Tips for Testifying

The following tips will help you when you are testifying.

• Answer questions with as much detail as you can remember. Remember: 
  • The judge does not know anything about the case except what is presented as evidence
  • Even if you gave a written statement to police, the judge or jury will not have seen or heard it
  • Usually your statement is not evidence - your spoken testimony is.
• Only answer the question asked.
• Take as much time as you need to consider your answer.
• Look at the judge or jury when answering.
• Speak clearly and slowly so everyone can hear your answers. Courtroom microphones are used to record witnesses’ voices, not to make them louder.
• Speak your answers. The microphone cannot record a nod or head shake.
• Listen carefully to the question. Wait until the lawyer has finished speaking before you answer.
• Ask for clarification if you do not understand the question.
• Behave respectfully. Do not be sarcastic, lose your temper, joke or argue with the lawyers.
• If you are asked to identify the accused, look around the entire courtroom to ensure they are the accused before you answer.
• Ask for a break or glass of water if you need one.
• Always tell the truth and do not exaggerate, guess or use words that are unclear. If you are unsure about something, clearly say so.

More Information

For more information, please visit:

• Testifying in Court (Victim)
• Testifying in Court (Witness)