Need to sway public opinion? For me, the shaping of public opinion might start with a line of dialog from the television series, The West Wing. In one episode, the fictitious President Bartlett makes a speech to a college audience.

In this speech, he urges audience members to get involved in public life and speaks this memorable line, “History is made by those who show up!” I’m not sure whether the line originated with the show’s writers or with someone else, but it nicely makes a point.

All great changes, for better or for worse, begin with one person publicly voicing an opinion. So, if you want change, start by speaking up. You may have absolutely no effect at all on public opinion, but you’ll never know unless you try and you persist.

Of course, the emergence of blogging and social media has opened up a whole new era of opportunities for advocates of all stripes of public opinion. But, it should not be the only platform. You can join a political party, you can write letters to newspapers (yes, that still works despite the social media hype), or take any one of dozens of new and traditional platforms.

If your audience, whether that’s the people with whom you work or a whole nation, is in tune with your message then you may get a response. If not, well at least you tried to influence public opinion, and you can take satisfaction in that. You did show up!

Looking for ideas that will help you influence others? Check out the articles on communication skills and business communication .