Effective Public Testimony

Public hearings are one of the ways that government officials collect input from citizens on proposed actions such as passage of legislation or ordinances, adoption of land use plans, and other decisions with which a jurisdiction is confronted. In Oregon, hearings are held on most significant public policy decisions--whether because the hearings are legally required or because public officials perceive the need to provide for public input.

While written testimony is accepted in conjunction with most public hearings, verbal testimony at these hearings is critically important in effective advocacy. The fact that an individual has made the effort to attend and participate in a hearing sends an important message to policymakers regarding that person's interest in and level of commitment to the issue.

Some people are intimidated by the idea of testifying at a public hearing. It may be helpful to remember that the officials who you are addressing understand that and want you to succeed--particularly if you are courteous and respectful to the officials and the process. 

Following are some tips for testifying effectively to a hearings panel, whether it be a legislative committee, a city council, or a planning commission, and demonstrating respect for the process:

1. Prepare. Usually there is a time limit. Know the time limit and prepare your presentation to include two or three key points that can be made within that time. Be sure those two or three points are clear in your mind and, if necessary, practice presenting your testimony. It is usually a good idea to prepare a written version of your testimony and to submit enough copies for each of the members of the hearings panel plus a few extras.

2. Arrive early. Show up before the hearing starts and sign in. Testimony is generally taken in the order in which those wishing to testify signed in. Regardless of when you testify, be prepared to stay for the duration of the hearing to reinforce your commitment to the issue.

3. Know who you are addressing. Some public officials are sensitive to titles. You add to your credibility if you use the proper ones. Members of the Oregon state legislature are either "Senator" or "Representative," and their public hearings are conducted by committees (e.g., Senator Smith or Representative Jones, but [committee] Chair Johnson). Members of city councils are generally addressed as "Councilor" and planning commission members are "Commissioner."

4. Listen to other testimony. Make sure that you do not repeat verbatim what a previous speaker has presented, although you can offer support for a point or position that has been made. Be careful about trying to refute the testimony of other speakers. Something that appears to you to be an objective fact may appear to others to be subject to argument.

5. Identify yourself. Begin by giving your name and address. If you are testifying as a member of an organization, identify that organization.

6. Personalize your testimony. Use your own words and describe personal experiences without being melodramatic. Describe how the proposal will affect you.  Testimony formulated by somebody else is not as impressive and eloquent as testimony in your own words.

7. Don't read your testimony. The public officials will listen to and appreciate your testimony more if you tell it from the heart and don't read a script. Refer to an outline or notes as necessary to be sure you make the points that you want the officials to consider.

8. Identify the changes you are requesting. Specific proposals for changes to the proposed legislation or other policy document are usually more effective than general expressions of concern. If the policymakers are to respond to your testimony, somebody will need to translate that testimony into changes in the proposal. Make it easy for them (and harder to ignore you) by giving them the words you want to see in the final document.

9. Be respectful. Assume that the public officials who are conducting the hearing are trying to make decisions that are in the best interest of the community and may be unpaid volunteers who are committed to public service. Their understanding of what is in the best interest of the community may be different than yours, but conveying a perspective that you think they are deliberately acting contrary to the community interest can only harm your cause.

10. Thank the public officials. When you have made your points, thank the committee, council, or commission for taking the time to listen to your viewpoint.

11. Answer the public officials' questions. You should end your testimony by offering to answer questions. During many hearings, it is acceptable for a public official to interrupt the speaker to ask a question. Answer all questions honestly. If you do not know the answer, say so and defer to another speaker or offer to try to obtain the information.

12. Hold your applause and cat calls. It generally is not appropriate for those in the audience at a hearing to express support for or opposition to a position taken by another speaker.

These tips are adapted from the Conservation Activist's Toolkit by the Audubon Conservation Team and other sources.