There are several essential features common to effective congressional testimony. These elements include a well-prepared witness, a well-written statement and oral testimony that is delivered in a manner that is clear, concise and articulate. photo credit: LouisvilleUSACE When preparing to testify before Congress, what the committee expects from the witness should be kept in mind. … Read more
What to Watch Out For During the Hearing Members of Congress often have strong partisan viewpoints or positions on issues, programs, and legislative initiatives, and they frequently announce, discuss, and stake out those positions at a committee hearing. It is important for a witness to be as politically savvy as possible when going before a … Read more
What to Do Before the Hearing As soon as practicable in the witness preparation stage, a witness should become familiar with the issue of the hearing and the subject matter of the testimony. This is a critical step in preparing to be an effective witness. Usually the witness is a principal or officer in the … Read more
When you have been invited to testify before Congress, it is prudent to spend some time rehearsing and preparing for the upcoming testimony you will provide. While much of the preparation phase will naturally be focused on research and practice question and answer sessions, you must also understand the appropriate dress standards and personal demeanor … Read more
Have you ever found yourself wondering how people get invited to give testimony before Congress? If you believe you have something valuable to contribute to congressional policy discussions it is important to learn how the process works and what you can do to receive an invitation to testify. photo credit: A Gude First, witnesses must … Read more
The Capitol Hill Chapter of the Federal Bar Association is hosting a luncheon with William N. LaForge, Past National President of the FBA, and author of Testifying Before Congress: A Practical Guide to Preparing and Delivering Testimony before Congress and Congressional Hearings for Agencies, Associations, Corporations, Military, NGOs, and State and Local Officials. When: Friday, … Read more
[William] LaForge visited the Roberts-LaForge Library on the Delta State University campus Friday, Oct. 15, to speak to students, faculty, and community leaders about his career in law and politics that began with his education at Delta State. Following the presentation, LaForge signed copies of his book for members of the audience. Delta State alumnus … Read more
As a witness at a Congressional hearing, you may find yourself in a position in which you will encounter members of the media either before or after the hearing. The likelihood of this will depend upon the nature of the hearing topic as well as the extent of the media and public interest in the … Read more
Special note to readers of Testifying Before Congress and anyone searching for information about congressional hearings, witnesses and testimony: The following information is made available to you as part of the author’s promise to provide periodic updates, revisions and additions to the content of the book (see Appendix Thirteen, page 398, “Keep Up-to-Date”), and especially … Read more
If you have been called to testify before a Congressional hearing or think that you might be called to do so in the future, it can be helpful to have a basic understanding of the various types of Congressional hearings and their purposes. photo credit: Tarter Time Photography The main purpose of any Congressional hearing … Read more