Product Description

People who took this seminar before said: 

“Excellent content, compelling examples, interesting multi-media presentation and best of all, really, really good practical tips.” 

“Easy to follow, informative, useful and entertaining.” 

“Perfect presentation. Probably the best class I have ever sat through at MCLE.” 

Your witnesses are not ready to testify—until you make them ready! Ethical and effective witness preparation will not change the facts, but it can define the way those facts are delivered. Whether you’ve prepared hundreds of witnesses or are still feeling your way through the process, you can learn how to make your witness a powerful communicator. 

In this program, nationally-prominent trial lawyer, witness expert, and supremely effective teacher Dan Small leads you through the essentials of witness preparation, from a step-by-step method to prepare your witnesses to solutions to level the playing field. You learn how to teach your clients the key principles of testifying, and how to give your clients, your witnesses and yourself the confidence you need for trial. Rapidly increase your learning curve while minimizing the problems caused by inadequate or improper witness preparation. His tips, tactics, and techniques will help transform your witnesses into key assets and make you a stronger advocate.

Agenda & Materials

• 2:00 - 2:05 pm

  Welcome and Introduction
• 2:05 - 2:20 pm

  The Gaps

  Bridging the Three Key Witness Gaps
• 2:20 - 2:35 pm

  The Challenge

  Three Mistakes Witnesses Make; Seven Mistakes Lawyers Make
• 2:35 - 2:50 pm

  The Process

  Preparation—Key Steps; Preparation Checklist; Key Goals
• 2:50 - 3:35 pm

  The Rules

  Basic Principles; Framing the Message; The 10 Rules
• 3:35 - 3:50 pm

  Adapting

  Interview v. Testimony; Deposition v. Trial; Direct v. Cross
• 3:50 - 4:05 pm

  Networking and Refreshment Break
• 4:05 - 4:20 pm

  Ethical Challenges

  Preparation Does Not Mean Coaching
• 4:20 - 4:35 pm

  Core Themes/Home Bases
• 4:35 - 5:00 pm

  "Ask the Expert" Q&A Session

Please Note

MCLE webcasts are delivered completely online, underscoring their convenience and appeal. There are no published print materials. All written materials are available electronically only. They are posted 24 hours prior to the program and can be accessed, downloaded, or printed from your computer.

Faculty