Speech Language Pathologists as Trial Consultants:
Helping to Prepare Witnesses for Court
If you are going to participate in a significant part of
litigation, such as a deposition, mediation, or trial, proper preparation is
important.
Your attorney may be exceptional with his speaking skills or know
her way around the courtroom with her eyes closed, but what about you, the client?
You need to know what to expect, how to behave, and how to respond, and this is
where even the best lawyer may blow it…
Wrapped up in other legal preparations, attorneys forget to mention how important clear and concise communication can be in achieving a positive outcome. For this and many other reasons, attorneys often enlist the help
of communication experts. Such professionals prepare clients, witnesses
and experts to communicate effectively during all aspects of litigation.
Giving testimony is a scary proposition, so here are three super simple speech strategies you
can use when you need to make a statement.
#1. Be Clear
Whether you are
in a deposition room or a courtroom, make sure you use good volume so
that your voice projects. Also, use a slower rate of speech as you talk.
As a witness, you have very valuable
information to share. Mumbling and speed talking can cause you to be
misunderstood and make it necessary for you repeat yourself. A small, soft
voice may even diminish your credibility.
From the judge, to the court reporter, to the jury, you need to be heard
and you must be understood, so if you want to be more effective, speak up and
slow down.
#2. Be Concise
Ideally, witnesses
need to give thoughtful responses that concisely answer the questions that were
asked- giving not much more and nothing less. In order to be concise,
it’s important to think before you speak.
You obviously can't take 30 seconds to completely organize and
edit your thoughts every time you speak, but you can make an effort to not just
blurt out whatever is on your mind. Because of that, it's OK to take a few
seconds to think about what you really want to say.
First, communicate the main idea, then provide supporting
ideas, but don't provide irrelevant or tangential information. In
other words, to be concise, keep your responses short and sweet.
#3. Be Compelling
When a person has
a passion for what they’re saying, they are compelling. Putting aside drama and
theatrics, a speaker is particularly compelling or effective when they use
strategic pausing.
When you’re speaking,
adding brief pauses after powerful, information loaded statements allows the
people listening to really absorb the details you’re sharing. Those brief
moments of silence can have a real impact… and will virtually eliminate the
tendency for speed talking.
Other ways to be
more confident and compelling when giving testimony include: paying attention
to the tone of your voice, using inflection to add variety and interest, and displaying
an appropriate demeanor.
By using this 3 part communication strategy, you will be properly prepared to give your testimony during any and all phases of litigation.
Spontaneous Speech Coach offers professional, personalized witness preparation services. If you have additional questions or need further assistance, please contact us at 361-271-1700. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for a private consultation.
Be clear. Be compelling. Make a statement.
Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone's life for eternity.
President Dieter Uchtdorf
Spontaneous Speech Coach offers professional, personalized witness preparation services. If you have additional questions or need further assistance, please contact us at 361-271-1700. We will be happy to schedule an appointment for a private consultation.
Be clear. Be compelling. Make a statement.
Sometimes a single phrase of testimony can set events in motion that affect someone's life for eternity.
President Dieter Uchtdorf
