Do I wait for them to read the flyer? Do you recommend just starting a conversation? We have also done some informal polling and had some good conversations that way, too.
I'd play it by ear -- or rather, ear and eye.
After just a little bit of experience, your
volunteers should be able to tell quickly
who is supportive or interested, who is opposed,
and who is apathetic and doesn't want to hear it.
For the latter two groups, just give them the
flier and point out that someone else in the
household might be interested. For the first
group, yes, try to start a conversation. Just don't
let it go too long. Short conversations are one
of the best forms of precinct work. Long ones, unless
they're with an influential person or someone who
has a good chance of becoming an asset to your efforts,
can waste lots of time.
For those who aren't home, the best spot for a flier
is in a screen door, between the screen and the metal.
If there is such a door and such a space, this is a
spot that's both prominent and snug. It won't come out
if the door is opened from inside. The flier won't
go anywhere and will be seen easily.
Next best is in the door frame between the door (or the rubber) and the wood. Another possibility is bending the flier into an arch and placing it between the doorknob and
the frame.
What I would not do is place the flier on the ground.
One, it is too easy for people to ignore, or throw away.
Two, I think it's disrespectful to make people bend over
for something ... especially when it was unsolicited.