Do's and Don'ts While Speaking at Public Meetings

“Decisions are made by those who show up."

If that phrase sounds familiar, it should. Nobody knows who first coined it, but supposedly many well-known people have uttered it or something similar: Benjamin Franklin, Harry Truman, Woody Allen, Aaron Sorkin.

While that may be true, it is also true that many decisions are made because people show up and speak up.

There are do's and there are don'ts. Let's take a look at them

The Do's of Speaking at Public Meetings

Most proposals that come before local and state governments provide an opportunity for citizens to speak. City councils and county boards typically schedule hearings for these matters and set aside time on their meeting agendas for public input.

Similarly, state legislative committees typically seek citizen input before they vote or make recommendations to the full body. When offering oral testimony to a legislative committee, you will probably need to fill out a speaker request form.

Whether it be a local or state matter, here are a few pointers to keep in mind when you arise to speak:

• Be prepared. Make sure you have thoroughly researched the issue.
• Be respectful and demonstrate appreciation for the opportunity to speak.
• Identify yourself and your credentials for speaking. This may be simply that you live in an area affected by a proposal, or you may have expertise that is relevant to the issue under consideration.
• Clearly state your position and why you have taken it.
• Ask for a specific action, pointing out why it would be a good idea.
• Be polite.
• Relating a personal story or anecdote related to the issue is a good idea, but make sure it is relevant.
• Use simple language.
• Direct your comments to the officials at the hearing
• Anticipate possible questions and be prepared to answer them.
• Thank the councilors, commissioners, or committee members for their time.

The Don'ts of Speaking at a Public Hearing

• Don't let nerves prevent you from speaking. (This is a tough one but practicing your comments at home can help ease your nerves when you finally give them for real.)
• Don't stick your hands in your pockets. When you are practicing at home, think about hand gestures. There are many guides, like this one from Toastmasters International, that can be helpful.
• Don't start sentences with “So," or end them with “right?" or “OK?"
• Don't read from a script.
• Don't meander.
• Don't use technical jargon.
• Don't pace.
• Don't talk too fast.
• Be careful about criticizing other people in the room or those who have a different position.

If you are seeking to influence decision-making by showing up, you should consider going one step further and speak up. It is your right as a citizen. But if you do, pay attention to the do's and don'ts listed above. If you do it right, you could have an impact on people's lives.