How to speak up at a town meeting

Have you ever spoken at a town meeting?

Half of our town showed up for our annual meeting last night. The big issue: Whether or not to approve the paving of a woodland path that would extend the hard surface bikeway that goes from our town into Boston. I usually decline our local politics but a friend who skis the path every day it’s covered with snow urged me to show up and speak against the proposal. So I went and spoke up. Speaking up at a town meeting has its unique parameters. I made some mental notes about how to best navigate speaking in this kind of situation. Are you interested to read?

1. If you plan to speak and there is a line behind a mic, be sure not to tarry. There is often a time limit. Last night I was about the 25th person. There was a vote after the 30th person to stop comments even though there were another 25 people waiting at the mics to speak.
2. If you’re attached to reading a written statement, be sure you’re among the first to go so you’re not caught repeating opinions that have already been stated.
3. If you are further back in line, be present and listen carefully to what is being said. You need to think on your feet to be sure you’re bringing up a unique point.
4. Add a new angle or elaborate on a previous argument.

The more concise you can keep it, the better. Even though comments for up to three minutes were permitted, with so many people speaking, less was appreciated. At least 3 people started speaking by saying how nervous they were! (I get it!) First of all, hooray for getting up to speak in spite of their nerves. We wanted to hear what they had to say! Now, it may be that these folks could benefit by clearing the root of their fear. If I could make a memo for these folks I’d offer these mental practices and reframes to minimize your anxiety in this kind of situation.

1. I said this above but it’s worth saying again. Listen with interest to what others are saying. That’s part of the purpose of the meeting, to listen to one another and let that inform your vote.
2. Let go of the attachment of wanting to be good or worrying about what people will think.
3. Let go of your attachment to the outcome. It’s out of your control.
4. Instead, trust that what you bring to the table will be meaningful to someone. At the very least you are exercising your right to participate in the process.
5. Give your physical jitters somewhere to go. Squeeze your legs tight and let the tension go. Do a little shake or wiggle from time to time to release.

Today we start the 6-week program – Think On Your Feet: The Art and Practice of Spontaneous Speaking. If you want in, message me asap! Oh, the proposal didn’t get the 2/3 majority vote to pass, so the woods will remain au natural… for now.