Narrative-first, evidence-driven

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Goal: be clear, calm, and quotable. One point. One ask.

Structure (memorize this)

1. Who I am (10 sec)
2. What’s happening (15 sec)
3. Why it matters (20 sec)
4. The ask (20 sec)
5. The measurable outcome (10 sec)
6. Thank you (5 sec)

Fill-in script

Chair/members, thank you. My name is [name], I live in [neighborhood/district].

I’m here because [plain problem].

This matters because [human impact]. When costs rise and things get unstable, people get squeezed and it’s easier to split our community.

My ask is simple: please [specific action].

Success looks like: [measurable outcome + date].

Thank you for your time.

Optional “if questioned” one-liners

• “I’m not asking for perfection—just a clear step and a way to measure it.”
• “If you can’t do this exact thing, what can you commit to by [date]?”
• “Who owns the next step, and when should I follow up?”

Don’ts (because they backfire)

• Don’t read a novel.
• Don’t litigate motives.
• Don’t bring five asks.
• Don’t freestyle anger.

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