In a deep canvassing conversation, what is the purpose?

• A. Focus on delivering statistics and urging immediate agreement.
• B. Rely on political figures to persuade others.
• C. Build engagement through empathetic conversation and lived experience for long-lasting persuasion.
• D. Use coercive questioning to force a stance.

Answer: (C)

Deep canvassing aims to build engagement through empathetic conversation grounded in people’s lived experiences, with the goal of lasting attitude change. The approach centers on listening actively, inviting the other person to share their own story, and, when appropriate, the canvasser calmly shares their own experiences to humanize the issue. This non-coercive dialogue helps reduce defensiveness and opens space for reconsideration, leading to durable shifts in views rather than a quick, pressured agreement.

Not delivering statistics or urging instant agreement, not relying on political figures to persuade, and not using coercive questioning are all mismatches with how deep canvassing works. The focus is on relationship, understanding, and genuine conversation that respects autonomy, which is why this option best captures the method.