Course Description
This two-day seminar is specifically designed to help the student understand and accept the anxiety of testifying, then channel that concern in a positive direction to make them a better witness. Most law enforcement officers, investigators, and forensic specialists receive little formal training on proper methods of providing testimony. That presents a significant problem because jury members may assume you are properly trained and that you testify regularly. For most criminal justice witnesses, testifying in court is not a regular part of their schedule, and this lack of experience leads to a natural feeling of anxiety when called upon to testify. You will learn that "Fear is Good" because when you are afraid, you are also very alert to what is happening around you. Once you learn to utilize and channel this feeling, you can make great strides in becoming the witness you want to be and the kind of witness that the jury expects. This seminar is designed to help you accomplish this goal.
Target Audience
Individuals that have a fear of public speaking (that’s just about everyone); Individuals who have not had the opportunity to receive much formal courtroom testimony training; Individuals who are willing to work at identifying their strong points and best talents and build their testimony skills upon those abilities; and Individuals who believe that they can succeed on the witness stand with the help from some training.
Who will be attending this seminar with you? Criminal Investigators - DUI Enforcement Officers - Narcotics Investigators - Uniformed Street Officers - Forensic Specialists - Crime Scene Investigators - Laboratory Experts - Criminal Justice Trainers.
Course Logistics
Should be Able to Perform
This seminar is specifically designed to help the student understand and accept natural fear, channel that concern in a positive direction, and become a better witness.
Course Schedule
| Duration | Day 1 | Day 2 |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Hour | Introduction / Course Overview | Pre-Trial Preparations |
| 1 Hour | Testimony Environment | The Courtroom Environment |
| 1 Hour | Why is giving testimony difficult? | Anxiety Control Techniques |
| 1 Hour | Movie | Presentation Topics and Methods |
| 1 Hour | Lunch | Lunch |
| 1 Hour | Jury Perceptions | Preparation for Cross-Examination |
| 1 Hour | Fear is Good! | Defense Tactics |
| 1 Hour | Jury Expectations | |
| 1 Hour | Pre-Trial Preparations | Closing Remarks |
Training Certification and Recertification Credits
LIVE ONLINE - Courtroom Testimony Techniques - Success Instead of Survival may qualify for specific continuing education training credits. Use's summary below as a quick reference for organization and discipline specific applicability. The approving organization has final authority and their website should be referenced before submitting any request for training credits.
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Latent Print Certification Board Approved for 16 Certification Credits
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Footwear and Tire Track Certification Board Approved for 8 Certification Credits
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Crime Scene Certification Board Approved for 16 Certification Credits
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Forensic Video Certification Board Approved for 16 Certification Credits
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Latent Print Certification Board Approved for 16 Re-Certification Credits
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Footwear and Tire Track Certification Board Approved for 8 Re-Certification Credits
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Crime Scene Certification Board Approved for 16 Re-Certification Credits
International Association for Identification (I.A.I.) Latent Print Certification Board Approved for 16 Courtroom Testimony Credits