As Public Officials, we are suppose to be impartial, when performing any type of notarial services for the public. So an email notification such as the following should have not been necessary.
"Snapdocs
Hi there,
We hope this message finds you well. At Snapdocs, our goal is to create a comfortable and professional environment for all signing participants. With this in mind, please refrain from engaging in political conversations during your signing appointments.
Thank you for your dedication to providing a welcoming signing experience.
—The Snapdocs Team"
This isn’t about our first amendment rights “Freedom of Speech”. It’s about not giving customers the impression that our beliefs regarding religion, politics, race, or are any other thing plays a role in how we serve the public. Apparently, Snapdocs customers are giving them feedback on Notary Publics/Loan Signing Agents not adhering to these best practices. How do you avoid customers who seek to political conversations?
If signers try to start a conversation on politics, perhaps we can say something along the lines of (with a smile) “I respect your views and I hope you’ll respect my preference to not discuss politics or religion as those are deeply charged topics and private in nature.”
I really like what you stated. My wife has told me to soften up the way I say things. I will try to find a way to use humor, so to disarm or not be offensive. Depending on the “audience”. I may say something like the following to transient back to the documents. “Hmmm, that’s interesting”, you know what, I’m an one track minded individual that can only focus on one thing at at time, plus I don’t look to good in orange jumpsuits or like to live in small rooms and doors with iron bars… I do not want to make any mistakes, so that your loan application gets funded. If you would look at this document, here’s where you need to sign… So we can keep the loan process the main focus.
I shrug one shoulder, briefly describe & hand 'em the next doc and say “Sign & date here”. This is a business meeting…nothing more/nothing less.
P.S. I got that e-mail, too & I’ve never discussed anything but the weather/rarely with signers. So it was just a blast e-mail and assumed you-know-whether-or-not-you’ve-done-this.
I got the same email, I suppose because it’s election day. If people say anything political to me I say “I am Switzerland I have no opinion at all”. And refuse to be drawn into any commentary.
Just returned from vacation Emerald Isle NC where a bunch of relatives were together. Performing notary assignments and being with relatives never discuss politics or religion. Agree with Arichter weather is usually safe comments. Also never discuss favorite sports team.
I received this notification as well. I thought it was very appropriate since this year’s election has been a really hot topic. I believe firmly in not mixing business with politics. Apparently, this has been an issue or Snapdocs is sending out that email to get ahead of the game. If a client starts to talk about politics, I will politely inform then that I choose not to discuss politics and redirect them to the documents we’re working on. I agree with your assessment because some people will do it if they haven’t already.
I’m not one to initiate any unnecessary conversation with the signers. I’m there for one purpose and that’s to get the documents signed. Some are chattier than others and we may engage in a little small talk but I can’t recall ever talking about politics with a signer.
I agree with all. If you want humor…Some of my friends are for the team in Red and some of my friends are for the team in Blue…me I’m for my friends and smile…
The chatty ones already have topics they like to discuss. Sometimes a listening ear just makes for a happier client. In the art of conversation, commenting on their discussion just makes a more enjoyable experience for them.
