Begin by stating your name.
Start your testimony with, "For the record, [insert name], from [your affiliation]."
Make a specific request.
You should be able to state your request in one clear sentence. All the points you make in your testimony should support this request.
Keep it short (up to 3 minutes).
Substance, not length, determines the value of testimony. In addition to facts, tell a concise story about real people and show the Council why they should listen to your perspective. If your comments run over time, you may be asked to conclude before you are finished.
Avoid repetition.
If others have raised the same points, simply endorse what they've said rather than repeating prior testimony in detail. If you come as a group, designate a spokesperson who can take the lead in introducing the issue and other members of the group.