Public Hearings
Public hearings provide an opportunity for public comments on a particular issue or vote. This type of community involvement can make a strong statement.
Here are some tips for public hearings:
Be prepared. Find out how much time you will have to speak. Write out beforehand the points that you want to make. Clearly and concisely explain the reasons why you feel the way you do about the issue. Offer statistical or anecdotal evidence to support your positions. Be interesting. Practice your speech out loud, choosing the words you wish to emphasize, and become comfortable with the sound of your voice. Time your speech, so that you reach your conclusion before the end of your allotted time. Practice with a friend.
Arrive early to sign up for a slot to speak. Keep your energy level up. Introduce yourself.
Focus on the points you want to make when you speak. Make your most important point first. Make your point relevant to your audience. Connect with people at the emotional level. Speak like you're talking to a friend. Paint a descriptive picture with your words. Give examples, stories, or analogies to illustrate your points. You will often be able to submit written comments, through which you can provide greater detail and supporting materials and address additional concerns.
Be polite and respect other community member's ideas. A hearing is a forum for the exchange of ideas, not a neighborhood contest. Focus on issues not on personalities.
In your conclusion, request the action that you would like the lawmaker to take on the issue.
Here are some tips for public hearings:
Be prepared. Find out how much time you will have to speak. Write out beforehand the points that you want to make. Clearly and concisely explain the reasons why you feel the way you do about the issue. Offer statistical or anecdotal evidence to support your positions. Be interesting. Practice your speech out loud, choosing the words you wish to emphasize, and become comfortable with the sound of your voice. Time your speech, so that you reach your conclusion before the end of your allotted time. Practice with a friend.
Arrive early to sign up for a slot to speak. Keep your energy level up. Introduce yourself.
Focus on the points you want to make when you speak. Make your most important point first. Make your point relevant to your audience. Connect with people at the emotional level. Speak like you're talking to a friend. Paint a descriptive picture with your words. Give examples, stories, or analogies to illustrate your points. You will often be able to submit written comments, through which you can provide greater detail and supporting materials and address additional concerns.
Be polite and respect other community member's ideas. A hearing is a forum for the exchange of ideas, not a neighborhood contest. Focus on issues not on personalities.
In your conclusion, request the action that you would like the lawmaker to take on the issue.