If you want to be an effective trial lawyer, then you've got to have a good poker face and never let them see you sweat.
Unexpected witness responses and other bumps in the road (let's call these things "happenings") must not result with you displaying any signs of worry or distress. If you want to win your cases, and I know you do, then you need to avoid giving, what's commonly referred to in the card game of poker, a "tell" to the jury, the witnesses, opposing counsel and even the judge.
In most cases, it's best not to make a big deal out of an unexpected "happening" during a trial. Making a big deal or showing dismay in response to a "happening" usually results in more harm than good.
Now, having said that, if I have impeachment evidence that I can use later with this witness or during the trial, I will sometimes slow down and smile while repeating the witnesses words. In some instances, I may even write them on a large whiteboard. I do this because I want everyone in the courtroom to remember what he or she just said or did.
But, without impeachment evidence in my back pocket, I usually just put on my best poker face, play it cool, and move on just as though the "happening" never took place.
Unexpected witness responses and other bumps in the road (let's call these things "happenings") must not result with you displaying any signs of worry or distress. If you want to win your cases, and I know you do, then you need to avoid giving, what's commonly referred to in the card game of poker, a "tell" to the jury, the witnesses, opposing counsel and even the judge.
In most cases, it's best not to make a big deal out of an unexpected "happening" during a trial. Making a big deal or showing dismay in response to a "happening" usually results in more harm than good.
Now, having said that, if I have impeachment evidence that I can use later with this witness or during the trial, I will sometimes slow down and smile while repeating the witnesses words. In some instances, I may even write them on a large whiteboard. I do this because I want everyone in the courtroom to remember what he or she just said or did.
But, without impeachment evidence in my back pocket, I usually just put on my best poker face, play it cool, and move on just as though the "happening" never took place.
I agree with you. Poker face is very important for a lawyer so that the prosecution nor the opposition will never predict you whether you are telling the truth or lying. Great post. Thanks
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