How to Present Your Testimony & Evidence in Small Claims Court
- 1). Create a plan before you go into court. Write down the main topics you want to address in your testimony in chronological order to establish a clear sequence of events. Be specific by including dates and times.
- 2). Attach documentation that supports your point. Label your documentation with its corresponding topic. If you have more than one document that supports a single topic, secure them together and make sure that you can access them quickly and in order. Make copies of your documentation so that you can give a copy to the judge. Highlight pertinent information on each document to make it easier for the judge to identify.
- 3). Appear in court 15 minutes early. Dress respectably and in business-like attire. Speak politely and calmly. Being nervous won't count against you, but being disrespectful or overly casual will.
- 4). Avoid getting emotional or insulting the other party. Present the facts of your case and allow the judge to make his decision based on the issues rather than your feelings.