The 3 C’s of Testifying:Be Clear, Concise and CompellingMarie Sullivan, Director of Governmental RelationsNOVEMBER 21, 2013

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The Legislature: Hearings• A bill requires a public hearing before a

Senate or House committee – Rules can be suspended

• Anyone can provide input by live testimony or in writing

• Hearings are informal – rules set by the body and the chair

• Televised and taped by TVW

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The Legislature: Hearings (cont.)• The issues that compel us to testify are diverse• The same goes for the way individuals choose

to testify• However, it is critical that the information offered

in your testimony is accurate, consistent, clear and relevant– Important to know whether policy or fiscal issues,

committees

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The First ‘C’: Clear• Clear means simple, easy to understand

language• Avoid jargon or acronyms, or internal

organizational, operation or technical language

• NEVER read your testimony, particularly if you are going to hand out prepared remarks

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The First ‘C’: Clear (cont.)• Clear includes an opening, a few key points,

and a close• Opening

— Addresses the Committee Chair and members

— State your name and school district. “I am here to speak (in favor or opposition) on (the bill number and subject).”

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The First ‘C’: Clear (cont.)• Key Points

• The most important bits of information• State your position• Why you hold the position

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The First ‘C’: Clear (cont.)• Ending

• Always has a clear statement of what you want Committee to do or know

• Always offer to answer questions BUT … be prepared to say you don’t know and follow up

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When using a PowerPoint…

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Series 3Series 2Series 1

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The Second ‘C’: Concise• The best testimony is brief and to the point• Testimony is frequently limited to 3 minutes or less • Be ready to revise for less time – 30 seconds!• With presentations, verify how much time you’ll

have to speak— Cut that in half— Use Power Point slides to show data and

illustrate a point if necessary

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The Second ‘C’: Concise (cont.)• If you need to get on the record, be brief

and let them know you’ll be following up with written testimony

• The reason you follow up is to get something in the bill report that committee staff are writing

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The Second ‘C’: Concise (cont.)• Don’t repeat what someone else has said

BUT … • You can say you agree with previous

testimony and add anything new if necessary

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The Second ‘C’: Concise (cont.)• If you’re asked a question, answer it quickly

and clearly• If you don’t know, say you don’t know but

will get back to them• Make sure to follow up• It is usually best to send the information to

staff. They will share with committee members

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The Third ‘C’: Compelling• The point is to make the testimony “real” to

the legislators, staff and audience hearing you• Localize and humanize issues

— Be prepared to give an example from the chair’s district or,

— From the district of a legislator who is opposed to your issue

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The Third ‘C’: Compelling (cont.)• Use stories of staff, teachers and students to

illustrate your point or emphasize testimony• Know your audience and recognize what

others might be saying— Be prepared to diplomatically answer

questions about testimony that might be in conflict with yours, or opinions that might be different

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The Third ‘C’: Compelling (cont.)• Be visual when appropriate

• Charts, graphs, maps, etc. are great – as long as they don’t need thousands of words of explanation

• The picture should tell the story, quickly and clearly

• A prop can help you make your case• Use humor judiciously

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Finally…• When testifying against a bill or with

concerns, always make time to check in with the bill sponsor BEFORE the hearing.

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Preparing Testimony Project• Testimony work sheet (8 minutes)

– Read HB 1412 – Community Service– Jot down notes based on the questions in the worksheet– Pick a position and draft your supporting arguments or

evidence• Table discussion (10 minutes)

– Discuss the bill, your responses, arguments– Pick 2 volunteers to offer testimony to our panel

• Plan for no more than 2 minutes of testimony• Write testimony (10 minutes)

– Working together, draft the testimony– Remember 3 Cs – Clear, Concise, Compelling

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Save the Date!January 26-27, 2014

Legislative Conference Day on the Hill

Registration Open Now!

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