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Public Speaking: Boards And Councils
By Jeremy Alcorn

I make mistakes every time I speak in front of a crowd and so does everyone else, but there are some major errors that I have noticed people commit in the arena of public speaking. One of the goals of our movement is to change policy. If we are to do this effectively there are a few things we should be mindful of when speaking at meetings (such as council, board, public hearing meetings).

Know The Topic, Stay On It

Sounds simple but you would be surprised how many people don’t heed this little bit of advice. Find out what items will be discussed before you go. This will help to prevent you from speaking out of context.

We have all been in a formal discussion when someone brings up something that is completely void of the subject matter currently being discoursed. When this happens we feel sorry not only for the person elaborating on irrelevant topics but for all those who are unfortunate enough to hear it. In short, don’t be that person.

Be Passionate, But Reserved

There is nothing wrong with being emotional about the subject you are talking about. Emotion is what drives us; thankfully so. However, don’t let it rule your discussion. Unfortunately, emotion can also get you off topic, so beware. Be mindful of where you want to go with your discussion and don’t deviate.

Never Say You Are Unprepared

At a hearing for a humane law in my home state a proponent of the rodeo rose to speak and started by saying how she only heard about the meeting two days ago and was unprepared as a result. Regardless of how legitimate the information you will present may be, if you state you are unprepared then your authority has been effectively reduced. After all, how do the recipients of your message know it is well researched or thought out if you did not come prepared? It doesn’t matter if you heard about a meeting right before it started don’t undermine the validity of what you are saying by claiming to be unprepared.

Flattery Never Hurt

It seems like flattery is akin to blowing smoke and maybe it is, but everyone likes to know how their efforts are appreciated. Thank the governing body for taking the time to hear your comments (or the community’s comments; whatever you feel is best).

I never figured that flattery would amount to anything, but after seeing a bit of it put to use I can attest to the fact that it does seem to soften the resolve of those who are being recognized. People in these governing or regulatory positions get criticism day in and day out for laws, regulations, or administrative procedures; what they don’t often here are citizens who are pleased. Maybe you’re pleased with the body you are speaking to, maybe not, either way it won’t hurt to offer a simple “Thank you.”

Have Alternatives Ready

Remember our rodeo proponent from before? She was opposing a humane standard for the electrocution of animals in which she repeatedly objected to the wording of the regulation. In this case she really was unprepared. Time and again she stated how the regulation, as proposed, was too broad. When a board member from the Dept. of Agriculture asked her how she would word the regulation so as to narrow its focus you could actually hear her draw a blank. It was a kind of audible silence and it made her look foolish.

Those in the rodeo and other animal use organizations don’t have to worry too much about having alternative suggestions because their interests are already present in the current systems. As animal advocates our interests, most often, are not. In this particular situation the rodeo advocates were able to table the motion so that they could work on the wording with those responsible for creating the regulation. The moral of the story is to have an alternative suggestion ready when needed because some entities may not be as willing to deal with animal advocates. They may, however, take into consideration suggestions.

Worse case scenario, they won’t work with you or consider your suggestions, but you owe it to the animals to be prepared regardless.

Stick Around Afterwards

Sometimes people leave rather quickly after meetings. Even if you have suffered a loss during the event you might consider hanging around for a few minutes afterwards because you never know how many sympathizers you may have in the crowd. A few may want to talk to you and this is something that can only be accomplished if you are present. These could be future members, fellow activists with which to ally your efforts, or even concerned citizens with pertinent or inside information. The worst case scenario is that no one approaches and you leave anyway after a brief stay. At least your opponents didn’t see you shy away immediately after the proceedings.

Animal Liberation Now!

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Posted/Updated: 12/14/03