Rama Fox Legal
Witness Preparation Services
818.784.3001
Los Angeles, CA
ph: 818.784.3001
fax: 818.784.3090
Info
FAQs - FrEQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Initial questions concentrate on Rama Fox's Witness Preparation (WPS) private sessions. Later questions address the Mastering Legal Testimony DVD/CD program.
- 1. What is unique about Rama Fox's Witness Preparation Service (WPS) in comparison to usual attorney witness preparation?
WPS utilizes a wholistic and multi-faceted approach to optimize credibility and results not found in customary attorney preparation.
In his Judicial Endorsement of Rama Fox's work, Retired Circuit Court Judge John Gale states, "Although attorneys may prepare their witnesses excellently on material issues—too often they are either too busy… or don’t know how … to give witnesses the guidance necessary for the best presentation of testimony, whether in deposition or court.
"During my 20 years on the bench I've often observed how a witness' demeanor can make or break a case. Witnesses need more than assistance with presenting facts—they need to understand and know how to best present themselves and their testimony. A convincing court demeanor is seldom achieved by a few office visits with an attorney.
"Working with Rama Fox, personally—and/or utilizing her DVD program—can be one of the most important decisions attorneys will make for their cases."
Attorneys are seldom trained in working with body language, stress management and/or the underlying psychological components which can largely impact witness performance and effectiveness while giving testimony. WPS does all of this and more.
Some legal firms offer in-depth witness preparation—in which case WPS works in supportive conjunction with them ... incorporating additional, highly effective techniques. To read comments made by a government law firm regarding the added benefit of using Rama's personal sessions, see City Testimonial page on this website.
2. What contributes to Rama attaining enhanced witness effectiveness?
About Rama highlights her training and experience. Unlike most witness preparers, Rama has personally given legal testimony over a dozen times in a variety of circumstances and venues. The extraordinary value of this exclusive training is quite difficult to comprehend for someone who has not individually given legal testimony, themselves. These highly unusual and insightful experiences provide her with great experiential understanding of and empathy with a witness’s psychological challenges. Rama's work not only helps witnesses deal with these challenges—it also shows a witness how to utilize them to attain even greater effectiveness while giving testimony.
Rama has specialized in preparing witnesses since 1990, she has dealt with a wide diversity of issues confronting various witnesses. Her toolbox of assorted and unique techniques has strong focus on such aspects as: a.) highly effective presentation skills, b.) developing a convincing demeanor, c.) confidence building, d.) clear and concise communication, e.) heightening likeability, f.) stress reduction, etc.
3. I’ve given testimony before and feel confident I understand the process. Why would I use WPS?
Due to the unique approach of this work, many seasoned witnesses (including Expert Witnesses) discover additional insights and keys they hadn't considered before. If it was possible to enhance your testimony even by a mere 5%, would it be worth it to you? With WPS the likelihood of increasing your presentation effectiveness is far greater than 5%.
4. I get nervous when the spotlight is on me and I have to make a presentation. Even though I may be quite versed in a situation, when I have to articulate in front of others I often can’t think clearly and ramble. Can WPS help with this?
Public speaking has historically been identified by the majority of people as their #1 Fear. Hard as it is to believe, as a fear it gets greater note than the fear of dying! We often hear it referred to as “stage fright.”
A witness’s nervousness is often misinterpreted by observers to indicate that the witness may be overly guarded, is likely withholding and may even be intentionally dishonest. Self-confidence is a priceless component in delivering convincing testimony—and WPS has a number of very successful techniques dealing with this very issue.
5. Does WPS teach a witness how to act while giving testimony?
No. The work of WPS is NOT about acting. Instead, a witness is shown how to access, maintain and demonstrate authentic and resourceful behavioral qualities they already possess—however seldom they may have previously recognized and/or utilized them. Lawsuits are commonly among the most stressful events in life, and most of us respond differently under stress than we may in more usual life circumstances.
