Preparing to Testify in Court
Cases often are won or lost based on the testimony of the parties involved or their witnesses. Though no one can change the facts, a party or a witness is more persuasive when he or she understands the questions, answers them truthfully, speaks clearly, maintains self-control, does not get rattled, and acts respectfully.
To prepare for testifying in court, you should gather all documents that are useful and prudent to your case. Think and remember what happened, when it happened, where it happened, how it happened, and who did what. Pictures and documents often aid recollection, may support your testimony, and may be extremely important.
You should plan your attire and physical appearance for testifying in the courtroom beforehand; dress traditionally and professionally. Dress and speak more formally, but do not overdo it.
Testifying unprepared is a bad idea. If you are unprepared, you could slip up and do poorly on direct examination and/or cross-examination. You do not want to contradict yourself or perjure yourself (lie under oath)
Ideally, you should prepare enough times to feel comfortable before you testify, but especially right before you testify. Know the facts and keep them fresh in your mind right before you testify. Keeping the facts fresh in your mind right before you testify is always a good idea. Moreover, be precise when you testify.
Remember: Testifying in court when you are prepared is always better than testifying in court when you are unprepared.
If you have questions and/or concerns about preparing to testify in court and/or about actually testifying in court, talk to a lawyer. To learn more, to have your questions answered, and to have your concerns addressed, contact Nashville Attorney Perry A. Craft.
Perry A. Craft has dedicated his life to helping people in need. He has tried, settled, or resolved numerous civil and criminal cases in State and Federal courts, and has represented teachers and administrators before school boards, administrative judges, and the state Board of Education. Learn more about Attorney Craft.