Witness testimony and demeanor are critical in most cases. A skilled and independent third party is often the best way to improve a witness’s performance and, if necessary, deliver a difficult message to them. We work with attorneys to develop a clear understanding of the role each witness will play in supporting your trial themes, and then prepare the witnesses for deposition and trial.
Using established methods, we teach witnesses specific techniques for overcoming nervousness, dealing with difficult questions, gaining a sense of control over trial cross-examination, and remaining calm and focused throughout.
The key to witness preparation is telling the truth and being comfortable with that truth. We help witnesses understand how the opponent may use the truth against them, and prepare effective communication strategies to ensure their message is clear and unambiguous.
We help witnesses build on deposition testimony, to ensure trial testimony is consistent with previous answers and prepare them to handle potential sources of impeachment. We arm them with safe harbors to handle tough questions. And, when appropriate, we use video to give the witness more visual feedback on their performance.
When working with foreign witnesses, we understand how different cultural norms or traditions can be perceived adversely by American jurors, and routinely work with clients and witnesses on how to best explain key events or business practices, and put them into context for jurors. We are also sensitive to the fact that the American jury system may be unfamiliar to foreign companies and witnesses, and work to educate them on proper courtroom demeanor, attire and alleviate any anxiety they may have about testifying or appearing in court.