Jury Appeal

There are several places that we note improvement when we work with witnesses.  Generally the improvement is based upon creating a new set of expectations for the witness.  What we teach is a mindfulness technique, that sometimes for the first time, allows the witness to tell their story from beginning to end.  We then help the witness understand which parts of their story corresponds well with the overall case themes, are appealing to jurors, and creates a intelligible narrative.  Basically, we are helping the witness become a better story teller.  Now here is the important part, witnesses learn to become mindful of the way they talk and this creates a positive expectations inside their own heads.  They walk out of the sessions much more confident and relaxed.

Last week we worked with a witness that was extremely nervous to the point she didn’t want to leave her partners side.  Yet, in a few short hours of working with her, she was transformed and gave a commanding performance at her deposition the next day.  You could literally see in her body language a releasing of tension during the session.

Another advantage is that astute attorneys use this opportunity to define their understanding of the witness and the case.  It is not unusual for attorneys to take copious notes which we are told is extremely helpful.  I always give the attorney some signal words to communicate to the witness before their testimony that elicits mindfulness for their testimony.  These words act as anchoring mechanisms to the positive feelings that come out of our sessions.