For Immediate Release
July 16, 2003
New Volume Paves Path to Persuasive Testimony
Experts who testify before government panels have a new resource designed to improve their chances for success at the witness table.
Winning at the Witness Table; 60 Tips to Terrific Testimony, is authored by Edward J. Barks, President of Barks Communications. He offers practical advice for business, association, and non-profit leaders seeking to advance their public policy goals.
"I've seen too many organizations treat their oral testimony like a neglected stepchild," Barks said. "That never ceases to amaze me, given that this is the most important business meeting most executives are likely to address.
"The reality is, a skillful performance is every bit as important as the written testimony submitted for the record," he added. "A wimpy statement or a single misstep when responding to policymakers' questions, and you can wave goodbye to your public policy goals."
The new booklet works to simplify the complexities involved in delivering an oral statement. "Too few organizations prepare their witnesses properly," Barks argued. "They devote all their energies to stuffing everything but the kitchen sink into their written submission, in the process ignoring the vital preparation necessary to win at the witness table."
Winning at the Witness Table provides readers with a blueprint for emerging victorious when testifying before Congress; state legislatures; city and town councils; and federal, state, and local regulators.
Barks' advice ranges from how to prepare an oral statement to the nuances of performing at the witness table. His 60 tips to terrific testimony go beyond simple one-liners. He gives readers added context and fills in the blanks with specifics. He provides readers with such strategies as:
- Solicit testimony opportunities that can advance your public policy goals.
- Alert important media outlets to your appearance.
- Conduct a trial hearing prior to the real thing.
- Debrief your performance immediately following your testimony.
The publication takes its place in the Barks Learning Network, a system of publications and audio products that sharpens public speaking skills across a wide variety of settings.
Winning at the Witness Table; 60 Tips to Terrific Testimony is available from the Products page of www.barkscomm.com for $15.95 each.
Group discounts for all products in the Barks Learning Network are available in quantities of 12 or more for organizations seeking to educate their employees or members. For further information on group sales, contact Celeste Heath of Barks Communications at (540) 955-0600. Product discounts are also offered to organizations that retain Ed Barks to speak to their meeting or convention.
Barks Communications specializes in media, presentation skills, and legislative and regulatory testimony training for business, association, government, and non-profit leaders. In addition, company President Ed Barks speaks before groups seeking to sharpen their communications skills. The firm also operates Barkscomm.com, the Internet's Communications Training Resource, at www.barkscomm.com.
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