Bullet Proofing Witnesses
Ever watch a great inquisitor tear apart a witness on the stand? One of their best techniques is breaking down the witnesses testimony to its smallest denominator then starting to chip away at its veracity by calling into question the small things first. How do you prepare a witness for this strategy? You arm them with a power phrase that is key to their testimony and instruct them to continue to go back to it. Repetition is very powerful, especially when it is focused. The witness answers the opposing counsel’s question and then adds on the end the power phrase. Example: Counsel: Did you ask him if he wanted you to do the work? Witness: No….but he told me not to start on the work until he was sure he wanted to go through with the purchase. Counsel: Is it your usual behavior to not look into the deal until you get the contract? Witness: Yes….and he told me not to start on the work until he was sure he wanted to go through with the purchase.
