Cross Discipline: Building Cross-Examination Skills with Practical Improv Techniques - Roger J. Dodd, Olivia Espinosa, Steve Hohman

Course Summary:

“Cross Discipline: Building Cross-Examination Skills with Practical Improv Techniques” offers a groundbreaking approach to mastering the art of cross-examination. Led by distinguished trial lawyer Roger J. Dodd, legal strategist Olivia Espinosa, and improv expert Steve Hohman, this course uniquely integrates the principles and techniques of improvisational theater with core cross-examination strategies. Participants will learn how to think on their feet, adapt to unexpected witness testimony, maintain control in the courtroom, and craft compelling narratives through skillful questioning. The course emphasizes active listening, quick thinking, strategic questioning, and the ability to create impactful moments during witness examination.

Target Audience:

This program is ideal for:

• Trial lawyers and litigators seeking to enhance their cross-examination skills.
• Legal professionals looking for innovative techniques to improve their courtroom presence and witness control.
• Attorneys who want to develop greater adaptability and responsiveness during trial.
• Anyone interested in the intersection of legal advocacy and performance skills.

Main Content:

The course likely covers key areas such as:

• Core Principles of Cross-Examination: Reviewing fundamental strategies and techniques for effective witness examination.
• Introduction to Improvisation for Lawyers: Exploring the core concepts of improv and their direct application to courtroom scenarios.
• Active Listening and Observation: Developing heightened awareness and the ability to quickly process witness testimony.
• Thinking on Your Feet: Cultivating spontaneity and the ability to adapt questioning strategies in real-time.
• Building Rapport and Control: Utilizing improv techniques to establish connection and maintain control over the witness.
• Strategic Questioning and Narrative Development: Crafting compelling lines of questioning that build a persuasive narrative for the jury.
• Handling Unexpected Testimony: Learning improv-based methods for effectively responding to surprising or challenging witness statements.
• Utilizing Body Language and Presence: Enhancing courtroom demeanor and communication through performance techniques.
• Practical Improv Exercises for Cross-Examination: Engaging in hands-on exercises designed to build key skills in a safe and dynamic environment.
• Integrating Improv into Trial Strategy: Understanding how to strategically incorporate improvisational thinking into overall trial preparation and execution.