Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas

Using Personal Testimony

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas

Personal testimony is a firsthand declaration on how a change in policy

affects you.

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas

Why does personal testimony work?

• It influences decision makers• It provides firsthand accounts• Gives "human perspective" to issues

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas

How do you prepareto 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

Copyright © 2014 by The University of Kansas

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?

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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