Video Testimony: Technical Considerations, Presentation Techniques, and Practical Applications

Shannon Capparelli | SC Trial Tactics

Shannon Capparelli is the owner and litigation paralegal of SC Trial Tactics LLC. She recently came from Sacramento, California to the Houston, Texas area in 2023. She has over 20 years of experience preparing and presenting for trial, arbitration, and mediation hearings. In the past two decades, she has attended and presented in the “hot seat” at one or two hearings per year. She has experience in preparing and presenting in-person, virtual, and hybrid hearings.

Shannon is well versed in effectively assembling and presenting for trial or arbitration hearings, including preparing PowerPoint presentations for opening and closing, and preparing videotaped deposition, along with closed caption demonstrative exhibit chart and pre-labeled exhibits electronically for easy loading in presenter software (TrialDirector or OnCue). She also has experience using TrialDirector for presenting exhibits during virtual deposition.

Shannon is proficient in preparing witness cross-examination outlines from deposition transcripts and preparing witness notebooks. Having an easy-to-read cross-exam outline ready to review during a hearing can make a difference between sleeping and not sleeping during a lengthy trial or arbitration. Having a witness notebook prepared by an experienced paralegal can significantly affect an attorney’s ability to impeach a witness and avoid any change in testimony during the hearing.

With technology, it is essential to be well-prepared to present the case and ensure that the necessary testimony and evidence are given during the hearing.

I. Understanding video testimony | 2:00pm – 2:30pm

• Video testimony
  • Importance and benefits in legal proceedings
  • Differences between video, audio, and written testimony
• Best practices for video testimony
  • Selecting the right technology and equipment
  • Preparing witnesses for video testimony

II. Technical considerations | 2:30pm – 3:00pm

• Closed captioning and accessibility
  • Importance of closed captioning for inclusiveness
  • Tools and software for adding captions
• Editing video testimony
  • Techniques for removing pauses, breaks, and objections
  • Software options for video editing

Break | 3:00pm – 3:10pm

III. Presentation techniques | 3:10pm – 3:30pm

• Using split screen effectively
  • Best practices for displaying video and exhibits simultaneously
  • Case studies showcasing effective split-screen presentations
• Creating a testimony chart
  • Step-by-step guide to extracting closed captions
  • Aligning testimony with video segment numbers and exhibits

IV. Demonstrative exhibits and reference tools | 3:30pm –3:50pm

• Designing effective demonstrative exhibits
  • Key elements of a successful testimony chart
  • Tips for visual clarity and audience engagement
• Facilitating easy reference during proceedings
• Organizing video segments and exhibit numbers for quick access
• Strategies for attorneys to reference video testimony seamlessly

V. Practical applications and case studies | 3:50pm – 4:10pm

• Real-world examples of video testimony in action
  • Analysis of successful cases utilizing video testimony
  • Lessons learned and common pitfalls to avoid