Using Personal Testimony

Personal testimony is a firsthand declaration on how a change in policy affects you. 2

Why does personal testimony work? It influences decision makers It provides firsthand accounts Gives "human perspective" to issues

How do you prepare to use personal testimony? Write down what makes you like or dislike this policy Edit what you are writing Determine how this policy change will help or hurt you and others Back up your story with facts Write a conclusion 4

Questions to ask while prepare for testimony To whom will you speak? What are the decision makers' attitudes? What are the decision makers' responsibilities? What does the current policy say? How does it affect you? What are the proposed changes? How will they impact your life? 5

What do you do at a hearing? Get to the meeting early Greet and make eye contact with the people you will talk to State your name Make a statement about yourself Describe your circumstances Talk about how the situation discussed affects you and others Ask a value question Thank the opportunity to speak 6