Public hearings are official forums where citizens can provide input on proposed legislation, regulations, zoning changes, budgets, and policy decisions. Testifying at a public hearing gives your voice formal weight in the governmental decision-making process.
10 steps across 1 sections
1. Steps Process
- Find relevant hearings — Monitor your legislature's website, local government calendar, and news outlets for upcoming hearings on issues you care about. Federal hearings are posted on congress.gov;...
- Learn the rules — Each body has different procedures for public testimony. Check time limits (usually 2-5 minutes for oral testimony), sign-up procedures (advance registration vs. day-of sign-up), ...
- Register to testify — Some hearings require advance sign-up online or by phone. Others allow day-of registration at the hearing. Sign up early as speaker slots may be limited.
- Research your issue — Understand the specific legislation, policy, or proposal being discussed. Read the full text of any bills. Know the positions of committee members and opponents.
- Draft your written testimony — Structure it with an introduction (who you are and why you are qualified to speak), your position (support, oppose, or neutral), your evidence (personal story, data, ...
- Prepare your oral remarks — Distill your written testimony into 2-3 minutes. Practice timing yourself. Prioritize your strongest points since you may be cut off.
- Prepare copies — Bring enough copies of your written testimony for each committee member plus staff. Some bodies require a specific number.
- Submit written testimony in advance — Many bodies allow or require advance submission so members can review before the hearing. Submit by the stated deadline.
- Arrive early — Get to the hearing room early to sign in, find seating, and observe the process before your turn. Check in at the registration desk.
- Deliver your testimony — Introduce yourself and state your position clearly. Speak directly to the committee. Be concise and stay within time limits. End with a specific, actionable request.
Common Mistakes
- Reading your entire written testimony
- Going over the time limit
- Being too technical
- Not having a clear ask
- Bringing only oral testimony
Pro Tips
- Personal stories are far more persuasive and memorable than statistics alone
- Coordinate with allies to cover different aspects of the issue across multipl...
- If you are nervous about public speaking, practice with a friend or in front ...
- Even if you cannot attend in person, many bodies accept written-only testimony
- Dress professionally