By Moderator Cathy Cordes
If you have a question about the article being discussed or if you want to share your thoughts, please go to any one of the four microphones in the aisles. Wait in line until you are at the microphone and are recognized by the Moderator.
Speaking in public is not something that comes naturally to most of us, so before you get to the mic, take a few moments to think through the point you want to make or the question you want to ask. If someone else has already made the same point you wanted to make, it is fine for you to say, “I agree with the previous speaker and I support the passage of this motion.” Please do not go over what has been already stated.
Town Meeting is not a debate so there is no back-and-forth conversation allowed between you and another speaker or presenter. You can make your point, or ask your question. The Moderator will not permit a debate.
Please also keep in mind the guidelines for civil discourse that are recommended for town meeting. In short, they are:
- Recognize a person’s right to advocate ideas that are different from your own.
- Show respect for others –discuss policies and ideas, not people.
- Speak as you would like to be spoken to.
- Speak for yourself, not for others.
You can find a complete Guidelines for Civil Discourse on the town website https://www.bedfordma.gov/sites/bedfordma/files/file/file/yfs-civildisguiderevmay11.pdf
Editor’s Note: This is Part III of a six-part series of articles to prepare residents, new and experienced alike, for Town Meeting on Monday, November 6.
- Click this link to read the series’ Introduction – Everything You Ever Needed to Know about Bedford Town Meeting (but Were Afraid to Ask!)
- Click this link to read Part I – What Town Meeting IS and What it IS NOT
- Click this link to read Part II – What is the Warrant? Why is the Motion Made at Town Meeting Sometimes Different
- Click this link to read Part III – Who can attend Town Meeting? Who can vote? Who can speak?
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