Before the Hearing

• Plan and prepare your testimony.
• Find out where and when your bill will be heard.
• Do research on the committee members you will be speaking to. (http://www.leg.state.or.us)
• Look for things they may have in common with you or your issue.
• Think about the arguments that will appeal to them.

 At the Committee Meeting 

• ARRIVE EARLY!
• Sign-in when you arrive and indicate whether or not you intend to testify (sign-in sheets are near the entrance to the room). Print clearly.
• Turn your cell phone completely off.
• Wait for the Chair to call you. Begin by addressing the Chair stating your name, who you represent and the position you are taking.
  
  “Mr. Chair, members of the Committee, good morning. My name is John Doe. I live in Eddyville. I am vice president of the Eddyville Distillery Company and I support (or oppose) this bill because……”
  
• Explain your reasoning for your support or opposition of the bill.
  
  If you support it, which parts do you agree with and why.
  If you oppose it, offer suggestions to improve it.
  
• In closing, sum up your main points and tell the group what action you would like them to take. Be sure to end with thanking the Committee and the Chair.
• All testimony and committee discussion must be addressed through the Chair.
  
  To answer a committee member’s question, you would say, “Madam Chair, Senator Smith based on my experience...”

You may be asked questions so be prepared for giving additional information or clarification. Don’t worry, you are not expected to know everything... DOs

• Be courteous and polite.
• Be brief, simple and to the point (maximum of five minutes).
• Act confident and knowledgeable.
• Keep eye contact and watch your body language.
• Speak from the heart with a professional attitude.

 DON’Ts

• Repeat previous testimony.
• Demonstrate, applaud or address the committee from the audience.
• Get mad, personal and/or defensive.
• Prepare a written piece listing every point possible.
• Make threats.
• Continue to speak if the Chair attempts to cut you off.
• Use fancy language, acronyms or jargon.
• Read your testimony.
• Joke.
• Impugn the motives of anyone. 

After Testimony

• Thank the Chair and the committee.
• Don’t expect immediate committee action.
• You can choose to stay and listen to the meeting (if leaving, do so quietly).
• Make sure to follow up if there were any unanswered questions.
• Write a quick thank-you and any follow-up information to the Chair and/or person aiding you in organizing the testimony. 

 Testifying before an Oregon legislative committee is not at all like you may have seen on television. The committee members genuinely want to hear what you have to say and know your thoughts. They will treat you with respect, and they know you may not be an expert. Nervous? Of course you are. Everyone is. It’s expected. Don’t worry – after you’re finished, you will be glad you did it.