Tips for Giving Public Testimony

Testimony is always helpful, and it offers an opportunity for you to show your support for what is being considered. Public speaking can be somewhat scary, especially for people who do not do it routinely, but with some preparation, giving public testimony can be very simple. Legislators generally like to hear the experts speak on the technical details and want anecdotal information (personal stories and experiences) from "real people." Anecdotal information from constituents helps legislators understand how the policy will affect people on a personal basis, including how the current situation presents difficulties or has not addressed needs. Personal stories by a person who has experienced the conditions firsthand can be very compelling. Testifying is particularly useful when you are familiar with the issues and can answer questions or when you have a personal experience with the issue. Your input will have a greater impact if no one else has already stated what you address. You also have the option to only fill out a testimony card to state your position on the issue, without speaking or you can just submit written testimony.

Before the Hearing:

Practice, practice, practice. Decide what you need to emphasize to make an impact on the committee. By practicing what you'll say out loud and in front of either an audience or a mirror, you'll become comfortable with your testimony and the words that you want to use. If you practice in front of an audience (for example, two to three of your friends or family), you will feel less nervous when you speak to a larger group. This will also give you an opportunity to get feedback on how to improve your message. It is also a good idea to prepare two versions of your testimony: one that you can refer to while you are speaking during the hearing, and another longer, written version that you can give to the legislators. Usually, you should bring 15-20 copies of your written testimony.

At the Hearing:

Present your testimony in less than five minutes. Because most committees will limit the time witnesses have, you should generally expect to have three to five minutes or less to testify. Try not to read your testimony. Legislators may choose to leave the room or not listen if they assume they can read the testimony later. Again, be respectful and professional. State who you are and who you represent. Identify your concerns and how you think the legislators can help. Offer to answer questions if there are any from the committee and do not forget to follow up. Remain aware of time limits, but do not hurry through your testimony. Take your time and be relaxed. Thank the legislators for their time and consideration of your position.

	Sign up for E-Mail News \| Contact Us \| Feedback \| Site Map
	Home About TCDD DD Definition Mission & Goals Policies Council Council Members Meetings Staff Organizational Chart Jobs Grants Past Grant Projects Future Grant Projects Applying for Grants Events Stipends Public Policy Public Policy News TCDD Public Policy Input Advocacy 101 Texas Legislature TCDD Public Policy Priorities Position Statements Public Information Act Federal Policy Update Sunset Review Training & Events Resources FYI Newsletter Annual Reports Biennial Reports Videos Acronyms People First Language College Resources Working with the News Media Introduction & Resources Letter to the Editor Interview Preparation Using Photos Conveying Desired Values, Attitudes & Perspectives Preparing News Releases Hurricane & Disaster Resources Links Internet Resources Grantee Products State Plan Join Mailing List Order Form En Español
Public Policy Public Policy News TCDD Public Policy Input Advocacy 101 Texas Legislature TCDD Public Policy Priorities Position Statements Public Information Act Federal Policy Update Sunset Review	Tips for Giving Public Testimony Testimony is always helpful, and it offers an opportunity for you to show your support for what is being considered. Public speaking can be somewhat scary, especially for people who do not do it routinely, but with some preparation, giving public testimony can be very simple. Legislators generally like to hear the experts speak on the technical details and want anecdotal information (personal stories and experiences) from "real people." Anecdotal information from constituents helps legislators understand how the policy will affect people on a personal basis, including how the current situation presents difficulties or has not addressed needs. Personal stories by a person who has experienced the conditions firsthand can be very compelling. Testifying is particularly useful when you are familiar with the issues and can answer questions or when you have a personal experience with the issue. Your input will have a greater impact if no one else has already stated what you address. You also have the option to only fill out a testimony card to state your position on the issue, without speaking or you can just submit written testimony. Before the Hearing: Practice, practice, practice. Decide what you need to emphasize to make an impact on the committee. By practicing what you'll say out loud and in front of either an audience or a mirror, you'll become comfortable with your testimony and the words that you want to use. If you practice in front of an audience (for example, two to three of your friends or family), you will feel less nervous when you speak to a larger group. This will also give you an opportunity to get feedback on how to improve your message. It is also a good idea to prepare two versions of your testimony: one that you can refer to while you are speaking during the hearing, and another longer, written version that you can give to the legislators. Usually, you should bring 15-20 copies of your written testimony. At the Hearing: Present your testimony in less than five minutes. Because most committees will limit the time witnesses have, you should generally expect to have three to five minutes or less to testify. Try not to read your testimony. Legislators may choose to leave the room or not listen if they assume they can read the testimony later. Again, be respectful and professional. State who you are and who you represent. Identify your concerns and how you think the legislators can help. Offer to answer questions if there are any from the committee and do not forget to follow up. Remain aware of time limits, but do not hurry through your testimony. Take your time and be relaxed. Thank the legislators for their time and consideration of your position.
Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities 6201 E. Oltorf, Suite 600 Austin, TX 78741-7509 Phone: (512) 437-5432 Toll-Free: 1-800-262-0334 Accessibility \| Site Policies Copyright 2005-2012 - Texas Council for Developmental Disabilities Links from TCDD to other Internet sites are provided as a convenience for informational purposes. No official endorsement should be inferred.