The 3 C’s of Testifying: Be Clear, Concise, and Compelling

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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 (tvw.org)

The Legislature: Hearings (continued)

• 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 and applicable

committees

The First “C”: Clear

• Clear means simple, easy to understand language• Avoid jargon or acronyms, or internal organization,

operational or technical language• NEVER read your testimony; particularly if you are going to

hand out prepared remarks

The First ‘C’: Clear (continued)

• 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 (bill number and subject).”• Key Points– The most important bits of information– State your position– Why you hold the position

The First ‘C’: Clear (continued)

• Ending– Always has a clear statement of what you want the committee to

do or know– Always offer to answer questions BUT • Be prepared to say you don’t know and will follow up

The Second ‘C’: Concise • The best testimony is brief and to the point• Testimony is frequently limited to three (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 time in half– Use PowerPoint slides to show data and illustrate a point

• If you need to be on record– Be brief– Follow up with a written testimony

• Important for the bill report that the committee staff will write– Don’t repeat what another has said BUT

• You can state you agree with previous testimony and add new information

The Second ‘C’: Concise (continued)

• If asked a question, answer quickly and clearly– If unsure, state you don’t know and will follow up• Make sure to follow up• Send information to committee staff – they will share with committee

The Third ‘C’: Compelling

• The point is to make the testimony “real” to audience• 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

The Third ‘C’: Compelling (continued)

• Use stories of staff, teachers, and students to illustrate your point• Know your audience. Recognize what others may be saying– Be prepared to diplomatically answer questions of opposing opinions

• Be visual, when appropriate– Charts, graphs, maps, etc. are great

• Verify visuals require little explanation• The visuals should tell the story, quickly and clearly

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

Finally…

• When testifying against a bill (or with concerns)– Check in with bill sponsor BEFORE the hearing

Advocacy Resources

• TVW, Washington State Public Affairs Network: www.tvw.org

• Legislature Web site: www.leg.wa.gov• Hotline: (800) 562-6000

Advocacy Resources

• Printed Materials– Citizen’s Guide to K-12 Finance• http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/WM/Documents/Publication

s/BudgetGuides/2009/K1209.pdf– Washington School Finance Primer• www.k12.wa.us/safs/PUB/PRI/primer99.pdf

– Organization and Financing of Washington Public Schools• http://www.k12.wa.us/safs/PUB/ORG/09/2009OrgFin_Final%20Copy.pdf

WSPTA Advocacy Contacts

• WSPTA Advocacy webpage: www.wastatepta.org/advocacy • Washington State PTA Legislative Director:

PTALegDir@wastatepta.org• Washington State PTA Legislative Consultant:

LegConsultant@wastatepta.org