Effective testimony should impart accurate and unbiased information to the trier of fact (either a judge or jury) in a manner that can be readily understood. At times, this may include not only what is said, but how it is said. Both verbal and nonverbal communication is integral in the courtroom and must be effective in order to ensure that the correct understanding is derived by the trier(s) of fact. In this Application Assignment, you hone your skills in recognizing effective communication skills in the courtroom.
To prepare for this assignment:
Review Chapter 6 of your course text Writing and Communicating for Criminal Justice. Consider the various elements of effective verbal communication.
Review the articles listed in this week’s Learning Resources, and focus on elements of effective and ineffective communication in the courtroom.
Review the assigned chapters in your course text Coping With Cross-Examination and Other Pathways to Effective Testimony, and focus on both verbal and nonverbal methods of effective communication. Think about how verbal and non-verbal communication contributes to the effectiveness of a witness.
Review the course media “Criminal Trial†and “ Civil Trial,†and focus on effective examples of the following communication strategies in the courtroom:
Impression management
Persuasion skills
Appearing credible
Style of dress
Powerful speech
Reflections based on careful and accurate listening
Notice how these strategies contribute to the effectiveness of communication in the courtroom.
The assignment: (1–3 pages)
Provide examples from the video programs “ Criminal Trial†and “Civil Trial†of the following communication strategies:
Impression management
Persuasion skills
Appearing credible
Style of dress
Powerful speech
Reflections based on careful and accurate listening
Analyze and explain how and why each strategy contributed to or was an example of effective courtroom communication.
Be specific and use references from this week’s Learning Resources.