Tips for When You Testify in Court

Stick to the Question Asked: Pay close attention to the question asked. Listen to it. Understand the question. Jump straight to the main point of your answer, and answer only that question that you listened to, that question that you understood. When you start talking about things that have nothing to do with the question asked, it dilutes the strength of your testimony.

Be Precise: Provide clear responses to the questions. Be accurate. Be specific and focus your testimony on what you know. You don’t need to worry about blurting out everything there is to say on the topic or issue all at once. More than likely, at some point you will be asked to elaborate.

Stick to Facts. Don't Guess: It's perfectly acceptable to acknowledge when you don't have an answer. Speculating can undermine the credibility of your testimony. If unsure, it’s prudent to simply say, "I don't recall," or "I don't know," or “could you repeat the question?”

Be Honest and Relevant: Always speak truthfully from your own observations and knowledge. Your genuine perspective is necessary, but ensure it remains relevant to the question that is asked.

Keep it Brief and Relevant: Avoid elaborating too much to help circumvent unnecessary objections and ensure that your critical points are not lost or overshadowed by tangential details.

Thank you for Listening. By adhering to these guidelines, you maintain clarity and coherence in your testimony, preventing misinterpretations and minimizing the likelihood of objections. Stay safe out there. See you next time.