To help witnesses feel more comfortable during a court appearance, we’ve provided the following tips to prepare for testimony:

• Be prepared. Try to recall what happened and picture the scene in your mind. Writing down the details often helps. However, do not try to memorize your testimony. Just tell what happened in your own words.

• Tell the truth. Do not hesitate and try to figure out if your answer is going to help or hurt, this will only hurt your credibility. Just tell the truth.

• Do not guess or speculate. If you do not know the answer, simply say so. If you give an estimate, for example, of time or distance, make sure everyone knows this is an estimate.

• Speak clearly. Answer questions clearly and loudly enough so that you can be heard and understood.

• Answer only the questions asked of you. Do not volunteer information. Stop speaking immediately, if the Judge interrupts or an attorney objects to the question. Do not speak again until the Judge says it is okay.

• Dress well and be courteous. The way you dress and present yourself is a direct reflection on you. It is to your advantage to dress neatly and conduct yourself in a courteous manner.

• Never lose your temper. Holding your temper will make your testimony much more valuable.