Preparing to Testify
Speaking before a legislative committee can seem intimidating. It doesn't have to be. A little preparation can help you deliver clear, confident and effective testimony.
Your Voice Matters
Public hearings give citizens an opportunity to speak directly to lawmakers about legislation that may affect their rights, families, businesses and communities.
Whether this is your first hearing or you simply want to become a more effective advocate, preparation is the key. Your testimony does not need to sound like it was written by an attorney or professional lobbyist. In many cases, the most powerful testimony comes from ordinary citizens explaining how a proposal would personally affect them.
Participating in the legislative process is an important part of representative government. Don't let nervousness keep you from participating.
Before the Hearing
Good testimony begins well before you sit down in front of the committee.
Know the Bill
Know the bill number, what the proposal does and the specific section or issue you want lawmakers to address.
Choose One Main Message
Don't try to explain every problem with a bill. Focus on one or two strong points that lawmakers will remember.
Make It Personal
Explain how the proposal affects you, your family, your business, your community or your civil rights.
Prepare Notes
Bullet points are often better than a fully scripted speech. If you prefer reading, use large type and plenty of spacing.
Practice Out Loud
Reading silently is not the same as speaking. Practice aloud so you know your timing, pace and emphasis.
Bring a Written Copy
Even when oral testimony is limited, committees may accept more detailed written testimony for the official record.
Hearing rules vary, but testimony is often tightly limited. Practice your remarks with a timer and be prepared to shorten them.
While You Are Testifying
You do not need to be a professional speaker. Be respectful, be clear and be yourself.
Personal experiences create authenticity and help lawmakers understand the real-world impact of legislation.
Nervous speakers almost always talk too quickly. Pause, breathe and give the committee time to absorb your point.
Use notes as a guide rather than staring at the page. Eye contact makes your testimony much more effective.
Avoid drifting into unrelated subjects. Keep returning to the specific bill and the action you want the committee to take.
Some committees allow several people to testify together. This can make the experience easier for first-time participants.
If you are using multiple pages, number them. If they get out of order, you can quickly get back on track.
A Simple Testimony Formula
You don't need to overcomplicate it. A strong statement can follow this simple structure.
Sample Opening
Your testimony should sound like you. This is simply a starting point.
Keep the opening simple.
Good afternoon, Chair and members of the committee. My name is [NAME], and I am from [CITY/TOWN].
I am here today to [support / oppose] [BILL NUMBER].
This issue matters to me because [BRIEFLY EXPLAIN YOUR PERSONAL CONNECTION OR CONCERN].
[EXPLAIN YOUR MAIN POINT AND GIVE ONE REAL-WORLD EXAMPLE.]
For these reasons, I respectfully ask the committee to [VOTE YES / VOTE NO / AMEND THE BILL].
Thank you for your time and for considering my testimony.
When Committee Members Ask Questions
You don't have to know every answer.
- Listen carefully and answer the question that was asked.
- Keep your response direct and respectful.
- Never guess or make up an answer.
- If you don't know, simply say: "I don't have that information with me, but I would be happy to research it and follow up."
- A follow-up question can actually create another opportunity to communicate with the legislator or committee staff.
- If a question or interaction becomes inappropriate, follow the direction of the committee chair.
Take a Breath. You've Got This.
You do not have to be an expert, lobbyist or professional speaker to participate in your government. Be prepared. Be respectful. Be genuine. And make your voice heard.