Always make copies of your presentation. There are different copy requirements for different committees. Refer to the website www.mlis.state.md.us or contact the Committee Office or Legislative Aide for an accurate count.

Arrive early. In most cases, you must sign in 1-2 hours in advance of the Hearing in order to testify. Copies of testimony must be handed in at the time of sign-in. Most Committees require you to be physically present to sign up for testimony.

Dress accordingly --- Business attire is most appropriate.

Turn cell phones off and limit the number of times you must get up.  Also, during the Hearing, do not engage in conversation. This may annoy not only members of the Committee, but other audience members as well.

Be prepared to sit!  Often times, presentations and overviews are lengthy and most Committees engage in a “Question & Answer” period before hearing testimony. Also, the agenda may be re-arranged at any time.  Although you might expect a particular topic to be first, at the last minute it may be pushed to the middle or end of the agenda.

When testifying, speak clearly into the microphone and keep to the allotted time. This is very important, as representatives have a tendency to become irritated if you don’t adhere to time allocations. Check with the Committee Office or Legislative Aide to determine if time allotments have been set.

Address the Committee Chairperson and Committee Members ---

“Good Afternoon Madame Chairperson and distinguished Members of the Committee.

My name is ________ and I am here today to speak about/in support of....”

When presenting information other than your personal story, be sure the information or opinions you are expressing are supported with data.  Cite statistics whenever possible to support your conclusion(s).

When sharing a personal story/information, use visuals whenever possible.

Remember --- “A picture is worth a thousand words”!

Remember, in most cases, you are not permitted to ask questions of the Committee members; however, be prepared to answer any questions they may have.  If you don’t know the answer, say so and commit to getting the information to them at a later date.

Thank the Committee members for their time.