TRYOUT TIPS

Attorney Cross Examination Tips:

Cross examination should last 7 minutes (however, for tryouts, it does not have to be this long).
Cross examination is not just about making your side look good; it is also about making the other
side look bad. Try to trip up the other side with unexpected questions.
Dont ask a question if you dont know the answer!
Dont ask broad questions that allow witnesses to go off on tangents (the less they speak, the less
they can justify themselves and support their sides argument).
Dont ask a question where the answer cannot be found in the testimony.
Dont ask why, how, or explain questions; they allow the witness to extrapolate or further
support his/her sides argument.
You are allowed to ask leading questions in cross examination (and you should do so).
Be careful not to badger the witness. Keep an appropriate distance between yourself and the
witness and be respectful at all times.
Try to diminish the credibility of the witness. For example, point out inconsistencies in the
witnesss testimony and statement by using his/her testimony against him/her; show that he/she
has some interest in the outcome of the case, that he/she has a bias for or against any other party
or person, or that he/she has some other motivation to either lie or be untruthful.
Avoid pointless questions (basically a question that does not benefit your side or make a point).
Dont give a monologue; ask a question.
Dont get hung up on one question. If the witness does not answer the way you want him/her to
answer, and you cant think of any way to get them to answer that way, JUST MOVE ON. See if
the answer will lead you into another point. (Have contingency plans for situations like this.)

Witness Cross Examination Tips:

Know EVERYTHING in your witnesss statement.
Make sure you are very familiar with the other witnesses statements, especially if they say
something about your witness.
Be familiar with the exhibits.
Dont give your witness YOUR personality. You must consider the tone of the statement and all
information about your witness to develop his/her personality.
Be true to the characters personality, but always behave respectfully and be likable!
Do not assume the attorney is correct in his/her questions. He/she might have the facts wrong.
Never get noticeably thrown off.
Dont be afraid to extrapolate a little and bring your characters statement to life.
o Fair extrapolation occurs when a reasonable inference may be made from the witness'
statement. It does not pertain to the facts of the case, and it does not advance either sides
argument.
o Unfair extrapolation DOES pertain to the facts of the case and is not neutral.
If you are an expert witness, you can extrapolate (within reason) on the specifics of your field of
expertise.
Cross examination is not just about making your side look good; it is also about making the other
side look bad. Whenever it is reasonable, try to throw the attorney off by answering his/her
question in an unexpected (but still logical) manner.
Avoid answering in absolutes. The attorney may try to make you contradict yourself later.