1. Using Personal Testimony

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

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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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