PRESENTATION BEFORE A PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE

An effective presentation before a committee requires good planning and preparation. But what about the meeting itself ? Here are some quick tips on how to conduct yourself when testifying before a parliamentary committee.

1. Introduce yourself and proposal
2. Position the credibility of you or your organization on the issue(s) being explored.
3. Open with persuasive statement/theme
4. Articulate your position vis-a-vis the issue(s).
5. Provide the rationale for the position. This means referencing scientific evidence, anecdotal evidence and results of surveys, etc.

 Presentation of Arguments

1. Describe problem clearly and concisely
2. Discuss (or return to) issues in logical order
3. Make clear connections between arguments
4. Allocate time effectively
5. Stop when time is up or asked to finish

 Responsiveness to Questions

1. Welcome/do not avoid questions from Committee Members
2. Maintain composure, stop to listen carefully to questions and think before answering
3. Use proper decorum for legislative hearings
4. Give direct answers, then support answers with explanation
5. Explain answers with references to data or authority to support
6. Integrate responses into arguments/move back to arguments smoothly

 Persuasiveness & Preparation

1. Demonstrate sound knowledge of subject matter, policy/political issue, and existing law
2. Support arguments with law/facts/policy/politics
3. Use analogies or examples where appropriate
4. Prepare for questions and respond accurately
5. Use techniques of persuasion effectively/emphasize theme.

 Delivery/Decorum

1. Use notes/reference tools appropriately
2. Conversational, not scripted; measured pace
3. Make eye contact and  have no distracting mannerisms/gestures
4. Avoid “I think” “We feel”
5. Strong voice; appropriate volume/intensity
6. Project sincere, professional presence
7. Courteous, not sarcastic or condescending
8. Use correct grammar/pronunciation

After Meeting

1. Take notes on the questions asked and their source.
2. Followup with the committee staff and with individual committee members on specific questions.