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PUBLIC TESTIMONY GUIDE
- CG3
- Jan 1
- 4 min read
Your voice matters! Whether it's City Council, the School Board, or a local committee, public testimony is a powerful way to help shape the decisions that impact our city. Here’s everything you need to prepare your testimony and make it count.
General Tips for Strong Testimony
Do Your Homework – Research the issue thoroughly. While Concord Greenspace provides talking points, your testimony will be more impactful if it reflects your personal understanding and perspective. Speak from what matters to you.
Keep It Clear and Concise – Aim for 2–3 minutes (400–550 words). Focus on your most important points and avoid going off-topic. The clearer and more specific you are, the stronger your testimony.
Be Personal and Passionate – Use a personal story to humanize your testimony. Sharing why the issue matters to you and how it impacts your life makes your message resonate more deeply.
Offer Solutions – Don’t just highlight problems—suggest actionable solutions. City Council and School Board members are more likely to engage with your testimony if you propose ideas they can act on.
Be Respectful – Thank the board or council for their time and service. Stay polite and composed, even when discussing challenging issues. Respectful communication enhances your credibility and helps your message come across more effectively.
Know the Body You’re Addressing – Research the specific group you're testifying before. Understanding their priorities and concerns will help tailor your message and show that you’ve thought about the broader implications.
Be Ready to Adjust – Time limits may vary based on the number of people testifying. Be prepared to shorten your statement if necessary. Practice delivering your key points concisely.
Mind Your Non-Verbal Cues – Your body language is just as important as your words. Stand or sit tall, make eye contact, and use gestures to emphasize key points. This can help convey confidence and sincerity.
Use Facts, But Keep It Personal – Statistics and research are valuable, but personal stories make your testimony more relatable. Back up your points with data when appropriate, but always connect them to how the issue impacts you and the community.
Appeal to Shared Values – Frame your testimony around common values—community, safety, education, opportunity. This can unite people across different perspectives and strengthen your message.
Avoid Jargon – Keep your language simple and clear. This ensures that everyone, regardless of their familiarity with the issue, can understand and connect with your message.
Stay Calm and Composed – Passion is important, but maintaining a calm and respectful demeanor will enhance your credibility and make your message more effective.
Sign In and Follow Up – Be sure to sign in before you testify and submit a written copy of your testimony for the record. Afterward, follow up with a brief thank-you note or additional information to demonstrate your continued interest in the issue.
City Council Specific Tips
Respectful Communication: Start your testimony by thanking the City Councilors (who are all volunteers) for their service and acknowledging their work. This sets a positive tone and shows your respect for their role.
Know the Process: City Council meetings often have a flexible timeline, but it’s best to aim for 5 minutes max. If you're nearing your limit, try to wrap up and allow others time to speak.
Be Prepared for Questions: Council members may ask questions after your testimony. If you’re not comfortable answering, politely say,“Thank you, but I’m not taking questions at this time.” If you choose to respond and need more time, say, “That’s a great question; I’d like time to think about it and get back to you.”
School Board Specific Tips
Exact Time Limit: The School Board usually gives you 5 minutes to speak. Practice timing your testimony to fit this limit, ensuring you cover the most important points succinctly.
Stay Focused: The School Board is highly focused on education-related topics, so make sure your points align with their priorities—whether it’s curriculum, facilities, or student well-being.
Be Ready to Adapt: Like the City Council, the School Board may limit speaking time (often to 3 minutes) based on the number of people waiting to testify. Practice trimming your message to make it impactful in a short time.
Sign In and Submit a Copy: Make sure to sign in before you testify, and don’t forget to submit a written copy of your statement afterward for the public record.
Testimony Template
Greetings - Begin by thanking the board/council for their time and service.“Good evening, City Councilors/School Board members. Thank you for your service and for allowing me to speak today.”
State Your Position“I support/recommend [issue] because…
Personal Story - Share a brief story that highlights why this issue matters to you personally. This makes your testimony more relatable.
Call to Action - Clearly state what you are asking for.“I am asking that you [specific action] because it will [positive outcome].”
Thank the Board/Council - Finish by thanking them again.“Thank you for the opportunity to testify today. This issue is very important to me, and I appreciate your time.”
Can't Attend the Public Hearing?
You can still make your voice heard by emailing your testimony directly to your officials. When emailing your City Councilor or School Board member, be sure to include the City Clerk in all communications so that your message is shared with the entire Council or Board and becomes public record. Your individual Councilor is not required to distribute your message to the whole body.
Concord Greenspace Community Feedback Forms
Concord Greenspace provides a community feedback form for all our initiatives (form here). We submit all feedback to the governing body before relevant public hearings, and it becomes part of the public record. However, testifying in person and directly contacting your officials is often more effective.
Be Heard. Be Part of the Change.
Your voice is a crucial part of shaping the future of Concord. Whether you're speaking on behalf of better infrastructure, local parks, or community needs, public testimony helps decision-makers understand what matters to us as residents.