Today’s topic and question is “what do you have to do to be a good witness?”

This is the second part of a group of videos on that topic.

I’d say that one of the better tips on being a good witness is to maintain eye contact with the jury or the judge. Even though a lawyer is asking you the question in the courtroom you have to get into the habit of when you are comfortable (whether its every question, whether it’s every second question, or every third question) looking over and responding to the question while looking at the person, the jury or the judge (the person or persons who will be making the decisions).

Why do I say that?

It’s really simple and common sense. People still like to believe the old rule of thumb in life, in common sense, that the eyes are the windows to the soul. If someone will look you in the eye, they are probably telling you the truth. If they won’t, they probably are not telling you the truth.

Well, certainly when you’re a witness you want people to believe you.

Don’t cross your arms on a witness stand, in fact, don’t cross your arms in the courtroom. If you cross your arms whether you are aware of it or not it gives a very bad impression. It’s a negative body language that looks like you’re hiding something or you want to fight. And that’s not the way you want to be seen by the judge or the jury in your case.

Don’t make faces.

Don’t get into arguments.

Don’t get upset to the point that you get confused or lose control of your emotions.

These are all just good tips.

A lot of it’s common sense.

But you want to be the best witness you can because after all it’s your case. It’s your life. And it’s important to you and your attorneys.

If you have additional questions just give us a call at 1(610) 265-8050