Advocate's Toolbox

Don'ts - Testifying Before a Committee

• Make negative remarks about other groups or individuals.
• Quote the Constitution or RSAs unless you are attempting to show conflicts in the law.
• Attempt to instruct the committee members as to their “duties to the people” or “moral obligations.” They know more about this than you do.
• Give any more background information than absolutely necessary for the committee t understand your testimony.
• Give into arguments with committee members during testimony. Make a mental note of any controversial points and see the person after the hearing.
• Be afraid to say: “I don’t know, but I will try to find out and get the information to you later.” Be sure to follow-up in a timely manner.
• Dodge questions. Answer succinctly and honestly.
• Call legislators by their first names while testifying, no matter how well you know them.
• Guess at a legislator’s name in an attempt to prove you are an insider.
• Appeal to the legislator’s self-interest while testifying.
• Give the same testimony twice to the same committee. Many times committees will hold a series of hearings. If you have presented your material before, refer to that fact. Give a brief summary of your testimony, any changes in status or facts, ask if there are any questions, thank the committee members for their time, and sit down.