Beyond "What Happened Next?" Secrets of Powerful Direct Examinations
Here are some of the techniques you’ll learn:
The best question you should ask in the first 30 seconds of direct examination. (Page 148)
The essential topic you must address about during direct examination if you want jurors to believe your witness. (Page 155).
Five different techniques for outlining your direct examination, cross-examination, or arguments (including one you've probably NEVER seen before.) (Page 159)
How the acronym W.W.J.A? will forever change the way you ask direct examination questions (and no, it's not “What Would Jesus Ask?”) (Page 169)
12 SIMPLE guidelines that will prevent you from asking lousy questions. (Page 173)
The single best SECRET I've ever discovered for asking better direct examination questions. (Page 176)
9 dramatic tips for HIGHLIGHTING the most important facts in your case. (Page 191)
Where to stand during direct examination and the simple movement you can make that will force witnesses to make eye contact with the jury. (Page 215)
Primacy and Recency. Organizing your direct examination for maximum impact.
Headlines. Helping jurors follow the flow of your examination and keeping everyone in the courtroom on the same page.
How to start strong and finish strong
The (almost) ultimate question. Grabbing the jurors’ attention from the very first question.
Forget what you learned in law school.
How to talk like a normal person again.
The present tense. Taking jurors into the scene so they feel “It’s happening Right Now!”
Show ‘em stuff. Using exhibits and demonstrative aids for maximum effect.
Organize for maximum effect. Where to "hide" the materials that hurt your case.
Take them to the scene. Helping jurors see through your witness’s eyes.
How to help jurors follow the flow of your questioning
Reverse leading. Challenging your witness to highlight the most important fact in your case.
How to highlight the most important details of your case
Primacy and Recency. Organizing your direct examination for maximum impact.