Mock Trial Flight School

2 - Cross Examination Skills Basic Building Blocks

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In this episode of Mock Trial Flight School, Brian Bellamy discusses the fundamental building blocks for cross-examination of witnesses in a trial or mock trial setting.

The discussion covers three critical aspects of a competent witness cross: organization, persuasion, and style.

1. How to organize the cross-examination persuasively and logically

  • arrange around the big points supporting the case theory
  • gain admissions of key facts
  • avoid repeating direct examination


    • 2. How to make the cross-examination more persuasive

    • limit to points that support your case theory and theme
    • limit to questions you know the answer to and avoid fishing
    • plan fishing questions carefully so that jury will not notice
    • use leading questions only
    • don't ask for opinions or conclusions
    • ask for one fact at a time
    • avoid trivial matters
    • use simple language
    • ask short questions
    • build in bits
    • torture key points
    • use headlines
    • be brief and concise


      • 3. How to have an exciting and dynamic style

      • as an attorney on the cross, you are the STAR - don't give the witness center stage
      • maintain eye contact with the decision-maker(s)
      • use a dynamic voice and tone appropriate for the facts
      • use beneficial gestures
      • avoid reading questions, work from an outline - or, preferably, prepare so well that you don't use any notes - especially in a mock trial
      • don't be cross (i.e., mean), remember honey attracts more bees.


        • Published by Brian Bellamy

        https://clarkandbellamy.com/

        https://tcchs.org/

        https://www.best-speech-topics.com/

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        Mock Trial Flight SchoolBy Brian Bellamy
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