|
1963 — Practically every person attending a
state fair exhibit responds to the command, “Put
your finger on the spot that hurts.”
We
proved it by issuing this command in the form of a
big sign at this year’s Indiana State Fair.
By accomplishing this first essential action, we “STOPPED
THEM” because we caught their attention on the
one subject of interest to every person in the world,
specifically their own health condition.
Those
of you who have conducted an exhibit for the public
already know however that it is not enough to simply
gain the passer-bys’ attention. It is essential
that you present your explanation in a dramatic and
easily understandable form so the individual can quickly
relate it to the most important subject in the world:
himself.
After
five years of experience conducting chiropractic exhibits
for the profession in Indiana, it is my considered
opinion that this year’s device has proven to
be by far the most effective ever used.
I
am not being over enthusiastic when I saw that the
results were almost sensational and I think we have
hit on the visual aid we need to educate millions
in the principle and philosophy of chiropractic.
As
you will see from the illustrations herewith, I had
a display table especially built to exhibit the standards
office model VEND (Visual Electro Neural Demonstrator).
By adding indirect lighting and making sure that the
flashing lights were on at any time people were present,
passers-by were automatically drawn to our booth space.
Amazingly
our visitors got the message immediately and began
“finding the spot.” Many commented they
did not have enough fingers to find all the spots
that hurt, but by flipping the atlas-axis switch they
were soon convinced that they did not need more than
one _ it was tremendous.
Of
the ten signs listing possible conditions or complaints,
the one on hay fever brought forth the most interest.
We
found that a pamphlet, “ET”S UNFOLD The
Simple Facts of Chiropractic, by Robert B. Gordon,
D.C., Salt Lake, Utah, was well received by our visitors.
In
future exhibits, because of the large crowds which
always assemble, our President Dr. Flack and I feel
that a microphone must be used.
We
talked to students about chiropractic as a career,
visitors from out of state who mentioned their chiropractor
and literally hundreds of visitors from the State
of Indiana who had a health problem and who left our
exhibit with the name of their hometown chiropractors
whom they could consult.
Cost
of the exhibit was approximately $1,000 or which only
$100 was for paid employees.
I
think this was the most effective public relations
project we ever undertook and unhesitatingly recommend
it to other state organizations.
The
one thing every chiropractor has in common is the
basic principle of chiropractic. The results would
be tremendous if the ICA and the NCA could get together
on a national TV program and educate-educate-educate
the public.
—
By Mary Rose Robinson
Executive Secretary,
Indiana State Chiropractic Association
|
