​Instructor:  ​Pat A. Wertheim
Course length:  4 hours

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Public Speaking and Effective Testimony Webinar

Effective public speakers frequently make some of the best, most compelling courtroom witnesses. The purpose of this Public Speaking and Effective Testimony webinar is to teach the principles that are shared by the best public speakers, that can be used in a courtroom setting or in the presentation of lectures and workshops at a forensic conference.

I. Basic Public Speaking Concepts
GOAL: Students will become more comfortable and effective in all formal speaking situations and prepare a talk for the IAI, Region Division, or other venue.

The following objectives will be discussed and met:

1. The student will organize and balance the essential elements of an effective speech.
2. The student will express enthusiasm to hold the audience’s attention.
3. The student will use audio-visual aids effectively.
4. The student will present talks in the correct format.

The following topics will be covered:

1. Introduction
2. Elements of an effective presentation
   1. Substance
   2. Style
   3. Staging
3. Audience-related Issues
4. Conclusion

 
II. Expert Witness Testimony, A Specialized form of Public Speaking
GOAL: Students will become more effective at giving expert witness testimony.

The following objectives will be discussed and met:

1. The student will write a customized set of questions for direct testimony.
2. The student will separate testimony into five distinct areas.
3. The student will prepare for six different defense attacks.
4. The student will list the factors explaining why the results of an examination might be “inconclusive” or why there may be no fingerprints on the evidence

The following topics will be covered:

1. Philosophy of Expert Witness Testimony
2. Areas of Expert Testimony
3. Areas of Attack by Opposing Attorney
4. The absence of evidence (“No Print Defense”)
5. Strategy for Planning Against Strong Attack
6. Bridging (pivoting)

*Note: This webinar requires the use of a computer equipped with a camera and microphone..

Pat A. Werthiem

Holding a Bachelor’s degree in geophysics from Texas A&M University in 1971 and began his law enforcement career in 1973, Pat Wertheim has worked for the Kerrville, TX, Police Department; the Plano, TX, Police Department; the Arizona Department of Public Safety; the US Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory; and as a private consultant. Pat is currently employed as a Latent Print Examiner with the Fort Worth, TX, Police Crime Laboratory.

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