How you
ask a question of a witness is every bit as important as the subject matter of
the question, for the simple reason that the way you ask your question can
greatly influence the response.
Choose
words that presuppose the response you want to hear. For example, asking
"How long did that go on?" will usually prompt a very different
response than "How
soon was it resolved?" “How long” implies the situation went on for quite
some time. “How soon” implies the situation was resolved fairly quickly.
"How many people were involved?" implies many people were involved.
"Who else was involved?" implies just a few people were involved.
Other
common examples are: "How fast was the car going?" (suggests high
speed). "At what speed was the car traveling?" (suggests more
moderate speed). "How far was the intersection?" (suggests the
intersection was far away). "How near was the intersection?"
(suggests the intersection was close by).
As you
craft your direct and cross questions, once you’ve got down the information
you’re after, hone your questions so the words you use encourage and support
the answers you want.
Second Edition of Connecting With Your Client Now
Available Through the ABA and Amazon
The book contains updated
information on:
- Effectively communicating using the latest technology
- Creating rapport that builds your client's trust and confidence
- Communicating billing and other case management issues in ways that support good client-lawyer relations
- Training your associates, legal assistants and support staff to adopt the appropriate attitude toward clients
- Step-by-step exercises that can help defuse uncomfortable situations
Connecting With Your Client includes
discussion on how to maintain control over difficult situations and clients, as
well as professional solutions drawn from real-life, real-case experiences.
Managing partners, executive directors and marketing directors of top-level
firms contribute their perspective and share their solutions for attaining
client satisfaction and cooperation.
Connecting With Your Client is
available at Shop ABA, Amazon or call
by 800-285-2221. It is available in print and as an e-book.
