Tips for Testifying at Public Hearings

An effective way to voice your opinion on a public issue is to testify at a public meeting. Major goals in providing testimony are to state your point of view and demonstrate that you know your facts. Being well prepared, organized and knowing the rules that govern the decision making process are essential to effectively communicate your opinion. The following action checklist outlines suggestions that will help you plan how to give testimony before a decision making body.

ACTION CHECKLIST

Do your homework. Research your issue. Get all the facts. Check facts for accuracy. Find out the arguments for the opposition. If the opposition has valid points, modify your position accordingly. Be ready to answer questions.

If you are representing a group:

Be sure your testimony is approved by the group. Have documentation of your support. Let group members check your rough draft and give suggestions.

Get on the agenda:

Depending on the group to which you will give testimony, the group generally must be notified a specific number of days in advance of your intended appearance. Ask the City Clerk (or Chairman of the decision-making body) for advice on getting on the agenda.

Prepare your remarks:

Know the time frame (generally 3-5 minutes). Organize the main points of presentation into three sections: Introduction - state what the issue is. Body - state how this issue affects you, your family and community. Document your opinion with facts and examples. Summary/conclusion - review what you have stated. Ask for specific action on the part of the group to whom you are speaking. Make an outline of the major points. Write a rough draft using your outline. Share the rough draft with other group members. Let the group members add their suggestions. Have extra copies to hand out at the meeting to: Board members - if possible, have them included in the information packets, which are distributed ahead of time. The media. Interested persons/potential supporters.

Practice your testimony at home.

The actual hearing.

Arrive on time and sit near the front. Ask members of your group to attend the meeting. Check the agenda to find out when you will speak. When you are called: Go to the front/to the microphone. Address the chairperson and members. Introduce yourself and who you represent. Give your presentation. Be brief, concise and logical. If you have supporters, ask them to stand. Answer questions. If you don't know the answer, admit you don't know and promise to find out and inform them. Be sure to follow through. Thank the group for allowing you to speak. Talk to board members individually after the meeting.

After hearing.

Write a letter to the board thanking them for their consideration. Write to the editor about your concern. If the board decides against you, don't give up.

Appeal process.

Find out if you have an appeal and where/when to file it. If there is no formal appeal, decide on a new plan of action with a different solution.