My Town Hall Experience: Part 2

As I mentioned in part one of this series I had some success at Congressman John Lewis' town hall meeting, but I also made some mistakes. I would grade myself a "C" overall. Yesterday was my first town hall meeting. It won't be my last, and I can definitely do better next time! I also want everyone to learn from my mistakes and inexperience.

Mistake #1: I could have done more prep work with my research. I came prepared, but not quite well enough. Rather than simply writing down some facts and/or memorizing them I should have printed out (multiple copies) the sources from which I gathered them (make a Fact Pack!). Then, when someone like Michaeleen Crowell attempts to tell me my facts are incorrect I can simply walk up to her and hand her the sheet on which the facts are printed. It would be pretty hard for anyone to argue with you once they have the facts in hand.

Mistake #2: Cite the correct sources! I mistakenly cited the Financial Times rather than the Investor's Business Daily as one of my sources yesterday. This is an easy fix though.

Mistake #3: I had not finalized my statement before I spoke. I definitely went over it prior to taking the mic, but I could have done better. Next time I will prepare and rehearse my statement well in advance. It definitely needs to be a bit fluid so that I can change it according to the speaker's points, but I will at least have a base formed prior to the meeting. Great orators practice, practice and practice more. No, I'm not giving a big speech, but I need to sound confident, convincing and convicted, nonetheless.

Here is a step by step walk through of what I will do next time and a good outline for what you can do at your next town hall meeting:

1. Do some extensive preparation the night before. Print out multiple copies of the Health Care Fact Pack (or make one for whatever issue is at hand), and review all of the facts.

2. Select the most important facts, and form a series of open ended questions (no "yes or no" questions) based on the facts. Write them down or type them and put them in the Fact Pack.

3. Bring a pen and paper to the meeting to take notes.

4. Arrive at the meeting 30 minutes early, find out where the microphone is that will be used for questions from the floor, and sit as close to it as possible (I did this, and it worked like a charm!).

5. While listening to the speakers at the meeting select the most relevant and effective question(s) to ask based on what they are saying, and do a quick final mental rehearsal of any statements/questions to make sure they are brief and to the point.

6. Be ready to jump up and head to the mic when the floor is opened (people rushed to it yesterday). Stand up at the mic with facts in hand, make your comments and ask any question(s).

7. If any facts are disputed simply take the appropriate sheet from your binder, walk to the speaker and hand him/her the facts. If anyone else wants the facts then have copies for them as well. Also have quite a few business cards handy. I was complimented by quite a few people on my comments, and they asked for cards. It is a great networking opportunity, and a great way to form new relationships.

That's about it. Again, I strongly encourage everyone to get out to meetings like this in your area. It was a great experience, and a fantastic way to get your voice heard.