Problem: Testimony to a relevant legislative body
1: Identify your audience: Determine the makeup of your audience members by identifying the legislative body, committee, political party, etc of which they are members.
Example: If the policy you propose is national, your testimony will be addressed to Congress. If it is a proposal for a change in state law, your testimony will be addressed to your state legislature. If it is a local school policy change, it will be addressed to your local school board.
2: Research your audience members to determine their probable position on the issue and how many will potentially be hostile, sympathetic, apathetic, and/or experts towards the issue.
3: Identify where you will deliver your proposal.
4: Draft of your audience assessment that includes the following:
The title of your proposal. The name of the legislative body or committee Your assessment of the audience (see 2)
A draft your testimony that includes:
An introduction of yourself and your affiliation
A clear statement of the policy proposal, the area of concern, why it is important, and the potential impact of the policy. Also address changes that you believe will improve the impact of the policy.