I thought this could be of help for some
TESTIFYING BEFORE THE COMMISSION
Verbal Testimony
Please complete a speaker’s card and give it to a member of the staff prior to the item being
considered.
The following suggestions are offered to help you organize your testimony:
1. State your name, area of residence and whom representing.
2. State your major points first.
3. Briefly support major points with factual data, rationale, and/or logic.
4. Conclude with a brief summary of your major points.
You have come to present your ideas and make your feelings known. You want to accomplish
something and feel your time was well spent. This means you want your testimony to be as
effective as possible. Although it is nice to come with friends and supporters, remember the
Commission makes the decisions. You will be most effective by talking to the Commission, not
the audience.
Commissioners are appointed by the Governor to set regulations and policy. There is no doubt
that a well-spoken presentation is persuasive. Make your points clear. Reasoning and/or facts
to support them are very helpful. Important points may be lost in reading long, prepared
statements. A well-delivered and concise statement does the job best.
Repetition can be a problem. Please don’t repeat previous testimony. If someone has already
covered the points you intended to address, it is usually best to simply indicate your support for
the position and perhaps briefly summarize your feelings. Testimony may be limited depending
on the number of people wishing to speak. Speaker information cards will be used to organize
the testimony.
Written testimony
1. Written material of any length may be submitted prior to or at a meeting;
however, it is unrealistic to expect the Commission to read lengthy written
material that is submitted at the adoption hearing.
2. Your case will often be strengthened if you present your views in written form to
the Commission at least 10 days in advance.
3. Any said written material, if more than one type-written page in length, should be
prefaced by a one-page summary.
Please bear in mind that the Commission’s mandate is to reach decisions on the basis of what,
in its judgment, is best for fish, wildlife, and habitat statewide. Therefore, strictly localized
opinions and petitions, no matter how forcefully presented, may not always be acted upon
favorably by the Commission.
On the back of this sheet is an outline that may help you organize your testimony. We offer
these suggestions to help you be effective and successful in your efforts before the
Commission.
SUGGESTED TESTIMONY OUTLINE*
(Submit a speaker’s card)
MR. PRESIDENT AND MEMBERS OF THE COMMISSION, MY NAME IS _____________.
I AM FROM ________________, AND I REPRESENT _______________________________.
(club, organization, self)
I WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THE TOPIC OF_____________________________________.
Summarize major points. (What’s the issue and why is it important?):
1.
2.
3.
Facts, data, rationale and/or logic:
1.
2.
3.
Specific recommendations, if not included above. (What do you want the Commission to do?):
Again, brief summary of main points:
*On particularly involved and controversial subjects, the Commission may find it necessary to place a time
limit on individual testimony.
m. Camino the wives need to meet the kids could hang out here for a bit if they have to. What about Dennis? and your oldman? let me know. Everyone else keep lettin ud know if your goin.
