ROMP Guide to Public Speaking

This page was created by the Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers (ROMP) to provide some guidelines to help off-road cyclists speak effectively at public meetings.

Table of Contents

• Relax
• Be positive
• Be inclusive
• Acknowledge others' concerns
• Offer solutions
• Stay positive
• Be brief
• Just say something
• Be polite
• Say "thank you" when you are done !

Relax

Before speaking, take a deep breath, and be confident in the fact that you know what you are talking about. The right words will come.

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Be Positive

If you enjoy an area now, start off by saying so, and then talk about how your proposal would make the experience that much better.

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Be Inclusive

Talk about "shared trails" instead of "multi-use trails"; we've all been taught since we were kids that sharing is a good thing. Do not say negative things about hikers or equestrians; that just causes them to argue back and makes everyone look bad. Besides, many of the folks you are trying to influence, not to mention other bikers present, are probably hikers and equestrians themselves. Talk about how we are all are there because we enjoy the nature experience.

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Acknowledge others' concerns *

For example, restriction of cyclists to fireroad may have resulted in a few hikers or equestrians having unpleasant experiences with speeding cyclists. Note that narrower, twisting trails reduce cyclist speed and make the experience more pleasant for all. If environmental impacts come up, note that studies have shown that each biker has the same impact as a hiker, and that properly designed trails reduce the impact of all users.

* Option: If concerns haven't been raised already, you may not want to raise them yourself.

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Offer Solutions

It is easy to complain about something, but complaining often comes across as whiny, even though it may be justified. Help the land manager take the next step by suggesting different ways to approach a problem. For example, a proposal may include designating an area as wilderness, thus excluding bikes. In such a situation, a good alternative would be to designate the area as off-limits to motorized traffic and resource development.

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Stay Positive

If other users start dissing bikes, don't let let them bring you down into a verbal war. Stay on your positive message. Show that you are one of the rational ones.

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Be Brief

We all have a lot of things we want to say. However, usually each person is restricted to three minutes. If you run over, you annoy the people you are trying to influence. While you are waiting for your turn to speak, plan what you are going to say, cut out the extraneous stuff, and time yourself (usually you will have time to silently practice while others are speaking). If others have already made your main points, state your agreement and summarize them briefly instead of repeating them in detail. If you accidentally run overtime, wrap up immediately (<5 seconds). If you end with time still remaining, your brevity will be appreciated by all.

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Just say something

Many folks are shy in public situations and very nervous about speaking before a group. If you are this way, you don't have to say much. Just get up and say, "My name is Bob Smith, and I am a mountain biker. I am in favor of this proposal. Thank you." Just saying that much will get your voice counted and be beneficial. And you will find it easier to speak the next time.

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Be Polite

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