How we present ourselves is most often unconsciously formed during early life experiences. As we mature, if we’ve done personal growth work, we generally expand upon and refine our basic behaviors. For most people, how we see, hear and respond becomes habitual. We begin to think of those habits as being who we are … rather than how we unconsciously act—or react. We seldom see ourselves as others do. While in many life situations this is okay, in legal venues it may not be optimal.
Many of us have a variety of personality traits which repeatedly come into play during certain situations. For example, imagine how you may automatically respond while: a.) relaxing with a loved one, such as a child or pet, b.) getting cut off driving in heavy traffic, c.) feeling exhausted at the end of the day but still having to shop for groceries, d.) facing an angry room of stockholders, e.) walking in Nature, etc. We are made up of an array of personality traits and responses. Sometimes we don’t always know how to utilize the most effective ones in challenging circumstances.
WPS works with you to establish your connection with—and ability to utilize—the more resourceful, empowered, unshakable, likeable and confident parts of yourself which already exist.
6. How does getting in touch with my “authentic and more resourceful self” come into play in giving testimony?
When we are in touch with a more reliably real and highly resourceful part of ourselves, we tend to be much more relaxed and self-confident, along with having greater composure and clarity of mind. It’s quite likely that during testimony, opposing counsel will intentionally attempt to manipulate a witness’s responses. WPS provides tips and guidance for masterfully dealing with these manipulations—rendering them far less successful. In many instances, these manipulations can actually empower a witness who is unwavering in their more authentic and resourceful self. This translates into a witness giving more effective and compelling testimony.
7. Why does WPS stress being as likeable as possible?
Before a court appearance, while weighing the pros and cons of a potential settlement, opposing counsel will be assessing how a judge or jury will likely respond to a witness. If a witness has a highly likeable demeanor this will often have a significant determining factor in settlement negotiations. If a case eventually goes before a judge or jury, a witness’s likeability plays a large role in how credible they appear.
It's important to understand that seeming positive behaviors such as over self-confidence or righteousness are usually not likeable. Examples of some other traits that don't work are: anger and/or indignation, fear (in most cases, but not all), as well as over-stating or embellishing on the facts. WPS is very clear in guiding a witness to readily express more likeable options in order to gain better results.
In some instances, Rama has even had witnesses state a concern that they've been told they are not generally likeable ... and are afraid this will bring about negative results. There are many potential reasons why people behave in manners that others may determine as "unlikeable." Rama has great insight and knows many methods for getting free from limiting patterns of expression.
8. Why is dealing with stress important to the results of testimony?
When people are under stress they often unconsciously manifest demeanors which undermine their credibility, reliability and effectiveness. Stress fogs the mind and memory, narrows awareness of more workable possibilities, evokes unconscious behaviors, zaps energy and can even impact negatively on physical health.
Usual witness preparation barely addresses stress, if it does at all. WPS places great emphasis on stress reduction, providing invaluable techniques —such as the Relaxation & Well-Being CD.
9. If I am honest, in the right and justified—isn’t it enough that I simply tell what I know ... and trust that will be enough for me to win?
Not usually. If your case goes to arraignment or arbitration or trial, the Triers of Fact are not mind-readers. They will most likely be persuaded by the best prepared and presented case. Sobering as it may be, in most instances, counsel for the other side of the lawsuit doesn’t really care how right and justified you think you are. Their concern and focus is to win for their client.
Your testimony is a major component in the presentation of your case. Part of the job of opposing counsel is to put your side of the story into question. Some of the ways they attempt this is by doing anything they can to discredit your credibility, shake you emotionally, get you to lose composure, confuse you and utilize other (to them) justified means to their desired end.
Your demeanor (appearance, attitude, self-confidence) and the clarity of your presentation rest in your hands. Neither your attorney nor WPS can make you bullet-proof. You must decide how important your best performance is to you and whether or not you choose to do everything you know to contribute to the most positive outcome possible for your case. Your decision will determine your willingness and commitment to do your best. Our job is to assist you in giving your most effective testimony.
