Find the agenda
Most councils post agendas 72 hours before the meeting. Look for the public-comment period — usually 2 to 5 minutes per speaker.
Write your remarks
One issue per speaker. Open with one sentence saying who you are. State your position clearly. Make one concrete ask. Close. 3 minutes max.
The arrival
Sign up at the door. Most chambers have a clipboard. If you don't sign up, you can't speak.
Be respectful
Even when you're angry. The clip of you speaking respectfully and pointedly is far more powerful than the clip of you yelling.