Here’s more help to prepare your written comments for a public meeting.
Share why you care and what you want
Source: https://fmr.org/updates/land-use-planning/quick-tips-speaking-public-meeting
You’ll be asked to start your comments by stating your name and address; this is a standard part of public record-keeping.
You should also share why you came to speak and why this issue matters to you.
It’s helpful to think about what you want the decision-makers to do in response to your comments. Do you want them to make a change or vote a certain way? Be clear about what you’re asking for and why.
And it’s okay if your comments repeat what someone else has already said. In fact, it can be powerful for leaders to hear that several of their constituents all want the same thing.
10 tips for making effective public comment
Source: https://cdphe.colorado.gov/APCD/10-tips-public-comment
1. Read before you write. Familiarize yourself with the scope of the issue and review background information related to the particular issue you would like to provide comment on. Jot down what you hope to see and any major concerns you have.
2. Start your comment with your specific request(s) or feedback. Are you trying to start, stop, or delay a particular action? Correct possible errors or data gaps? Ensure a decision is in line with your organization’s policies or community’s needs? Support or oppose a rulemaking? Think through your key requests and state your opinion or requested action up front to help us best understand your position.
3. Make sure we can act on your comment. We accept all comments. However, we can only make changes that are in line with the division’s scope and legal authorities. The changes must also be applicable to the proposal’s requirements. We cannot grant exceptions to state or federal regulations. Please focus on the information that we can act on.
4. Be specific. Identify the distinct parts you think should be changed or the parts you support. We encourage you to suggest specific wording changes. If you think we missed something in the analysis or in a certain section, explain what additional information or concepts you’d like us to include. Provide concrete examples of your concern, either real or hypothetical, where you can.
5. Offer creative solutions. If you think a concern or challenge can be better addressed in a different way, let us know! We welcome your suggestions on how we can solve a problem. Alternative ideas can help strengthen our actions.
6. Keep your comments clear and concise. Try to include only what must be said to accomplish your purpose. Avoid repeating your points. Consider using headings and subheadings to separate your points. If you have more than one major concern, consider opening your comments with a summary section and outlining them before you give details.
7. Be careful using form letters or mass email. Before you use any pre-drafted comment letter, review it to see if it follows these tips for effective comments. If it doesn’t, write your own. The comment process is not a vote, and it’s important to note that mass emails may get caught in a spam filter. A single, well-supported comment may carry more weight than a thousand comments that say the same thing without supporting evidence.
8. State why this topic or issue matters to you. Do you live in a community that will be directly impacted by this decision or proposal? Share your connection to the topic or issue, your lived experience, personal background, and unique insights. This could include disproportionate pollution impacts in a community that you or people you know have experienced. It may help us better understand the challenges and opportunities related to this decision and the factors we should take into account.
9. Share relevant data. Are you aware of a study or article directly related to this topic? Cite or share that information in your comment. We strive to incorporate the best available science and information in our decisions.
10. Stay connected. Explore additional opportunities to provide feedback throughout the rule, permit, or guidance document development process. There are often multiple ways and times for you to provide feedback over a period of months or even years.
Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking
Source: https://blog.londonspeechworkshop.com/how-to-overcome-fear-of-speaking-in-meetings
“Public comment” at government meetings: How to make your voice heard
Using public comment at government meetings as a tool to make change
Quick tips for speaking at a public meeting
Making Effective Public Comments
Source: https://www.re-sources.org/meetings/making-effective-public-comments/
Speaking up for what you care about can change minds……
…especially when our electeds hear from their neighbors and those most impacted. It’s one of the best ways you can have your voice heard by decision-makers. Here are some tips to make public comments a little easier for you.
Whether you’re speaking at a public hearing, local government meeting, or sending an email – the same guidelines apply in making effective public comments. Speaking to decision makers directly is generally more impactful, unless you’re attempting to share a lot of information with cited references.
A great comment has four elements
INTRO: Each public comment is required to start with your first and last name and what city or town you reside in. It is also helpful to decision-makers if you can give a one sentence overview or “ask” for the governing body right at the start.
WHY: How will this decision impact you personally, and how will it impact the greater good?
MORE DETAIL: Include outside references or your own expertise/view as a member of the public.
CLOSING: Reiterate your position. Thank them for their attention.
Additional Pointers
BE CONCISE: You have only a short time (three minutes for Whatcom County Council) to get your point(s) across. Writing out your comment and timing yourself before the meeting will help ensure that you hit all of the points you need to hit within your allotted time. Try to stick to no more than three topics/points in your comment.
SPEAK SLOWLY: By speaking slowly, you will be heard and understood by all. The governing body values your testimony and they know you’re taking time out of your day to speak. Additionally, the staff member recording testimony needs to understand what you’re saying in order to record it for the public record.
BE POLITE: If you’re frustrated with something the Council has or has not acted upon, then it’s better to rephrase your comment as “I hope you consider doing (xyz) because (abc).” Alienating the decision-makers does not work in your favor.
TELL YOUR STORY: It is important to state that you’re a resident of Whatcom County (or wherever you’re commenting), especially if you live in a particular community that will be impacted by a policy or action, or a lack of one.
CONNECT YOURSELF TO THE DECISION: Decision-makers want to know what the impacts of their actions will be on people or what they value. Be sure to mention if a policy or action will directly impact to you and your family, or if you have expertise in a certain industry or profession.
If you plan on presenting your comment at a public hearing, email your comment before hand or bring enough copies for each member of the governing body. In your comment, refer to your email or copy so they can follow along.