planning essential
Glen,
Apologies if I am trying to teach you to suck eggs.
When Presenting:
Plan carefully what you will say. Summarise the key message in your first sentence. Describe most important matters briefly and succintly, so as to underscore these. Do not distract your audience with minor matters.
When answering questions:
Take a few seconds to let the import of the question sink in, then answer briefly in a couple of sentences. If the Senator wants more detail, they will ask. There is very limited time so you will want to avoid getting distracted into discussing minor or irrelevant matters.
Have your key messages in point form in large font on a single piece of paper in front of you for reference. You may be asked for further comments or a summary at the end, but don't rely on this.
Obvious presentation techniques often forgotten by interviewees: Always look the Questioner (and the other Senators) in the eye, and speak loudly enough that all can clearly hear you.
Good luck.
SB