Testifying In Court: How To Prepare For Your Closing Argument

How do I prepare for my closing argument?

You should have some idea, even before a trial starts, what the evidence is going to be. You should know; what you think your strongest evidence is, and then prepare your ideas by writing down notes. It is probably best not to read a closing argument or a closing statement to a judge or juror. A lot of people like notes in front of them, but the problem with writing out your whole speech is you then just start reading it, and you'll lose eye contact with the important personnel. The best way to carry out your closing statement is to have notes that indicate, and remind you of what you want to say. You should then practice these until you can say it more or less extemporaneously, so that you are looking at the judge, looking at the jury if their is one, and having your notes available should you lose your train of thought. Again practice.