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The Power of Storytelling in Cross-Examination

June 28, 2024

Chris Arledge discusses the power of storytelling in cross-examination in this continuing legal education seminar titled, The Power of Storytelling in Legal Writing, Transactional Lawyering, and Cross-Examinations.”

All trial lawyers know the importance of effective storytelling. But seldom do trial lawyers even attempt to tell compelling stories on cross examination. Chris Arledge will explain why he believes this is a mistake and why storytelling-based cross is an effective means of avoiding the two most common mistakes on cross examination: (1) attempting a cross that is not realistically possible with the witness; and (2) cross examinations that fall flat because the useful fact(s) makes no impact on the jury.

He will also provide practical guidance on how to build a storytelling-based cross examination, including how to use all of the necessary elements (thesis, target, context setting, plot, and reveal).

Key topics to be discussed:

  • The importance of storytelling in cross examination
  • Avoiding common cross examination mistakes
  • Building a storytelling-based cross examination
  • Essential elements of storytelling in cross examination

Click here to access the seminar.

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