Hey Mindy!!! I love your blog. I was wondering whether you have any tips for giving good presentations?? I’m really shy and I have a mock trial soon. I’m a witness hahaha I’m so nervous ! 😬
hey lovely!! 🤍
omg first of all, thank you so much for the sweet message!! i'm so happy you enjoy my blog. mock trial witnesses can be super intimidating (i've been there too!!) but i promise you're going to absolutely shine once you get some confidence tricks in your pocket.
✧ presentation power moves for the shy girlies ✧
1. preparation is your secret weapon
- memorize your witness statement until it feels like second nature
- practice in front of a mirror so you can see your facial expressions
- record yourself on your phone and listen back (yes it's cringey but sooo helpful)
- create a little character profile for your witness ~ their motivations, personality, quirks
- anticipate cross-examination questions that might trip you up
2. body language that commands attention
- sit up straight but not stiff
- keep your hands visible + still (fidgeting screams nervous)
- make strategic eye contact with the jury when making important points
- slightly lean forward when answering questions to show engagement
- practice a calm, neutral face for when opposing counsel tries to rattle you
3. voice control techniques
- speak slightly slower than your normal pace (nerves make us rush)
- end statements with downward inflection to sound confident
- pause before answering difficult questions (it looks thoughtful, not unsure)
- vary your tone to emphasize key points (monotone = boring witness)
- practice projecting from your diaphragm, not your throat
4. handling nervousness like a pro
- arrive early to familiarize yourself with the room
- do 4-7-8 breathing before you go in (inhale 4 counts, hold 7, exhale 8)
- wear something that makes you feel powerful but still appropriate
- create a pre-testimony ritual (mine is applying lip gloss + whispering "you got this")
- visualize success the night before (literally picture yourself being amazing)
5. witness-specific strategies
- stay in character even during objections
- if you don't know an answer, it's okay to say "i don't recall" (better than making things up!)
- listen to the FULL question before answering
- if opposing counsel tries to put words in your mouth, politely correct them
- remember: you're not only answering questions, you're telling a story
6. handling cross-examination gracefully
- take a sip of water if you need time to think
- don't argue with opposing counsel (it makes you look defensive)
- if they cut you off, pause and say "may i finish my answer?"
- maintain your composure even if they're trying to provoke you
- remember that "yes" and "no" can be complete answers
7. little psychological tricks
- wear something with a subtle confidence trigger
- have a "power phrase" to repeat silently when nervous
- visualize the jury as friends who are genuinely interested in what you have to say
- practice with someone who intimidates you a little (builds resilience)
- remember that literally everyone else is nervous too, they're just hiding it
8. day-of preparation
- avoid caffeine if it makes you jittery
- eat something light but sustaining
- arrive with plenty of time to center yourself
- bring a tiny comfort object that fits in your pocket
the jury will connect with authenticity over perfection every time!! your nervousness just means you care, and that passion will actually make you more compelling once you channel it properly.
you're going to absolutely crush this!! please let me know how it goes, i'm literally invested in your success now. sorry if this reply was a bit late.
xoxo, mindy 🤍
p.s. if you're super nervous the night before, try writing out your answers to potential questions by hand. something about the physical act of writing helps cement things in your memory better than just reading or typing!
