TIPS FOR SPOKEN TESTIMONY

speak from the heart!

Greet the two committee chairs by name (“Good afternoon Chair  X, Chair Y, and Distinguished Members of the Z Committee”). 

Give a local or personal example illustrating why you’ve taken a position on a bill. Try to be specific about the benefits/threats to lake values like wildlife habitat, economic/spiritual/recreational resources, beauty, aesthetics, etc.

Close your spoken comments by thanking the committee for the opportunity to address them. 

Legislators may have questions for you when you finish. Answer them forthrightly. If you don’t know the answer to a question, say so. 

Key points for Testimony

• Never overstate or exaggerate; it undermines your credibility.
• Focus on personal stories and shared experiences. These can be much more effective than all the data and graphs in the world.
• Keep it short. You often have just three minutes to get your message across. Limiting your focus to one or two main points for your testimony is best.

how to structure TESTIMONY

Include your name and where you live in the first sentence, as well the position you’re taking (support/oppose/neither for nor against) and the name and number of the bill. If you are part of a group like a Lake Association, Land Trust or Alliance, or you volunteer for a lake group or relevant town committee, be sure to include that in your introduction.

SpEAK STRATEGICALLY

If you find your planned testimony repeating points others have made in detail, do your best to edit your spoken comments so they reflect your concern but perhaps without lengthy repeats in explanations that legislators have already heard. Legislators appreciate efficiency! It is not a problem if your spoken words don't match what you submit in writing.

submit supporting material

You are allowed to submit written materials (which can include additional comments, charts, maps or information prepared by you or other experts) to help make your case. Make sure to bring 20 copies for committee members.

take notes

Taking notes on the testimony submitted by others can help you track points that need reiteration, further clarification, or rebuttal when it is your turn to speak. You may address these issues during your oral testimony or through additional written comments submitted after the hearing.

be polite

Public hearings can be emotionally charged. You may hear some things that you strongly oppose, or things that you absolutely agree with. Keep your emotions even and your testimony focused on points that will advance your position. 

logistics FOR PUBLIC HEARINGS

SPEAKING IN PERSON:

Plan to arrive at the committee room a little before the scheduled hearing. Note that if there are other hearings earlier in the day, the schedule may be significantly delayed. Plan to be patient! Bring a book or some knitting to pass the time while you wait.

Bring 20 copies of written testimony or any supplemental materials for committee members.

Time is usually limited to three minutes.

There may be a sign up sheet if the room is crowded.

While testifying can seem overwhelming, we can assure you that legislators are friendly and the atmosphere in the committee rooms is congenial and welcoming. Legislators listen to a lot of lobbyists, but they really like to hear from “regular” people who are passionate about a bill.  

SPEAKING VIA ZOOM:

To get a link to testify by Zoom, go to the Testimony Registration page  HERE. Choose Public Hearing then the committee, date and specific bill you want to testify for or against. Check the box beside “I would like to testify electronically over Zoom.” You'll see below the check box an option to submit written testimony. Uploading written testimony at this time is a good idea so that legislators have a written record of the topics you are going to cover when you speak.

Note that what you submit and what you say do not have to be exactly the same. People testifying by Zoom often speak at the end of a hearing so that may change your strategic message.

You will receive an invitation and Zoom link from the committee clerk.

MORE INFORMATION:

Any questions? Email Susan Gallo for more information.

Listen to hearings as they happen: Click HERE for hearings at the Environment and Natural Resources Committee and HERE for Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. 

Note that bill hearings are recorded and made available to the public, so avoid sharing personal information you do not want the general public to hear.

Persons with special needs wishing to participate in a Legislative hearing who require accommodations should notify the Legislative Information Office for assistance: 207-287-1692, FAX 207-287-1580, lio@legislature.maine.gov. 

Thank you for speaking up for Maine's lakes!