How Do You Get to Carnegie Hall?

Posted By Cliff Tuttle | October 25, 2015

No. 1,228

Summary:  It is important to practice testimony before going to court.

Image: go simply.com

Its an old joke, but one with a point.

A few weeks ago, after winning a football game with an amazing end zone catch, the wide receiver said that they had been practicing that play all week.  Musicians continue to rehearse material they have played over and over in concert. Actors rehearse their lines and reshoot scenes until they have it exactly right.

This principle is not just true for musicians, athletes and actors.  Its also true for lawyers and their clients.

There is nothing wrong with rehearsing testimony.  It is not cheating, you know — unless, of course, you are rehearsing lies.

It makes you self confident and focuses the mind.  It makes your testimony more direct, less confusing and generally more effective. It enables  you to hear yourself.  And it improves the flow of questions and answers.

As a matter of fact, there aren’t any good reasons not to rehearse important testimony. The old saw “practice makes perfect” is still around because it never stops being true.

CLT

Welcome

CLIFF TUTTLE has been a Pennsylvania lawyer for over 45 years and (inter alia) is a real estate litigator and legal writer. The posts in this blog are intended to provide general information about legal topics of interest to lawyers and consumers with a Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania focus. However, this information does not constitute legal advice and there is no lawyer-client relationship created when you read this blog. You are encouraged to leave comments but be aware that posted comments can be read by others. If you wish to contact me in privacy, please use the Contact Form located immediately below this message. I will reply promptly and in strict confidence.

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