Public Testimony Toolkit

be a role model

It is important to make policymakers feel the importance of our message. Policymaker opinions can be influenced by what they hear, see, and read at public hearings - we need to make the most of them.

Passionate and compelling tobacco control stories
have already had a powerful impact.

- Vicki Stauffer, Tobacco Prevention and
Control Program

Recruiting Testifiers

  • Identify people who can attend - They don't need to be experts, just people with authentic stories who are able to speak from the heart.
  • Connect and coordinate with others - Talk with MJCs, Networks, and state partners about who is coming and what aspects of the issue to highlight.

Crafting Testimony

Rules of Thumb

  • Make it brief - Speak for two minutes or less. Focus on the one thing you want them to remember.
  • Check out the programs key messages to stay on track
  • Put it in writing - But don't read what you wrote. Bring enough copies of your written testimony for all committee members, but look them in the eyes and speak from the heart. Check out our written testimony tips.

Tips for creating powerful testimony

What to Expect at a Hearing

Signing in - You will have to sign in when you arrive and indicate your purpose for attending the meeting. As a public employee your purpose is always "education" or "information." If you are representing yourself, not on work time or with work materials, you can express support as well as educate.

You may have to wait a while to speak - Dignitaries and invited guests get to speak first before the general public.

When you get to speak, there may be some empty seats - There are a number of reasons that legislators "step out." Remember, even if they aren't in the room, they will receive your written testimony, and they have probably instructed an aide to take notes for them while they are out.

Get the Most Out of Your Testimony

Give your testimony a shelf life beyond the hearing with these tactics.

  • Send a copy of your testimony to your policymakers with a note about your submission.
  • If your policymaker is on the committee you testified in front of, send a note to them thanking them for their attention and enclose a copy of your testimony.
  • Turn your testimony into a letter to the editor for your local newspaper. Check out these LTE templates for help.

Related Resources