Do your staff and executives understand what it takes to give clear, concise, and cogent testimony before a congressional committee? Do they know the rules of testifying-and preparing to testify-in the congressional “courtroom”? Preparing and Delivering Congressional Testimony is designed for staff who prepare written testimony, prep witnesses for testifying, or staff and executives who plan to deliver testimony.
Gain a better understanding of the role and purpose of congressional committees and the hearing process. Learn what members and congressional staff expect from witnesses before, during, and after the hearing.
During the Preparing and Delivering Congressional Testimony training, the instructor reviews types of committees and hearings. He focuses on all aspects of testimony preparation including research, the process of persuasion, and specifics of how to effectively structure written and oral testimony.
Participants learn effective delivery and listening techniques, and how to deal with Q&As and difficult situations. Attendees put their new skills to the test by preparing and delivering testimony before a mock committee hearing. Participants are videotaped and critiqued by “committee members.”
Welcome and Introduction
Committee Action and the Hearing Environment • The role of committees and the hearing process in Congress • Types and membership of committees; types of committee hearings (informational, legislative, investigative, oversight, public relations) • Committee markup of legislation and committee reports • The role of the committee chairmen and staff in deciding the hearing subject matter, selecting witnesses and preparing questions
Testimony Preparation • Testimony preparation, including research • The process of persuasion and the nature of argument • Interactive group exercises demonstrate sound arguments
Testimony Delivery • Review a “testimony worksheet” • Review of effective delivery techniques • Discuss witness/member dynamics and the “art” of responding to questions
Testifying Before Congress: Communications Dynamics • How to prepare engaging and dynamic testimony • The use of the audience • How to handle questions
What Makes Effective Testimony: The Staff Perspective • The work, procedures and organization of the relevant congressional committees • How these committees prepare for hearings • What staff and members expect from witnesses • Differences between authorization and appropriation hearings • The nature of the relationship between the committees and executive agencies • What staff and members of Congress believe makes effective testimony • Suggestions for preparing for congressional hearings
The fee for this program depends on the location, number of attendees, length, and training materials. For more information reach out to training@sunwater.org
“I now have a better understanding of the working of Congress and I see why the legislative process can be so long. It all was very useful since this is a new area of work for me-I feel better equipped to perform the duties of my job.” — Attendee, Administrative Office of the US Courts
“Better able to strategize regarding lobbying efforts and better able to inform my members on status of legislation.” — Government Affairs staffer, national association
All staff who are or will be responsible for preparing or presenting testimony before Congress will benefit from this training. Past attendees include military officers, SES, managers, scientists, budget analysts, and others. Course materials can include the Training Edition of Testifying Before Congress.