Staying cool in the deposition hot seat

Don’t let your performance suffer as an expert witness during a deposition because of an overbearing attorney asking the questions. Here are tips on how to keep your cool and do a great job for your client.

It’s your time to testify in a court deposition as an expert witness for the defense in an embezzlement case. You enter a conference room and take your seat. The counsel for the plaintiff immediately attacks your credentials. He then aggressively starts firing off questions; his tone becomes louder, and he starts speaking faster as if he’s actually angry with you. But you don’t worry. You’re prepared. You’ve spent hours reviewing your discovered evidence supported by illustrative charts and schedules. You maintain your composure and concentration by focusing on your goals. You’re ready for the long day ahead.

Stay fully in command under withering attacks

Aggressive behavior, of course, is a part of evolutionary human and animal nature. Our early ancestors daily faced mortal danger and potential hostility. Protecting their community was a paramount concern. Because humans didn’t necessarily follow rules of law or etiquette back then, survival of the fittest ruled: They marauded nearby villages to acquire weapons, furs, food and even hostages.