Tips for Providing Public Testimony

What is the Purpose of Sharing Public Testimony?

Before a bill becomes a law, it must make its way through a long legislative process. As part of this process, bills are discussed and voted on by committees in both the House and Senate. Committees let the public have input on each bill before its members vote. This is called public testimony.

Public testimony is given at a very important time. It is often right before the committee votes. Your testimony can:

  • Draw attention to important issues, 
  • Influence what committee members think about the bill, and 
  • Affect whether the bill passes or fails.

The tips below are about testifying before a legislative committee. But you can use them when giving public testimony before any committee or board.

Preparation

  • Decide on the issue you want to address. You may want to share many things with the committee, but your testimony should focus on just one issue.
  • Identify the bill addressing your issue. LaCAN and other advocacy groups tell their members about legislation that may affect people with developmental disabilities. Action alerts are sent to let members know dates and times for public testimony on important legislation. You can also get more information about bills on the Louisiana State Legislature website at www.legis.la.gov. Click here for information about how to use this and other important websites.
  • Write your testimony. It is good to know what you are going to say ahead of time. If you are testifying as a member of LaCAN, your Leader will send your story to the DD Council staff. Staff will help you focus on the most important parts of your story. They will also suggest how to have the strongest impact with your testimony. 
  • Practice. You should take a copy of what you want to say, but practice ahead of time. Practice until you feel comfortable enough to speak from your heart and look up from your paper. This will help you connect with the legislators.
  • Print copies of your testimony for the committee. Meetings may last several hours. Legislators may leave and come back if they must be in other committees. It is a good idea to have a written copy for legislators who miss your testimony. All committee members should have it in case they want to look at it again later. DD Council staff will make copies of your testimony if you are testifying for LaCAN.

Steps

  • Come early. Anyone who wants to speak must complete a witness card. Click here to see a sample witness card and simple instructions for filling it out.
  • Find others who plan to testify on your bill. You can find other LaCAN members by looking for their member t-shirts. It is helpful to work with other speakers and listen to those who testify before you. This way, everyone can share important points without repeating things too much.
  • Wait patiently. Most committees begin by hearing testimony from public officials. This includes other legislators and the heads of state agencies and departments. The order of bills sometimes changes – you may have to wait longer than you thought for your bill to be discussed. Be prepared – you may have to wait a long time for your turn to speak.
  • Introduce yourself. Always begin by saying your name and where you live.
  • Clearly state your position. Use one or two sentences to say why you are testifying. For example, “I am here today asking for your support of…” or “I am here today to oppose…”
  • Share how this bill will affect you. Let committee members know how the bill will affect your life. Personal stories are very powerful.
  • Explain how legislators can help. Be specific.
  • Say thank you.
  • Watch your time. Usually, testimony cannot be longer than three minutes. It is important to be respectful of others who are waiting their turn to speak. Pay attention to your time, but relax and do not rush. If you go over time, the committee chair may ask you to end your testimony.
  • Expect questions. Answer questions you know. Say you will follow up with answers you do not have. Never answer a question if you are not sure of the answer. You want legislators and their staff to see you as a trusted source of information.
  • Click here to watch LaCAN members share their testimony before the House Appropriations Committee.  Their testimonies begin at the 17:50 mark.

Follow Up

  • Answer questions. Be sure to get back to the committee with answers to questions you did not have when you testified.
  • Say thanks. You may want to send a card, letter, or email to committee members to remind them of your testimony and thank them for supporting of your position.

Other Tips

  • Be polite. Do not attack or insult anyone who disagrees with your position on an issue. You may share information and facts to support your position, but do not get personal.
  • Be quiet. Do not talk when others are speaking. Do not applaud or make noise if you agree or disagree with someone’s testimony.
  • Click here to see How a Bill Becomes a Law in Louisiana.
  • Click here for What to Expect at Legislative Committee or BESE Meetings.
  • Click here for Etiquette for Public Forms

Reference

Connecticut Health Policy Project (n.d.). How to testify at a public hearing.