Whether you’re preparing a comment to read aloud at a hearing, or writing a short statement to be shared in print, here is a simple formula that can be built upon and altered to fit your story needs.
Template
1. Who are you? This is your introduction and should include any relevant information such as where you work, attend school, what bus routes you frequent.
2. Why are you here? You want to let your audience know what this testimony is about as soon as possible so that they are able to follow along and understand. You can state that plainly at the top:
“I am here to talk about the proposed cuts to bus service…”
or begin telling a story and feature it prominently at the beginning of your story:
“As a daily bus rider I was shocked when I saw the notice about the proposal to cut bus service in my neighborhood..”
3. What’s at stake? Why does this issue matter to you and your community? Share a personal story, or stories from people you know, that illustrate the hardship caused by the issue. Share any statistics and facts here.
4. What’s the ask? This is your conclusion, your chance to make a demand and/or offer a solution. It is appropriate to briefly re-iterate what’s at stake here as well (i.e. “I ask that you abstain from making these service cuts that will have a detrimental impact on my neighborhood…”). If you are sharing this testimony in public, it is always good to thank your audience for listening.
Tips
- If possible, bring a printed copy of the testimony with you. You can give a copy to the person who you are directing your testimony to. It also can help you to stay within the timeline given. If you are unable to print your testimony, it is ok to read it off of your cell phone.
- Practice your comments with a timer to reduce the likelihood of running over.
- If you are going to use an acronym or nickname for a local or technical term, please explain what you are referring to so that the listeners can understand.
- If you are disabled and/or require an interpreter to be present for your testimony, it is best to request the service you need in advance or investigate if that will be an option for the public.
Examples of great public testimonies from our members
Kate Coluccio on 2018 proposed changes to Bus Rapid Transit service
Monica Ruiz on proposed fare enforcement
Darnika Reed on proposed fare enforcement