Speaking before a legislative body can be both an exhilarating and nerve-wracking experience. Whether you’re addressing a city council, a legislative committee, or any other governing board, the opportunity to advocate for an issue you’re passionate about is a powerful tool for change. However, the pressure to articulate your message clearly and effectively in a limited amount of time can take time and effort. Having attended and testified at numerous public meetings, I’ve witnessed firsthand the challenges many face in these settings. To help you make the most of your opportunity, this article offers key strategies for crafting a compelling, concise, and impactful message when presenting to public officials.
I have occasionally provided testimony and information to public bodies, and even more frequently, I sit in many of these meetings and watch others present to them. People are nervous (and rightly so), and they often struggle to get their main points across.
Today, I am sharing a few tips on these meetings in general and more tips on how to provide a clear, powerful message in these environments.
First, here are a couple of points that are critical to remember that will help you be successful:
- Respect time limits. Often officials on these bodies will limit the time of presenters and commenters to help keep meetings moving efficiently. You score big points when you stay within your time or even under your allotted time.
- Respect their position and their work. Whether members are elected or appointed, they have many constituents and issues to manage. You are one of many people they will be listening to, and they can’t possibly be knowledgeable about every issue.
Here are a few ways to maximize your message in your allowed time:
- Frame the issue. Start by acknowledging the chairperson and committee/council members, introducing yourself, stating who you represent, and immediately stating what issue you will address. Is it a proposed legislation, a social issue that needs policy or financial solutions, or just an FYI and purely educational? Keep it brief.
- Build a strong body. Briefly define the problem or challenge you are speaking of and make it simple and understandable; identify three main arguments/points/messages that support your position and state one to two proposed solutions. Are you recommending a new law? Funding? A change in policy or process? Make it clear.
- Wrap up strong. This closing is your opportunity to motivate, empower, or encourage them by leaving them with comments that they will remember. Start with a statement, such as “In closing” or “in conclusion,” then briefly restate your main points again, why they should care, and what you are asking them to do.