Strategies for Witness Examination: Yours and Theirs

Claude E. Ducloux, Board-Certified in both Civil Trial Law and Civil Appellate Law, by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization, (and also licensed in CA and CO) and former Chair of the Texas Center for Legal Ethics will present a 60 minute presentation with annotated power point covering:
 

• When and why you need witnesses
• Knowing your elements of proof for the claim or defense
• Explaining the Witness’ Role – demeanor and presentation
• The importance of credibility: body language and certainty
• Understanding your own case theory: the elevator speech
• Making your questions comprehensible
• Making the answers comprehensible; 
• Choreography and use of exhibits
• Framing issues and witness preparation 
• Witness advisories for training
• Special skills of handling experts
• Avoiding improper objections and arguments
• Admitting your weak points… and finding theirs
• Listening skills: critical to success
• Never forget your audience – different age groups learn differently
• The danger of cross examining a non-credible witness
• Ethical considerations involving presentation of evidence.