4 Strategies To Prepare Witness For Deposition

When you need to prepare a witness for deposition, you will notice that the chances are incredibly high that they are scared and unsure what they will face. Before a disposition, you will need to show your client the information they need so that they can be ready for being questioned and so that they won’t lose their cool. They need to understand that this will be a question and answer session that will be used ideally to find out what the witness knows. Let your client know this upfront so that they can be comfortable. 

What Should You Know About The Arrival Time

When you arrive at a deposition, you will need to arrive fifteen minutes early at a minimum. That will allow you to know where everything is and give you a chance to go over your plan one more time. That is an excellent opportunity to see if there is something that doesn’t work. Another benefit that you gain is a moment to calm down if you need to.

Preparing Witness For Deposition Will Include Communication

Preparing witness for deposition will include understanding how to speak and communicate clearly. Speak clearly so the client can understand what you are saying and be sure that you are talking slow enough that they can keep up. When you are speaking, pause after the questions so that your client can get their bearings and so you can make sure that the transcriber can accurately get everything written down. 

Always Ensure That Your Client Knows That Truth Is The Only Way

You should tell your client that the only way this will work is if your client is telling the truth.  You have to swear that you are not lying, and you need to know that if you do, you will get in trouble because it is a crime to do so. You can be faced with jail time and get the case ruined due to not telling the truth. 

Keeping Your Composure Is Vital

This is a vital part of helping the case because the minute you lose your composure or become combative, you could lose the case. In addition to this, you should never answer a question that you don’t know the answer to or feel uncomfortable answering. It could damage the case and make people think that you are lying though you are not. Another issue with depositions is you may need to take a break. If this is true, tell the lawyer as this is vital. You need to remain focused and in control, and if you can’t, you need to remove yourself or a moment to compose yourself. 

Preparation Is A Key Component

Preparing your witness for a deposition is essential, as the entirety of your case can crumble if you don’t. Ensure that you have the proper strategy to ensure that they don’t fumble, get nervous, or can’t handle the questions. If you keep the tips above, you should find success.