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There may come a time when it is necessary to testify on
behalf of your company or community to present a position on
a piece of local, state or federal legislation or proposed
rules. How do you convince public officials that your
opinion is vital to their pending decision? The following
tips will help you present your views most effectively.
Verify Time and Type of Testimony
Governing bodies and legislative committees have specific
times assigned for their meetings. However, it is wise to
call a few days before your testimony to verify the time and
location of the meeting. Also, be sure the governing body or
committee is scheduled to hear the type of testimony you
plan to provide (i.e. proponent, opponent, or interested
party).
Know the Officials and/or Committee
Review the officials and/or committee members to familiarize
yourself with the decision makers in the event you must
address them by name during your testimony. Also, contact
Brownsville Chamber staff to determine if an official has a
personal history with your issue.
Know Your Issue
Preparation is the key to any good presentation. Before
testifying, thoroughly research your issue. Determine who
supports your issue and the arguments that may be made by
opponents. The more you know, the more persuasive your
testimony will be for legislators.
Format Your Written Testimony
This format is commonly used:
TESTIMONY OF __________________
Your Organization
In Support/Opposition of Issue
(Bill Number)
Name of Committee
Date of Presentation
Your Name
Your Title
Begin with an introduction – A good example is: “Mr.
Chairman and members of the committee, or mayor and city
commissioners -- thank you for the opportunity to present
testimony today. My name is (include your name, title, and
the company you are representing).” You may want to include
a brief description of your company or your qualifications.
State your position – “We support/oppose (issue or bill
number) because . . .”
Back up your position – Use facts and examples.
Arrive Early
Plan to arrive at least 15 minutes before the committee is
scheduled to convene. Once you are in the hearing room,
obtain and complete a witness slip. These forms are usually
found on or near the podium. They ask for your name, the
organization you are representing, and the bill your
testimony concerns. After completing the form, return it to
the committee secretary. The official or chairman will call
your name when it is your turn to testify.
Provide Copies of Your Testimony
Many officials and committee chairmen request that copies of
testimony be provided for officials or committee members. It
is a good idea to contact the official or committee
chairman’s office prior to testifying to inquire about the
number of copies you should provide. You may also want to
take extra copies for the press and interested parties
attending the hearing.
Make Testimony Short and Easy to Understand
Your testimony will be more helpful to officials if you can
explain the specifics of how the proposed bill will affect
your business or community. Since officials are often
scheduled to hear several witnesses, concise and
entertaining testimony is more likely to be remembered.
Consider presenting an oral summary of your written
testimony. Officials can read your entire testimony if they
need greater detail.
Relax and Speak Slowly
As a witnesses, you may be nervous about addressing an official or a legislative committee. Remember, you are the
expert. Officials or legislators must address many issues
every day and they rely on people like you to educate them
on how pending rules or legislation will affect businesses
or communities.
Be Prepared to Back Up Your Facts
Prepare to respond to at least three of the most difficult
questions you might be asked. If you are unable to answer a
question, indicate your willingness to find the answer and
respond in subsequent correspondence. Remember to follow-up
on this important commitment.
Invite Questions from the Officials or Committee
When you are finished with your testimony, thank the
official or chairman for the opportunity to testify and
offer to answer any questions the committee members may
have. When responding to questions, direct your answer
through the person in charge or chairman. For example, if
Senator Smith asks you a question, you would respond: “Mr.
Chairman, Senator Smith,” and then state your answer.
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