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Build a two-minute pitch for your cause
Public comment, a hallway conversation with a legislator, a meeting with a commissioner: most chances to make your case last about two minutes. Here is how to use them.
The shape of a good pitch
- Who you are (10 seconds). Your name, where you live, and why you have a stake: "I'm a parent in Nampa," "I run a small business in Sandpoint."
- The problem (30 seconds). One clear sentence about what's wrong, then a short, specific example. A real story beats a statistic, and a story with one number beats both.
- The fix (30 seconds). What you want done, as concretely as you can: a bill number, a budget line, an agenda item, a change to a policy.
- Why it's worth it (30 seconds). Who benefits, what it costs or saves, and who else supports it.
- The ask (10 seconds). Say exactly what you want this person to do: vote yes, co-sponsor, meet with you, add it to an agenda.
Make it land
- Know your audience. What does this person care about? What have they said or voted on before? Connect your issue to that.
- One ask, not five. Pick the one thing that matters most right now.
- Practice out loud and time it. Two minutes is about 250 spoken words. Legislative committee chairs often hold testimony to two or three minutes and will cut you off.
- Leave something behind. A one-page summary with your contact information.
- Follow up. Send a thank-you within a day, and repeat your ask.
Telling your own story
If you're speaking from personal experience, share only what you're comfortable having on the public record. Meetings are often recorded and posted online, and the Legislature's committee hearings are streamed live.
Sources
Last reviewed November 2026. This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change, so check the linked sources before you rely on a deadline.