Tonight was the public forum on Seattle’s proposed ban of firearms on city-owned property; like most public meetings, this one ran hot, cold, and long. Props to the mediator for keeping the meeting clipping along; should you watch the rebroadcast, you’ll notice he has a fairly light touch for the most part. That he cut off pro and con at 90 seconds (even mid-word) was appreciated.
I did not speak tonight; when I signed up and saw the length of the list, I despaired of getting the chance before my bladder gave out. However, I’d like to pass along some tips to people that are venturing into public speaking for the first time.
First, when you hit a home run, quit; even though you have 90 seconds, you don’t have to fill it all. Several speakers hit home runs, waited for the applause to die down, and finished with a pop fly. Don’t be that guy (or girl).
Secondly, be on topic; the topic tonight was “Seattle ban on firearms on Seattle-owned property”. I don’t care what you think the queers are doing to the soil, keep to the point.
Thirdly, if you have nothing to say, don’t say it. Who got the first big applause of the night? The guy who said “Everything I was going to say has been said, so I’ll not bore you”. Be that guy.
Fourthly, practice. You don’t have to memorize your speech; you should, though, read it aloud a few times. Use a clock and see if you’re in the ballpark for the time allotted.
Lastly, if you are a god damn idiot, stay at home. I should have paid attention to this; that I went clearly marks me as a god damn idiot. Several of the speakers went right out in front of God and everybody and confirmed that they were idiots. The three I’m thinking of (one pro, two con) I knew were god damn idiots as soon as I saw them step to the mic.
I took a bunch of pictures; some of them even sort of turned out. Click through and see if you recognize anyone.
Best speaker of the night:
Moved from DC; 50 Cent, 2 Pac fan:
This gentleman was against Nickels:
This lady was passionate:
16 December 2008 at 10:52
Is there a link to the rebroadcast?
16 December 2008 at 11:30
Here you go.
16 December 2008 at 12:20
Tusen Takk!
16 December 2008 at 16:18
Hello!
I was the “rap music fan”, and I felt the need to bring up my taste in music to specifically refute a previous statement by an individual who made a blanket generalization that “dangerous minorities” who listened to rap music were responsible for gun crimes. This statement, I thought, did not reflect well for the pro-2A camp and as such I felt the need to mention this. However, I gladly acknowledge I actually listen to the diet coke of rap, haha
I always thought I was a good public speaker… until the second I stepped up to the mic. I now see the need for me to sign up for a local Toastmaster’s club…
PS: I swear the speech in my head was witty, pointed, and concise.
16 December 2008 at 17:12
I agree. If I’d had time to speak, I would held up my Zune loaded with Ice Cube, Public Enemy, Slayer, and others; as it was, I felt it was best to let him sail off into the night. He stuck around afterwards arguing that what he said wasn’t idiotic; first rule: when you find yourself in a hole, stop digging.
There is nothing as intimidating as realizing that yes, the mic is on, and you’re expected to perform. Toastmasters is a great club – I know Microsoft has a chapter that meets in Red West frequently.
Thanks for showing up and speaking!
17 December 2008 at 5:48
[...] Ry has photos. [...]
17 December 2008 at 6:16
[...] You should read the entirety of Joe’s post, it also has a transcription of the remarks he gave at the public hearing. Also, there are pictures. [...]
17 December 2008 at 8:05
[...] Jones was the photo operative and he says that the city will be rebroadcasting the hearing [...]
17 December 2008 at 11:15
Ry,
What is the video called?
–Jim
17 December 2008 at 12:14
It will appear here when it shows up. I see that the meeting held at the same time (tree protection) is up.
31 December 2008 at 17:04
Thanks for the link. Just finished watching all 114 minutes of it.
I must say the speakers opposed to the Mayor’s proposal were remarkably effective, while being composed and polite.
However, the Mayor’s minions receiving the opposition’s comments are beholden to the Mayor for their daily bread. Not only was the Mayor absent, but notably, so was the Chief of Police, who is also a gun banner.
I’m afraid the message fell on deaf ears.
Happy New Year, if you can.