and experienced the hobby.
Give it a try – it’s a great way of promoting the hobby.
