When advocating for historic preservation in your community, you will often have the opportunity to make a public statement about an issue. A public statement is a short speech that is similar to an op ed in a newspaper. When you make a public statement, you will have two key goals:

• To be highly persuasive
• To draw the audience into your cause

You want your statement to produce doubt in the naysayers, or at least command their respect for your position. By the end of your statement, you want audience members who started out on the fence to say, "Of course, I see now!"

Use the tips below to help you make a persuasive public statement.

Make it Personal

The best way to make your public statement a success is to make it personal. Even if you represent a group, share some part of your personal story. Start with your name and where you live (your personal address). After you have introduced yourself, continue your public statement with these steps:

1. Tell a personal or issue-related narrative to immediately engage the audience.
2. Connect your story to the cause you are speaking about.
3. State your argument or position.
4. Provide statistics and facts that support your argument or position.
5. Summarize your argument by tying it back to your opening story to remind listeners of your personal connection.

Obey the Time Limit

Many public administrative bodies limit the amount of time allowed to make a public comment, sometimes to as little as two or three minutes. Prepare to obey this time limit by practicing your statement in advance. Read your statement a few times with a watch handy so you can track the time. Make adjustments to your statement and pace of delivery, if necessary. Read from a double-spaced printout of your speech. One page of double-spaced text usually takes about two minutes to read aloud.

Slow Down

Speed-reading is a common impulse when making a public statement. While practicing your speech, note your pace and make a conscious effort to slow down if your speech feels rushed. It may help to walk while you read. This exercise will also help you determine whether your text flows well when spoken.

Coordinate Your Message with Others

If you are partnering with other groups, make sure all speakers cover your major points. By presenting different personal perspectives, your group can make a common message seem fresh.

Repeat Your Key Message

Find a way to repeat your key message. The more you repeat a statement, the more likely it will stick in the listeners' minds. Make your key message a pithy one, like "no one ever regretted saving a historic building" or "demolition is forever." These statements have been repeated many times in many public meetings about historic preservation because they are true, and they are compelling.

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