Tips and Tricks for Asking Your Question
Create a plan and remember to prepare and practice in advance of attending the forum
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Make a Plan
Make a Plan
If you’re not there to ask the question, they won’t answer it!
Here are some important tips to make sure you get to ask your question and get the answer you want:
Figure out the process: if you can do this before the event, that’s even better. As soon as you get there, find out if questions from the audience will be taken and how (first person to raise their hands, sign up in advance, fill out a card, etc.) and get ready. It helps to figure out as much as possible in advance so you can prepare accordingly. If possible, reach out to the organizers in advance to ask them to make sure the legislators get asked your question.
Plan your Question: There are sample questions at the bottom, but feel free to explain in your own words. You’ll only be given time for a sentence or two, so make them count! Make sure you ask a specific, yes-or-no question. Politicians usually answer the question they hoped they were asked instead of the question they were asked. Asking a specific question that requires a ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer will make it harder for them to pivot to a different topic.
Ask even if you know the answer:
If the legislator has taken the wrong position in the past, ask something like “in the past you’ve stated _________, but now that we know _________, would you be willing to support __________?”
If you know the legislator is supportive, it’s still good to ask to remind them how important the issue is, not just to hear the right answer. It’s also good education for the attendees.
Bring a friend: they’ll offer moral support! Also, if two of you raise your hands, the chances one of you will get called on increases. If the person pivots away, your friend can be there to jump in with the follow-up questions.
Prepare and Show Up
Prepare and Show Up
Practice: practice ahead of time. You’ll likely be nervous, as every one will be watching you, so it’s good to practice and be ready to make your point. Also practice following-up so if the legislator avoids answering the question, you have the opportunity to restate it again.
Arrive early: At some events, the room could be packed. If you don’t arrive early and have to be in the back of the crowd, you may go unnoticed. Sometimes only one or two questions may be taken from the audience so getting there early and raising your hand immediately could be key.
Set yourself up for success: you can increase your chance of getting called on if you dress nicely, sit up front, smile, and look pleasant and polite. They don’t want to call on anyone they think will be aggressive. Sit near the microphone if you can.
Ask your question early: people tend to be shy earlier in the evening, so you could be one of a few hands if you raise your hand immediately, compared to the end when everyone raises their hands. This also means that if the legislator doesn’t directly answer your question, someone else has time to ask a follow-up question.
Tips for Asking the Question
Tips for Asking the Question
Don’t give a long introduction to your question: you could end up getting cut off or the moderator could incorrectly summarize your question. The more explanation you give, the more things the person can speak to without really answering. Remember, the purpose of your question is to hear their response!
Be calm and reasonable: this can’t be overstated; nothing will be gained by being confrontational or rude. Make sure your question doesn’t come across like an accusation (like “why haven’t you” or “I’m disappointed that you”, etc.). The legislators will immediately get defensive and won't keep an open mind.
Don’t be intimidated: they are looking for something from you (your vote), not the other way around. Their job is to work on issues that matter to their constituents
Be ready to ask Follow-Up questions: It is possible you’ll be given the opportunity to follow-up if they don’t respond. Be ready to ask, “So are you saying you would support the legislation,” etc. if they don’t directly respond. You may not be able to do this, but be ready just in case.
Be creative and improvise when necessary: if you weren’t able to ask your question make sure to be at the front of the line as they leave so you can ask them there. Or perhaps you were supposed to fill out a form but they are just taking questions from the audience? Jump in and raise your hand. You won’t want to go home and later think of ways you could have made it happen.
Get it on record: if the only opportunity you have is to ask the question at a fair or meet-and-greet so you and your friend are the only ones to hear the answer, make sure to have someone there to record them. (Just make sure this doesn’t come off aggressive)
Tips for 1-on-1 Opportunities or Quick Statements
Tips for 1-on-1 Opportunities or Quick Statements
Keep it SHORT! You may have as little as 15 seconds with someone
Be specific: Tell them exactly what you want. Don’t just say “protect our waters”, but “Ensure Line 5 gets shut down”
Tell them even if you know the answer: this is about ensuring they know your priorities, as much as it is about getting them the information they need
Don’t be intimidated: don’t wanna get derailed or distracted? Say it right away.
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