EUCI Expert Witness Preparation Learning Event

This course is designed to improve the effectiveness of witnesses as they prepare and serve as experts in rate cases and other associated energy industry testimony. The course is organized in two distinct areas; preparing and serving as an expert during the administrative process and learning how to be an effective witness during associated hearings.

During the first portion of the course, participants will consider the rate case and other administrative processes, learn the nuances of preparing and designing successful pre-filed testimony, and acquire skills in writing persuasive questions and answers for submittal. Additionally, initial steps in preparing effective hearing testimony will be reviewed. The second portion of the course concentrates on being an effective expert witness in hearing testimony. Instruction will be provided on the following topics:

• how to approach direct and cross-examination
• the finer points of persuasive verbal communication
• potential pitfalls of detrimental and ineffectual non-verbal communications

The course is interactive and will conclude with a mock hearing exercise via Microsoft Teams. During the exercise participants will establish skills and experience with expert witness responsibilities throughout the administrative hearing procedure.

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss the rate case process and major components
• Identify three elements of expert witness professional ethics and/or standards
• Describe how to properly prepare for pre-filing testimony
• Identify important elements of effective pre-filing testimony
• Describe important elements in writing effective pre-filing questions
• Describe important elements in writing effective pre-filing answers
• Discuss strategies useful in converting written into verbal testimony for hearings
• Explain two effective persuasion techniques
• Name three important considerations when describing credentials verbally
• Discuss methods to prevent attacks on an expert witnesses’ credibility
• Recognize the difference between direct examination and cross-examination at a hearing
• State the role of the administrative law judge
• Name two pitfalls to avoid when interacting with opposing counsel
• Identify important considerations in expert witness testimony at hearings
• Describe the difference between verbal and non-verbal communication
• List three goals of opposing counsel during cross-examination
• Name three methods for responding to difficult questions in hearing testimony
• State three rights of witnesses