What do we really know about witness preparation?
Witnesses often meet with an attorney or witness preparation specialist before trial to review, discuss, and sometimes modify the substance and delivery of their anticipated testimony. This process is commonly referred to as witness preparation. During witness preparation, witnesses are taught to use effective testimony delivery skills (e.g., verbal and nonverbal communication skills) so that they will be perceived as being credible and persuasive in the courtroom. Although social scientists know much about communication skills, credibility, and persuasion, few published studies have attempted to determine whether or not these factors can be modified through witness preparation training. The present article reviews the psychological literature pertaining to witness preparation and makes recommendations for needed witness preparation research.
Boccaccini
Marcus T
MT
Psychology Department, Box 870348, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401, USA. bocca001@bama.ua.edu
D003142:Communication; D006801:Humans; D007603:Jurisprudence; D009633:Nonverbal Communication; D010565:Persuasive Communication; D014342:Truth Disclosure