On Risk, Part IV--Public Hearings
Presenting at public hearings is like working in a sausage factory. It is democracy at its most FUN-damental (groan). It is the acid test of the public benefit of your (or anybody else's) proposed use.
How do you approach presentations? Is fear part of it? Fear--or speech fright--usually revolves around the perception that your personal worth or self-estimation is at risk. The natural reaction to most situations of fear is to flee--which I generally discourage in public speaking as being counter-productive.
Being prepared, having the right mental attitude, being direct, and being active are how you increase your credibility. Your objective is to present with Clarity, Coherence, and Conciseness the following:
easily understood exhibits showing conformance with your adopted codes,
- a scale model of your intended use,
- a point by point analysis how your use compares to existing uses in the neighborhood,
- what is allowable as-of-right, under the general and specific plans and under requested variances,
- a tax benefits analysis showing increased property taxes paid by your proposed use,
- sustainable/carbon footprint survey of your proposed use, and
- your letters of support.
Work to understand the planning staff's position on your intended use, whether they support it, and if not, why not. You won't be privy to the staff report prior to the hearing, and their position can be a real surprise to you. Be ready for it.
Here is a book I find valuable in preparing for public hearings. BTW, Mr. Ailes runs FOX News these days.
A digression into presentations is found here.Review Majora Carter's presentation. Review it again.
