November 20 is Have The Talk Day
First-ever Have The Talk Day helps families stop procrastinating and have important talks they have been delaying; Raises funds for the American Red Cross
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 13, 2007
Contacts:
Charley Gillespie 614-249-5701
gillesc1@nationwide.com
Columbus, Ohio — November 20, the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, has been
designated as the first-ever Have The TalkSM Day to help Americans have
constructive conversations about important issues they may have been
delaying discussing. Difficult conversations can surface any time of the
year but a recent “Tough Talks” survey by Nationwide® revealed one in
four Americans have initiated a conversation about a difficult topic at a
holiday gathering. Preparing for these talks now might help prevent
awkward conversations from becoming the real turkey on Thanksgiving
Day.
To help navigate potentially nagging topics, Nationwide® partnered with a Harvard communication expert and a popular comedian to develop the Have The Talk program and supporting Web site (www.HaveTheTalkAmerica.com), which provides tips, tools and a bit of humor to help people get past the barriers keeping them from actually having important discussions.
Nationwide encourages Americans to go to HaveTheTalkAmerica.com and pledge to Have The Talk with someone important to them. Once site visitors fill in the short pledge form indicating which topic(s) they most need to tackle and with whom, they will receive a confirmation e-mail reminding them of their commitment. For everyone who makes a pledge by November 20, Nationwide will donate $1, up to a guaranteed maximum of $25,000, to the American Red Cross to support disaster preparedness and response initiatives.
And for those who might find it helpful to use humor to break the ice around a tough topic, site visitors can customize funny videos from actor/celebrity impressionist Frank Caliendo and forward to friends and family members inviting them to Have The Talk.
“We know that people understand the value of confronting life’s
difficult topics, whether related to personal finances or taking the car
keys from aging parents,” said Jim Lyski, Nationwide executive vice
president and chief marketing officer. “We hope Have The Talk Day and the
supporting resources can offer a bit of additional assistance to those
who have struggled to find the right approach to difficult
conversations.”
Investments
“Tough Talks” Survey Methodology:
A total of 1,620 surveys were completed between August 10 and August 15,
2007, among a national sample via MarketTool’s proprietary Internet
platform. All respondents were required to be over 18. Nationwide was not
identified as the sponsor. The survey has +/- 2 percent margin of error.
About Nationwide:
Nationwide, based in Columbus, Ohio, is one of the largest diversified
insurance and financial services organizations in the world, with more
than $160 billion in assets. Nationwide ranks #104 on the Fortune 500
list. The company provides a full range of insurance and financial
services, including auto, motorcycle, boat, homeowners, life, farm,
commercial insurance, administrative services, annuities, mortgages,
mutual funds, pensions, long-term savings plans and health and
productivity services. For more information, visit www.nationwide.com.
