Years ago, when I was new to D.C. and searching for a job, my friend (a human resources professional) and I hysterically laughed as we took turns verbally reading job descriptions in The Washington Post.
We’d substitute the language of the job posting with what we believed was the true intention of the post.
In other words, we did this:
| Job description language |
What that really means | |
| Seeking dedicated employee | = | expect to stay many late nights |
| Creative work environment | = | priorities change on a daily basis |
| Salaried | = | you won’t be paid for overtime |
Sometimes I think about that moment with my friend when I’m perusing the tables at auction galas.
At benefit auctions, our desire to be fun can sometimes eclipse the need to be practical. Cool your heels, Shakespeare! Write titles with a practical mindset.
In your live and silent auction displays, downplay titles that are creative or clever. Instead aim for being succinct and forthright.
In an instant, let your guests know what you’re offering.
For examples, take a look at these:
| What the title says | A better title | |
| A romantic weekend | vs. | Two nights at the Ritz + breakfast |
| Fab for foodies | vs. | SoBe Food & Wine Festival (2 tickets) |
| Take me out to the ballgame | vs. | 4 Diamond Club Nationals tickets |
You have a limited amount of time in which to market and sell items to your guests. Keeping in mind that most auction fundraisers run four or five hours, and that the auction items aren’t marketed onsite for much longer than two hours, we want to ensure our communication is clear.
It’s not easy to pare down the excess (I can also get caught up in the cuteness factor in writing), but straightforward titles are better for an auction environment.
Plain English versus prose wins the game.
Liz Rivenburgh says
September 14, 2017 at 11:37 AMWe are planning our annual auction which used to go under the name of gala dinner & auction but it is not a formal event. In fact the guests are encouraged to wear school spirit wear so we want to debunk the myth of the formality of the event with a new title. Any ideas? The neighboring school districts uses bids for kids & dollars for scholars. Of course any help would be most welcomed!
Sherry Truhlar says
September 14, 2017 at 12:14 PMGosh Liz, I wouldn’t put too much thought into it as so many names could work: “Bash for Cash” … “Fest” … “A Night of Support for XXX School” … “Paddles Up for XYZ School.” I think you just need to decide how formal you want to make the name sound and select appropriately.
Patrice says
August 27, 2018 at 10:52 AMOur women’s group is have a mixed auction fundraiser for charity…we are having problems coming up with a name.
Sherry Truhlar says
August 27, 2018 at 11:03 AMIf you can hold off a couple of weeks, Patrice, I’m writing a blog post on that September 11! Maybe it will give you some ideas?
Patrice says
August 27, 2018 at 11:16 AMI have till next week for a name
Sherry Truhlar says
August 27, 2018 at 11:28 AMPatrice, you could peruse Pinterest for ideas, or I offer private consulting, if you want personalized assistance.
Kelly says
October 1, 2018 at 9:58 AMHi There – I’m stumped thinking of a title for our misc gift basket area. Any suggestions that you could make would be greatly appreciated! Thank you. Kelly
Sherry Truhlar says
October 1, 2018 at 12:20 PMGreat gifts? Special collections?