When you are giving evidence in court, explain exactly what happened in the clearest way you can. You should only talk about what you know. This means what you saw, what you felt, what you heard, and what you did.
Know what you want to say
Take time before you get to court to think about what you want to say and how you will say it. Write notes and take them to court with you. Practice telling your story so you don’t forget anything.
Be calm and clear
Being at court can be stressful. Talk clearly, slowly, and loud enough that everyone can hear you. Some people talk faster when they’re nervous, so try to slow down. This will help you feel calmer, too.
Stay focused
Pay close attention to the question you are being asked. Focus on only answering the questions people are asking you. Don’t talk about things that don’t relate to the question.
Don’t overreact
Being in court can be scary. Getting angry or yelling won’t help your case. Even if you are upset or don’t agree with something, try to stay calm and focus on presenting your case..
It’s alright to say you don’t understand
If you don’t understand what someone is asking you, don’t try to guess. Ask the person to explain what they are asking. You can also ask them to repeat the question to make sure you heard it properly.
Always be honest, and if you don’t know the answer to a question, say so. If you don’t remember something, you can say that, too.
You can do this!