Testifying in court looks easy on television. Real-life is so very different.
Ever wish there was a “Class 101” you could take prior to being called to testify in court? We’ve got 7 helpful tips for testifying in court that can prepare you to testify successfully.
- You are a professional, dress as such. Jewelry and accessories should be kept to a minimum.
- Know the facts of the case and the results of your investigation. Speak with the representing attorney and know the questions that are going to be asked. Be prepared for cross-examination.
- Make eye contact with the attorney who is asking the questions. When answering, make eye contact with the jurors. This will give you more credibility and show that you have confidence in your answers.
- Only answer the questions that are asked and limit your answers to “Yes” or “No” whenever possible. Speak in a loud and clear voice.
- Do not take your investigative case file to court with you. If necessary, take only a summary of notes, dates, and times.
- Be attentive and respectful to all parties involved. You are a professional and you are there as a result of the job that you were hired to do.
- Tell the Truth: You have been hired to report the facts as you observed them. Do not give opinions.
Being able to testify effectively is one of the most important parts of your job as a professional investigator. One of my favorite quotes of all time is by Benjamin Franklin: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” There has never been a more true statement. When testifying in court…be prepared.
UPDATE:
We found more tips on a DOJ site:
- REFRESH YOUR MEMORY
- SPEAK IN YOUR OWN WORDS & SPEAK CLEARLY
- APPEARANCE IS IMPORTANT
- DO NOT DISCUSS THE CASE
- BE A RESPONSIBLE WITNESS
- BEING SWORN IN AS A WITNESS-STAND TALL & RAISE YOUR HAND
- TELL THE TRUTH & DO NOT EXAGGERATE
- LISTEN CAREFULLY TO AVOID CONFUSION
- DO NOT LOSE YOUR TEMPER
- RESPOND ORALLY TO THE QUESTIONS
- THINK BEFORE YOU SPEAK
- EXPLAIN YOUR ANSWER
- CORRECT YOUR MISTAKES
- DO NOT VOLUNTEER
- DON’T SET YOURSELF UP FOR ERROR
- QUIT SPEAKING WHEN COUNSEL OBJECTS
- BE POSITIVE AND CONFIDENT
- FOLLOW COURTROOM RULES
- IF ASKED, BE HONEST ABOUT TALKING TO OTHERS ABOUT THE CASE
- DO NOT DISCUSS YOUR TESTIMONY
