#335 - Benefits of Integrating Early Jury Research and Witness Training

Sarah Burton, Ph.D. joins Steve Wood, Ph.D. to talk about how the integration of early jury research with witness training is beneficial in developing your cases. Sarah describes the strategic advantages for deposition testimony by identifying issues in the early jury research that jurors find important. Jurors will share things they want to hear, learn, or know that witnesses will be asked about at deposition and preparing and training witnesses to provide effective responses to these critical topics is key to strong testimony. Sarah gives the example of learning in early jury research that mock jurors had concerns about the credibility of the company, which led to a higher focus on the directness and credibility of the witness during their deposition testimony. Steve and Sarah talk about how important it is to spend time in the prep to help the witness stay focused when they get frustrated or are struggling to apply the training. They share different scientifically-supported techniques they teach witnesses to help them relax and calm themselves when feeling emotional or stressed. Lastly, they talk about the use of jury research in preparation for trial and how jury research can help with developing a compelling case narrative. Watch the video of this episode here: https://youtu.be/7C23JMxYvFY