RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki has been given acting tips for her appearances at parliamentary hearings, says Blacklock's Reporter..The tips include trying to avoid trickery by MPs and to appear “self-confident and firm,” and speak slowly..The advice is detailed in a five-page tip sheet written by the Mounties’ government affairs unit..“Committee appearances can be stressful events,” said the guide. Staff complained the minority Parliament made hearings harder on witnesses..“A minority government changes the dynamics of committee proceedings,” said the guide. “It is not a predictable environment and the government has little control over how committees operate.”.“There is an increase in requests for public servants to appear. Individuals appearing before parliamentary committees will need to be particularly skillful.”.The guide recommended Lucki be “polite,” “respectful” and use a “neutral tone” of voice. “Keep your answers brief and factual,” it said. “Use plan language and avoid using acronyms.”.“If the committee members engage in a heated discussion or a back-and-forth across the table, remain silent.".The guide also cautioned Lucki should never express a personal opinion and “avoid contradicting the minister.”.Never interrupt an MP, even if they “seem to be rambling on,” said the guide. Witnesses should also beware of “constant interruptions” from MPs, “being blindsided by a question completely unrelated to the topic at hand” and “rapid fire questions about several topics.”.A special section of the guide included scripted responses to aggressive cross-examination..“The dynamics inside a committee room can sometimes be difficult to predict or manage depending on the personalities present or the issue being studied,” wrote staff..“It is not uncommon for committee members to become heated or even antagonistic in their questioning of a witness. Be conscious of your body language and facial expressions (stay neutral) and control your responses.”.“If the question is hostile, position your statement and continue. Sample response: ‘Looking at it from a broader perspective I would suggest the statistical evidence supports the change in the program.’ Or simply shut down the question with ‘I appreciate your point of view’ and move on,” the guide continued..“If the question is inflammatory or false or contains unjustified assumptions respond with an objective fact..If a parliamentarian launches a personal attack, shut down the issue quickly in a self-confident and firm way then get right back on topic. Sample response: ‘I’m not sure what the member would like to know Mr. Chair (smile and pause), but if the question relates to our consultations with our stakeholders then — ”
