Last evening, there was a discussion amongst my colleagues at Grad school about the time given to public opinion in City Public hearing sessions. With some highly controversial projects where there are scores of people lined up outside the City Hall, some City Mayors decide to cut down speaker time to one minute to continue with the order of business of the day. This got me thinking. How much time is good for a person to make a pitch that is highly effective?
We all know about the famous 2 minute pitch the got Google started. Popularly known as the Elevator pitch, it has been widely written about in many online sources. The important thing here is that Public testimony can be elucidated well if one can prepare well in advance.
Tips for the 2 minute pitch at a City Hall.
a. Prepare in advance. Read extensively about the project item description in the City Planning website, usually this detail is mentioned in the Agenda of City Council meeting or Planning Commission meeting.
b. Write down your thoughts. It is important to write down your thoughts and structure your speech to take to the podium.
c. Be Clear and concise. Remember, what you say will be recorder, available for future use to the decision makers and most importantly, will have the power to make a difference in the life of the project,its stakeholders and you.
d. Get straight to the point. You need not introduce yourself. The procedure to speak is to fill out a Speaker Card before the meeting begins. This Card has basic details of you which includes your name and other details which is available with the Council or Commission. They will call your name and when you get to the poduim, you just get straight to the issue you are addressing.
e. 2 minutes = 250 words. For an average speaker, 200-250 words in a good two paragraphs of writing. This might be a detailed speech. You could keep your pitch to maybe half the size if you are a slow to medium pace speaker. Always, read out loud and time your pitch beforehand to get an idea of the type of speaker you are.
If you don’t have the time to make such elaborate preparation to your pitch, go for it as an impromptu passionate community member would, but keep in mind, this 2 minutes is precious and is important to the project.
Photo taken using my phone camera at a City Hall Planning Commission meeting at City of San Jose, 25 September 2013
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