Tips for Effective Testimony by Senator Bryant Richardson
- Keep a list of the bills you like or dislike
- Frequently check for meeting dates and times
- Prepare early. If the meetings are days or weeks away, this gives you time to
prepare a powerful message. - Committee chairs who are opposed to certain bills will try to minimize
opportunities for proponents to testify.
HOW TO SIGN UP
- Go to legis.delaware.gov
- Go to Home – Delaware General Assembly
- Go to ‘What’s Happening’ for a list of committee meetings
- Find the committee hearing you want (you may have to scroll down)
- Select Register for Meeting (or click on the meeting link)
- Fill out the form and register to testify
This applies if testifying in person or online
MAKE YOUR TESTIMONY POWERFUL
- Identify yourself and reason for testifying
- Have strong/memorable closing statement
- Keep comments to under 2 minutes to avoid being cut off in mid sentence
- Rehearse and time your testimony
- Make sure any facts/statistics you use are easily verifiable
- Personal stories that evoke emotions are powerful
- When telling stories in particular, make sure you stay within the time limit.
