The articulate witness : an illustrated guide to testifying under oath / Brian K. Johnson and Marsha Hunter ; illustrated by Barbara J. Richied.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Johnson, Brian K., author.

Hunter, Marsha, author.

Contributor:

Richied, Barbara J., illustrator.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Communication in law.

Forensic oratory.

Witnesses.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (61 p.)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Phoenix, Arizona : Crown King Books, 2015.

Language Note:

English

Summary:

Every day in the United States, ordinary people are called to testify in court. Most of them have never been involved in a legal proceeding. But they have probably seen witnesses in high-profile trials on television, being harshly cross examined, looking nervous or anxious-perhaps even humiliated. The thought of testifying can be scary. Being subpoenaed can lead to weeks or months of anxiety until the day arrives when they raise their right hand and swear to tell the truth. This book is for them. Whether testifying at a trial, arbitration, or deposition, this book will help witnesses get ready for the experience. Easy-to-follow, illustrated tips prepare them to be a more compelling witness. The book contains answers to common questions, such as: What can I expect when I testify? How can I be a prepared and trustworthy witness? What is the key to calming my nerves? What questions should I ask the lawyer who called me? How do I keep my emotions in check? Can I channel my nervous energy into something positive? and How can I prevent getting flustered while testifying? Distinguished trial advocacy instructors who have been teaching lawyers to be self-assured communicators for 35 years now employ their techniques to help people who find themselves in the witness chair.

Contents:

Front Cover; Title Page; Copyright; Contents; Dedication; Introduction; Part One: Behave Confidently; The Importance of Breathing; Sit Up Straight; Breathe to Feel Better; Breathe to Think Clearly; Speak Confidently; Relax Your Brow; Focus Your Eyes; Conversation as Presentation; Relax Your Lips; Don't Fidget; Stay Loose; Release Natural Gestures; Part Two: Think Confidently; Time Warp; Think Before You Speak; Some Witnesses Are Deposed; Direct Exam Questions; Stone-Faced Listeners; Leading Questions; Be the Same; Ask to Have Questions Repeated; The "Yes" Train; Don't Fall for This Trick

Objection!Use Chunking; Part Three: Speak Confidently; Speak in Phrases; Think in Silence; A Confident Vocal Pattern; Avoid Uptalk; Emphasize Words; Emphatic Gestures and Words; Speak Loudly Enough; Don't Eat Your Own Words; Part Four: Put It All Together; Actions Lead to Confidence; Common Advice; Acknowledgments; About the Authors and Illustrator

Notes:

Description based upon print version of record.

Description based on online resource; title from PDF title page (ebrary, viewed October 22, 2014).

ISBN:

9781939506009

193950600X

9780979689529

097968952X

9781939506023

1939506026