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When part of your practice involves hearing or advocacy work, you?re always on the lookout for ways to improve (or at least I am).  I came across a post on Winning Trial Advocacy Tips that discusses one of the worst direct examination questions you can ask - ?what happened next??  I?ve asked it more than once, we all have (if we're being honest).  

It really is an unhelpful question, when you think of it, and sort of lazy.  According to the post:

?What happened next?? is simply too broad a question.  It allows for a whole world of possible responses.  If you want to help your witness tell his story more effectively, give him some idea of what he?s supposed to say by focusing his attention toward a narrower range of responses.

This is a great tip and an excellent reminder of ways to practice our trade a little more effectively. 

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