Requirements

• Know the laws and local policies for making a public comment. Some state open records laws allow local governments to refuse to hear comments from anyone not on the meeting agenda. Even if the state does not have that requirement, call the board's office as a courtesy if you are planning a formal presentation.
  
  

Considerations

• Keep the presentation short and simple. Some states and localities may limit an individual's time to speak or the cumulative time devoted to public comment. Moreover, the most effective presentations are brief and to the point. Be prepared to answer questions and promptly get back to any anyone you cannot answer on the spot.
  
  

Preparation

• Prepare any visual aids and handouts before the meeting. Most people retain information better when they both hear it and see it rather than just one or the other. Check with the board to make sure they can accommodate any electronic equipment, such as projectors, and make enough copies of handouts for all board members and the press so they can write accurate stories.