Introduction
Anyone who has to prepare for a deposition should take the time to read Jim Garrity’s excellent deposition preparation book, Five-Minute Guide to Creating Invincible Deponents.
Preparing for the Pressure
Going into a deposition for the first time can be intimidating, and Garrity outlines the tactics attorneys can frequently use in an attempt to fluster an opposing witness. Every case is different, but one thing Garrity emphasizes strongly is the need for truthfulness. Don’t shade the truth and don’t be evasive. Answering questions with 100% truthfulness, even when it is difficult, adds to the credibility of your testimony in every other line of questioning.
Truthfulness Beyond the Deposition
If you practice truthfulness in your everyday life, not only will your deposition be much easier, but your personal and professional relationships could benefit as well. Many people respect those who are known as “straight shooters” and give truthful answers, even when it is hard. I have watched depositions where the line of questioning was uncomfortable. I have seen people I respected greatly tell the truth in the face of discomfort or deep pain. It has only served to increase my admiration for them and their strong character. An unwillingness to abide by high ethical standards such as telling the truth produces only disappointment, distrust, and disrespect.
A Standard Worth Remembering
As Garrity states so clearly in his book, “It is better to lose the case standing up [than] to win it on a bed of lies.”
