| MAY 1, 2023 -- We all know someone, or per- haps are that person, who has the “Gift of Gab”. According to the Cambridge Dictionary, the phrase means “the ability to speak easily and confidently in a way that makes people want to listen to you and believe you.”
Where did this phrase originate? The word “Gab” dates back to the 1700s meaning conversation or chatter. But this originates from the Middle English word ‘gob’ which means mouth, and ‘gabbe’ which means idle talk. This brings us to
the legend of the Blarney Stone.
The Blarney Stone was gifted to Cormac MacCarthy, King of Desmond, from King Robert the Bruce of Scotland. This ‘magical’ stone, (which had a spell on it by a witch who was saved from drowning), was presented to McCarthy as a token of gratitude for his assistance in the battle of Bannockburn in 1314. The castle which houses the stone was built by Cormac’s son, Dermot McCarthy, in 1446. Dermot was re- nowned for his eloquence and this is the reason behind the Blarney Stone’s reputation for imparting the “gift of the gab” upon those who kiss it.
But what does this have to do with the Grange?
The “Gift of Gab” is an essential tool for marketing and promoting your Grange. A person who has the gift of the gab may often find it easy to persuade others, simply based on his comfort with conversation. For example, a member who is de- scribed as having the ‘Gift of Gab” often engages in friendly conversation and easily can move into the Grange “pitch” without making it obvious that the point of the con- versation has changed. By the time this member finishes with the con- versation, the recipient of the con- versation is enthusiastic about the Grange, and perhaps may be ready to join, even if it was something that the recipient didn’t intend on happening, or even want before- hand.
Granges need to leverage their current membership base, find members who have this gift, and put them on the front lines - such as manning an information booth, being a greeter at Grange activities and events, speaking with the press about Grange happenings, and even attend other meetings and events where the impact of your Grange can be inserted into conversation. All members should be familiar with the Grange Mission and have an elevator pitch prepared and ready. Potential members want to know what your Grange stands for and what you’re trying to achieve. But some members are better at utilizing these communication tools than others. Granges will grow by offering value, standing out, and when the effort is made to connect with others.
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