“To love at all is to be vulnerable.” ― C.S. Lewis
As an avid basketball fan, every March I think about how much I love the NCAA Basketball Tournament and how much disappointment it has brought me over the years. It is absolute heartbreak for 67 teams and their fans, and the exact opposite for one team and fans. Caring about a team and the outcome of a game inherently makes you vulnerable. The same can be said about your clients testifying in court.
To testify in court is to be vulnerable.
Testifying in court can be a daunting experience, especially if you are the victim or witness of a traumatic event. Many people feel pressure to present themselves as strong and composed, but the power of vulnerability should not be underestimated. Lets talk about the benefits of being vulnerable when testifying in court.
Firstly, it is important to acknowledge that vulnerability is not weakness. Vulnerability requires courage and strength to expose oneself to potentially uncomfortable or painful emotions. In the context of testifying in court, vulnerability means allowing yourself to feel and express emotions related to the event. This can include fear, sadness, anger, and anxiety.
When you allow yourself to be vulnerable in court, it can have a powerful impact on the judge and jury. It humanizes you and makes you relatable. It can also increase your credibility as a witness, as it shows that you are willing to be honest and open about your experience.
Being vulnerable can also help you to process and heal from the trauma of the event. Suppressing emotions and putting on a brave face can be exhausting and may delay the healing process. By allowing yourself to feel and express your emotions, you are taking an important step towards healing and recovery.
In addition, being vulnerable can create empathy and understanding from others involved in the case. This includes the judge, the jury, and even the defendant. By showing your vulnerability, you are giving others permission to be vulnerable as well. This can help to break down barriers and create a more compassionate and understanding atmosphere in the courtroom.
Of course, it is important to strike a balance between being vulnerable and maintaining composure in court. You should still aim to be clear, concise, and factual in your testimony. However, there is no need to suppress your emotions or put on a brave face.
The power of vulnerability when testifying in court should not be underestimated. It can increase your credibility as a witness, humanize you to the judge and jury, help you to process and heal from trauma, and create empathy and understanding from others involved in the case. Remember, vulnerability is not weakness. It takes strength and courage to be vulnerable, and it can have a profound impact on those around you.
Additional resources: The Power of Vulnerability by Brené Brown (Ted Talk)
