9 Steps to Give Effective Oral Testimony at the Statehouse

Originally posted 8/21/2016

​Note that oral and written testimony are unique; this post discusses oral testimony only.  Further note that the "Getting There" section is for the State of Rhode Island only, while the "Giving Testimony" and "Tips" section applies more broadly.
 
Getting There:
    1. Arrive at the RI Statehouse by 4:30PM (earlier if the bill is controversial and will draw significant testimony).
    2. Sign up in the in the hearing room that is posted on the committee agenda.
    3. Wait for the ‘Rise’ (aka the moment when the House or Senate ends their floor session); this is when testimonies will begin.
    4. Wait in the hearing room until you are called by the chairperson to testify. If the room is over capacity, wait outside the room. 

Giving Testimony:
    5. Thank the committee and chairman/woman
    6. State your name and expertise
    7. State the bill number and your position
    8. Clearly state your argument and back it up with stats, facts, and examples. Remember to:

• Repeat your argument multiple times during your testimony
• Use powerful patient stories when appropriate
• Refute opposing arguments

    9. Thank the committee again and offer to address questions

​Tips:

• Less is more: be concise
• Avoid jargon, and speak clearly
• Be brief: keep it to 3 minutes or less
• Don’t read directly from notes or written testimony
• Mention new or unique information
• For a stronger position, prepare written testimony in addition to your oral testimony ahead of time

Examples of Testimonies: https://www.texmed.org/Template.aspx?id=31041
Resources:

• http://www.cbf.org/Document.Doc?id=302
• http://le.alcoda.org/publications/point_of_view/files/testifyingarticle.pdf

Post Author: Shayla Durfey, medical student at the Alpert Medical School of Brown University and co-President for Citizen Physicians