“I attended the SEAK Advanced Testifying Skills course in 2006. This was an extremely beneficial program. It provided clarity. Wording in my reports improved due to some suggestions made. Additionally, when I testify, at times a “light bulb” goes on in my head, alerting me to “go for it”–assert myself. For example, when I responded to a question–using wording I learned at the seminar–an opposing counsel actually looked startled, stepped back and eased up on cross-examining me. (He also asked for my business card following the trial.) Additionally, at your seminar, I met other experts who shared their experiences. This, also, was very rewarding. Thank you for offering such a worthwhile seminar. I am considering taking it again to further strengthen my knowledge and performance.”
I found the training excellent. I do training, so I know the standard! I am sure that if I follow all the practices and tips covered over the 2 days, my practice will flourish.
“Hi Steven, though you probably do not know who I am, as there were many individuals at the conference, I would just like to personally thank you, as I thoroughly enjoyed it, and learned alot from my participation. I have also now incorporated both you and Mr. Mangraviti in my nightly prayers in which I earnestly ask that I never have to face either of you on cross examination, which is unlikely since I am from Canada! In any event, you were both excellent presenters! Please let me know when the next conference will be held, as I will certainly be there. Take care for now.”
I came this year to sharpen the saw a bit since it had been about ten years since I attended your last Advanced Testifying class in San Diego at the FEWA conference that year. Mission accomplished! Thanks for a very fruitful and enjoyable two days of much needed training. I will do my best to apply it all!
“If a 3-pointer in basketball goes “swish,” what sound does trial testimony make when opposing counsel sputters and gets sarcastic? [Case] trial testimony went very strongly. Opposing made no headway, frustrated. After the cross-exam, neither counsel had further questions. A juror submitted a paper with questions to the judge. Both counsel approach and whisper with the judge for 10-minutes, I’m still on the stand. Then the judge dismisses counsel, turns to me and asks 3 open-ended questions that I respond to with detailed teaching explanations. Opposing kept objecting, judge said he wanted the jurors to hear the answers. Thank you both for sharing your expertise to make this type of day possible.”
I truly thank you for the services that you are providing; it has allowed me to more quickly and thoroughly understand the legal system within which I am now working. The school of hard knocks got a lot cheaper.
I recently had a depo in Florida and it went so well that the lawyer thought I had been doing them for years. I told him no, just good training from SEAK.
“I have not done any other advertising or marketing other than the [SEAK] directory. Just off the SEAK directory, I have been retained in Ohio, Idaho and West Virginia. Just got a call last week on a case in Kansas City, MO and waiting for attorney to send me synopsis of case – found my name in the directory. So, from my perspective, and in terms of the Gen X’ers – you guys Rock!”
“Jim, I just finished trial testimony as an expert witness in Minneapolis. The attorneys and client were quite pleased and impressed and I realized how much of my performance today was guided and informed by the principles and ideals I was taught by SEAK. My forensics interest is growing (I may actually need to refuse some reviews soon due to overload) and I believe that you and your colleagues (but especially you) had a big part in that growth – both in my training as well as that of my wife Jill who acts as my assistant.”
“Your help was great; prep was very useful; After the depo, the retaining attorney talked to me for a while and said that it went real good and commented on my memory and organization; there were no errors or “clean up” issues after the depo. Thanks again; it is money well spent.”