​TIPS for Giving Public Testimony

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1) Research the issue:

• We provide talking points on for every issue we take on, but it's important that you do your own homework.  Public testimony has more impact if it flows from what matters to you and how you see the issue.  

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2) Plan your testimony:

• Aim for 2-3 minutes (400-550 words).

• Your personal story matters - appeals to emotion and what the issue means to you personally help humanize the issue.

• Keep your testimony simple and focused; stick to what you know and are comfortable  speaking about.

• Start with your most important points.

• State just the facts - don’t say anything that is based in rumor or hasn’t been fact checked.

• State the issue and your concerns but ALSO offer reasonable solutions, alternatives, or suggestions. Council may be more willing to consider your view if you propose solutions to the issues you bring up.

• Listen to the testimonies before yours. If other people have covered what you intended to say, it’s okay to simply state, “I support the testimony that was just given”, but you should always say something because your public statement counts.  

• Be nice! People will be more receptive to your comments, and acting unkindly undermines your credibility. 

• Always start your testimony with letting City Council/School Board know that you respect and value their work.  

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3) Practice!

• A few practice runs will refine your testimony and help you speak more confidently.

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4) Print or write your notes out legibly.

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5) Use eye contact if you can as you speak, but it’s perfectly fine to read directly from your written statement/notes.

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6) Prepare for questioning from City Council:

• City Council and the Planning Board are somewhat flexible about how much time you take to testify BUT it's best to  plan for 5 minutes max so board members' eyes don't start glazing over and you lose their attention!  Plus, others may want to speak.  Read the room and make sure you leave time for others to make their points.  You fall into good favor when you present sharp, concise testimony and don't drone on and on.

• Currently, the Council allows City Councilors to ask you questions after testimony.  If you're uncomfortable with questioning - end your testimony with "to make sure there's time for everyone to speak - I am not going to field questions at this time." 

• If the Council presses you to take questions - politely state: "Thank you but I am not going to field questions at this time."

• If you choose to answer Council questions and they ask you a question you are unsure about, or feel caught off guard, you can politely say: "I very much appreciate your question -I need more time to think about it" or "I'd like time to research that before I speak to your question - thank you."

• Always feel free to ask clarifying questions about anything a Councilor is discussing with you.  

• Don't forget to sign in on the clipboard before testifying.

 

7) Prepare for School Board​

• Count on the School Board giving you exactly 5 minutes to testify.  Do a practice run and make sure your statement sticks to this timeframe.  

• Don't forget to sign in before testifying.

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8) Hand your statement in to the Board after you’ve spoken for public record.

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BE HEARD!

This is YOUR city. City Council/School Board are YOUR elected officials. They are making decisions about YOUR schools, streets, systems, and tax dollars.  YOUR voice matters!