This course is part of a multi-part series. You can view each course in any order, and each course receives its own CLE credit. Experienced trial lawyers recognize that most trials are won on the strengths of their case and not on the weaknesses of their adversary's case. Direct examination that clearly and effectively presents the witness's observations through a narrative lens will have a decisive effect on the outcome of the trial. The attorney's job is to make the witness and the story he/she is telling interesting, compelling, and credible. Direct examination is a partnership in which one of the partners, the attorney, fades into the background so that all of the jury's attention can be on the other partner, the witness. This course provides an in-depth examination of the process and procedure of direct examination. This course will discuss the key elements that make direct examination a powerful tool in a trial. It will discuss how the attorney can effectively prepare the witness for their testimony in a direct examination situation. The program will cover strategies that can be employed to manage a witness who tends to provide monosyllabic answers? The type of questions the attorney should use during direct examination will be discussed. How an attorney can ensure that the witness's story aligns with their theory of the case will be explained. The role that emotional engagement plays in effective direct examination, and how can it be achieved will also be examined. Most in important this program will demonstrate how attorneys can create a narrative structure within direct examination to enhance the story being told to the jury?