An articulate, effective, theme-oriented group of witnesses can be one of the strongest components of any case. Bad facts can be diminished with strong witnesses and good facts can be squandered with poor witnesses. Witnesses are the most dynamic component of any litigation. The perceptions created through deposition and trial testimony of witnesses can be the most difficult element to control and can substantially impact a case positively or negatively. We can help your witness communicate clearly and concisely, while advancing the themes of the case.

Most witnesses have not appeared in a courtroom setting before, and many witnesses, fact or expert, lack the tools necessary for effective and persuasive testimony at deposition or trial. Each witness called to testify in a case has a particular part of the story to tell. Without effectively communicating each witness's piece of the puzzle, the picture is incomplete.

Tara Trask and Associates firmly believes that one of the most common mistakes made in litigation today is the failure to properly prepare witnesses for deposition. Our research indicates that much of the conventional wisdom about deposition testimony is faulty and can create much larger problems at trial. Preparing witnesses properly for deposition testimony is crucial.

Deposition PERCEPTION Training Program

Witness Preparation can take the following forms:

• P.E.R.C.E.P.T.I.O.N. Training Programs:
• Deposition P.E.R.C.E.P.T.I.O.N. Training Program
• Trial P.E.R.C.E.P.T.I.O.N. Training Program

Tara Trask and Associates seeks to bring an additional perspective to the traditional witness preparation approach many attorneys employ. Our programs are designed to address the jury-specific issues involved in witness testimony. In addition to our standardized program each key witness should complete prior to testifying in a deposition and at trial, we work with counsel to customize each session by:

• Developing key themes designated to that witness
• Identifying boundaries
• Detecting weaknesses
• Determining worst-case scenarios for cross examination

Witness Evaluation with Jurors

Once a baseline level of comfort has been reached, we provide the opportunity for a witness to practice direct and cross in front of a panel of mock jurors. It can be extremely beneficial for key witnesses to testify in front of a live audience, and the feedback gleaned can be invaluable.

Following the direct and cross-examination of the witness, a Tara Trask and Associates professional facilitates a focus group to elicit feelings and thoughts about the witness. We provide a comprehensive written report, complete with recommendations for future action.

"Success is not so much what you are, but rather what you appear to be"
-Anonymous

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