10. What is the Mastering Legal Testimony DVD/CD program – and what is it for?
This highly comprehensive program consists of 3 DVDs, a Witness Guide booklet and 1 audio CD. Individuals can purchase the program for themselves—although it is highly recommended to use it in conjunction with legal counsel whenever possible. Lawyers utilize it as a supportive and complimentary contribution to the preparation of their clients before giving testimony.
The Three DVDs are divided into separate categories—each addressing different aspects of giving testimony. The information is based on proven, tested techniques and secrets on how to be a more successful witness, resulting in a compelling, convincing presentation. The Witness Guide serves to reinforce the information presented on the DVDs and to motivate the witness. Some sections on the DVDs are best utilized when watched often in order to become second nature while testifying. Benefits tend to increase with repeated watching.
The Relaxation & Well-Being CD is designed to assist listeners in heightened relaxation and magnified feelings of well-being. Some people choose to use it during their lunch break to take a kind of "mini-vacation." Others use it first thing in the morning to set a more relaxed tone throughout the day. And many listen to it just before going to bed, as it can help promote a more restful sleep. Many report feeling quite uplifted after listening to Relaxation & Well-Being. The more it is used, the greater the results. Listen to this CD only while NOT operating machinery or doing anything requiring your full concentration and attention for safety.
11. Is working with the Mastering Legal Testimony program helpful for individuals who are not a party to a lawsuit, but have either volunteered or been subpoenaed to be a witness?
Relatively few people have ever experienced being a witness and have no idea how the process works nor how inexplicably taxing the experience can be. This program is packed with exceptionally helpful information and tips for non-party witnesses, especially when they don't have legal counsel to guide them.
12. What is the difference between having a personal consultation with Rama and using the DVD program?
Personal Consultations: The benefit of a one-on-one session with Rama is that it has personal pointers tailored specifically to a given witness’s needs, both in content and length of time. A private session can be as short as an hour and a half – or can extend to half a day, an entire day, broken up into multiple times or even a week, in some instances. It can also address the specific needs inherent in a particular case.
If a witness is not in the Los Angeles vicinity, they can still work with Rama via Skype or some other web-cam capacity. This permits both Rama and the witness to view one another, making it the next best thing to an in-person appointment.
The DVD program: Obviously, the DVD program is general (rather than personal) in focus. Along with addressing numerable basic principles of giving legal testimony, it also has multiple techniques not normally found in other witness preparation situations. The added benefit of the DVD program is the ability to watch it repeatedly, as desired.
13. Is there any benefit to watching the DVD program AND having a private consultation with Rama?
The ideal circumstance is to utilize both working with the program and having at least one session with Rama. The differences between the two are addressed in FAQ #12, above. If only doing one or the other is possible, rest assured there will be enormous value gained from either.
14. What is the benefit of watching portions of the DVD program a multiple of times?
We learn through repetition and practice. Countless studies indicate that only 10% of new information most of us see and hear is retained after our initial encounter. Further absorption and utilization is gained by repeated exposure to the information, while putting it into practice as soon as practical. If giving the best testimony possible is important to you, you’ll want much of what is shown on the DVDs to become second nature to you. If you do this, greater self-confidence, credibility and effectiveness will be your results.
15. What if I don’t do the Story Boards?
The Story Boards are designed to jog your memory, give you greater clarity and help you be as concise and thorough as possible. If you don’t choose to fill them out and work with them, at least look them over. How much you decide to work with the program is up to you. It is repeatedly suggested you always get clarification and guidance from your attorney whenever possible. The Story Boards can play a very helpful role in working with your attorney.
16. What is the purpose of the Anchoring Technique?
It’s designed to identify and highlight your most self-reliant, resourceful and empowering experiences (real and/or imagined), and to reinforce them into your unconscious so that they can be called upon by you to utilize them whenever you choose … either while giving legal testimony or during any aspect of your life.
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NOTICE! Always check with your official legal counsel to verify any advice. This website is designed and intended for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice, nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship.
Los Angeles, CA
ph: 818.784.3001
fax: 818.784.3090
Info
