Share your insight in four parts.
Each part has a job and a rough time budget. Together they add up to a focused two-minute testimony. Read through the examples, then build your own outline in the assignment. Public comment rules allow anywhere from 2 to 5 minutes. Do not use all the time once you've made your point.
1
The Greeting
5 sec
Introduce yourself and greet the person running the meeting. Say and spell your name. This is often required for the official record and makes sure they get it right.
Say something like
"My name is Jane Diaz, D.I.A.Z., for the record. Good morning, Chairwoman ___ and members of the committee."
2
Who You Are and Why You're Here
30 sec
Establish credibility by sharing the background that gives you good insight on this issue. Keep it short and relevant to what you are about to say.
Say something like
"I am a resource worker at Fallon High School. For the past ten years, I have seen how a lack of prenatal care impacts the students in my classroom."
3
Your Main Point and Story
60 sec
Present your main point, supported by a brief story or a single powerful number. Say your core point at the start of this section and again at the end so it sticks.
Say something like
"The core issue is access to prenatal care. I had a student, Maria, who... This is why access to prenatal care is so critical."
4
The Ask or Conclusion
25 sec
End with clarity tied to your issue. The tone of your closing depends on the role you are playing.
If you are lobbying
"I urge you to support the funding plan for rural outreach workers who can serve teen mothers. Thank you for your time."
If you are educating
"Please consider new teen moms like Maria when you build the new program, and consider me a resource for on-the-ground reports on the barriers our high schoolers face."
5 + 30 + 60 + 25 = Just 120 seconds. You can do it!
Before You Finalize
Practice and time it
Practice your bullets or script and time yourself. Each minute is about 180 to 250 words. Edit your testimony down so you have room to breathe and do not have to speed read.
Get a second opinion
Run your testimony by one or two safe community members. Ask them to play devil's advocate and tell you where your point is not clear or stops feeling compelling.
Find and Ask SOmeone to review it
Does it make sense to someone who knows nothing about the issue? Does it use the right words to show you are paying attention to this specific committee? What questions come to mind that you could answer before they are even asked? This feedback helps you speak with the audience in mind.
Última modificación: miércoles, 24 de junio de 2026, 18:51