How to Be a Good Witness at a Trial

As a witness, you will play a very important role in the legal process, helping the jury reach a verdict. The facts you provide will be used to help ensure the just outcome of the trial. Being a good trial witness is relatively easy if you remember to follow a few significant steps.

Instructions

1. Speak as slowly and clearly as possible when providing your testimony. To be a good witness, ensure that everyone in the courtroom is able to hear and understand what you are saying. Use a louder, more emphatic voice than you would normally use, showing that you are confident in the facts you are providing.

2. Sit up straight in your chair when testifying. Look and appear comfortable, but try to appear serious.

3. Provide only facts that you are certain are true based on your own knowledge or experience. As a witness, it is not your job to speculate or supply information about someone else's testimony. You should only speak about things you witnessed personally or know from your own circumstances.

4. Take your time answering each question the attorneys ask you. Though it's a good idea to be prompt in supplying your answer to each question, you do not want to run the risk of providing misinformation because you misunderstand the question.

5. Remain calm, and do not lose your temper. During cross-examination, you will be required to answer questions that will challenge your credibility. It is possible that these questions may be aggressive and hostile, so do your best to maintain your self-control while answering the questions.

6. Dress professionally for your trial appearance. You should wear the same type of clothing you would wear to a job interview or a business meeting. Your physical appearance does play a role in the way the jury and judge will receive your testimony, so be sure to dress in a manner that shows respect for the court while boosting your own confidence.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not feel pressured to guess or make up an answer if you do not know how to respond properly to a question. If you are confused or simply do not have enough knowledge to give a good answer to a question, be honest and admit it. Do not attempt to memorize your testimony or responses in advance, as you are likely to sound rehearsed and insincere when you respond.

• Do not smile or laugh at inappropriate moments, even if you are nervous.