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, see:

• Testifying in court (victim)
• Testifying in court (witness)