 |
Verify
Time and Type of Testimony |
| |
Legislative
committees have specific times assigned for their meetings.
However, it is wise to call the office of the committee chairman
a few days before your testimony to verify the time and location
of the committee meeting. Also, be sure the committee is scheduled
to hear the type of testimony you plan to provide (i.e. proponent,
opponent, or interested party). |
|
Know
the Committee |
| |
A
listing of committee members and their districts is available
from the Ohio Chamber. Review this to familiarize yourself
with legislators on the committee in the event you must address
them by name during your testimony. Also, contact Ohio Chamber
staff to determine if a legislator has a personal history
with your issue. |
|
Know
Your Issue |
| |
Preparation
is the key to any good presentation. Before testifying, thoroughly
research your issue. Determine who supports your issue and
the arguments that may be made by opponents. The more you
know, the more persuasive your testimony will be for legislators.
|
|
Format
Your Written Testimony |
| |
This
format is commonly used:
TESTIMONY OF __________________
Your Organization
In Support/Opposition of Issue
(Bill Number)
Name of Committee
Date of Presentation
Your Name
Your Title |
| Begin
with an introduction – A good example is: “Mr.
Chairman and members of the committee, thank you for
the opportunity to present testimony today. My name
is (include your name, title, and the company you are
representing).” You may want to include a brief
description of your company or your qualifications. |
| State
your position – “We support/oppose (issue
or bill number) because . . .” |
| Back
up your position – Use facts and examples. |
|
|
Arrive
Early |
| |
Plan
to arrive at least 15 minutes before the committee is scheduled
to convene. Once you are in the hearing room, obtain and complete
a witness slip. These forms are usually found on or near the
podium. They ask for your name, the organization you are representing,
and the bill your testimony concerns. After completing the
form, return it to the committee secretary. The chairman will
call your name when it is your turn to testify. |
|
Provide
Copies of Your Testimony |
| |
Many
committee chairmen request that copies of testimony be provided
for committee members. It is a good idea to contact the committee
chairman’s office prior to testifying to inquire about
the number of copies you should provide. You may also want
to take extra copies for the press and interested parties
attending the hearing. |
|
Make
Testimony Short and Easy to Understand |
| |
Your
testimony will be more helpful to legislators if you can explain
the specifics of how the proposed bill will affect your business.
Since committee members are often scheduled to hear several
witnesses, concise and entertaining testimony is more likely
to be remembered. Consider presenting an oral summary of your
written testimony. Legislators can read your entire testimony
if they need greater detail. |
|
Relax
and Speak Slowly |
| |
As
a witnesses, you may be nervous about addressing a legislative
committee. Remember, you are the expert. Legislators must
address many issues every day and they rely on people like
you to educate them on how pending legislation will affect
businesses. |
|
Be
Prepared to Back Up Your Facts |
| |
Prepare
to respond to at least three of the most difficult questions
you might be asked. If you are unable to answer a question,
indicate your willingness to find the answer and respond in
subsequent correspondence. Remember to follow-up on this important
commitment. |
|
Invite
Questions From the Committee |
| |
When
you are finished with your testimony, thank the chairman for
the opportunity to testify and offer to answer any questions
the committee members may have. When responding to questions,
direct your answer through the chairman. For example, if Senator
Smith asks you a question, you would respond: “Mr. Chairman,
Senator Smith,” then state your answer. |
