Mastering Depositions
Course Summary
We learn how to take depositions in school, but not this way! Narrative Edge uses storytelling techniques not just to mine for facts, figures and data points but to gather the pieces we need to weave together a compelling narrative—in motion practice, in mediation, and especially at trial.
Very little in litigation changes the settlement value of the case or is more central to an effective trial than the deposition transcripts. We will show you how to use timeless deposition techniques but with a twist: we will show you how to gather what you need in deposition in order to tell the most persuasive story possible.
Too often lawyers wait until the very end of litigation to craft their story. Some literally are still doing so hours before opening statement. We believe you must begin the process of storytelling at the very beginning, and we will show you how effective deposition-taking techniques can revolutionize your ability to tell powerful stories.
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Program Components
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The Listing Method of Information Gathering
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The Jigsaw-Puzzle Method for Building Out Your Story
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Why Deposition Takers Fail to Get the Most From Their Documents
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The Keys to Obtaining Critical Admissions
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Why Chasing Conclusions is Almost Always a Mistake
Why Narrative Edge? Let us Persuade You
Exceedingly Efficient
For attorneys, whether it’s a deposition, opening statement, closing argument, or cross examination, engagement matters – and the tools to make that happen vary widely from one case, one witness, to the next. What doesn’t change is how vital it is to connect deeply with every audience all the time. The Narrative Edge teaches the techniques to ensure that happens. Facts and figures can be transactional, forgettable; a good story is strategic and memorable.
Gratifying Results
Our faculty members, following the example set by our founding director, are routinely lauded by judges and even opposing counsel for their abilities to distill even the most complex cases into compelling and embraceable narratives. “One of the best closing arguments I’ve seen in 40 years,” said one now-retired federal court judge. “Your ability to keep control of the witness while also telling a story was something I don’t think I’ve seen anybody else do,” said a Superior Court judge. The testimonials are as significant as they are validating of the Narrative Edge approach.
Collaborative
These techniques are as effective in the court room as they are in the board room. Persuasion isn’t merely about changing minds; it can be about sealing deals, making sales, recruiting talent, addressing regulatory issues and oversight, elevating brands, adjusting narratives and establishing thought leadership. We teach the art, tactics and strategy of effective storytelling blended with trial-lawyering techniques to create a holistic, integrated methodology of persuasion and advocacy.
The Process
Participants will engage in exercises designed to teach critical deposition-taking skills and will conduct depositions with a live witness and get real-time feedback.
Who Will Benefit?
The program is intended for lawyers of all experience levels.
Lawyers with no trial experience will be trained on all major trial tasks. Experienced lawyers will learn higher-level skills to help take their advocacy from good to great.
The course director, Chris Arledge, has taught trial advocacy around the country and around the world. He is the author of the book To Prove, To Please, To Move: Timeless Principles of Legal Advocacy and has been on the faculty for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy, the Advanced Advocacy program in Dublin, Ireland and the Advanced International Advocacy Course at Oxford University to barristers with more than 25 years’ experience.